BOOK COMPLETION GROUP and WRITING PRACTICE SESSIONS
Writers with a book or other
large project meet weekly to put time into their work and to break through the barriers they experience
in the process. In this intensive format, at least 2.5 hours of each session are spent in class doing writing. "Like getting a gym membership," says student Phil L. "Plus you get a personal trainer!"
Included is a 20-minute (at least) one-on-one session with the instructor to help coach you through blocks or problems, or to consult about a chosen passage, or to get ideas on anything from overall organization to revision. At the end of each session there is always a short period when we read our work aloud and get feedback. Each student gets a coaching call at home once a week.
This class is also appropriate for people just getting started on their book project.
OAKLAND AND SANTA CRUZ COURSES: EIGHT WEEKS, 4 HOURS: Course Fee: $475
The Opening will not be offering any courses until at least November 2010, but please add your name to the email update list by sending an email to andy@theopening.org
LIFE STORY *AND* BOOK WRITING GROUP-SANTA CRUZ ONLY
A combination of our two most popular courses, Creative NonFiction/ Life Story, and our Writing Practice Groups/ Book Completion. (See above descriptions).
Our first hour and a half includes an innovative, mind-opening writing exercise from Writing Open the Mind. The next hour and a half is self-directed writing practice time, during which each student gets a one-on-one coaching session for their individual work. The last hour we give in-depth feedback on works in progress. During the week, you get a reminder call, with an optional short coaching session.
This class is also appropriate for people just getting started on their writing project.
SANTA CRUZ COURSE: 4 HOURS, SIX WEEKS: Course Fee: $350
The Opening will not be offering any courses until at least November 2010, but please add your name to the email update list by sending an email to andy@theopening.org
Weekend Writing Retreats
Think about it: a long weekend of writing with laughter, companionship, a blazing warm fire in the woodstove, and a few fun games to boot. And you'll return home with a lot of new writing done.
With a group of other writers, spend three days that include:
• Extended writing periods to move you forward on your project with no distractions (Many students bring their laptops)
• Intensive one-on-one coaching sessions on any aspect of your writing including help with any blocks or problems, or to consult about a certain passage, or to get ideas on anything from overall organization to revision.
• Lots of specific feedback from the group, as well as from the instructor.
And then, when we get a wee bit tired...we Jump! into:
• Fun freewriting games and experimentation to get your body and brain moving.
Next retreat not yet scheduled. Please email andy@theopening.org with your interest.
Course Fee: $250 Pre-registration required.
WRITING FROM THE SUBCONSCIOUS
Accessing the Intuitive Mind
Experiment with consciousness
and play with the texture of language and your words
will emit from a space of unpredictability and surprise.In Writing from the Subconscious, each time we meet
we experiment with two or three freewriting techniques
such as:
• Scrambling and
splicing: the power of fragmented meaning
• Playing with the
many pleasures and resonances of word sounds themselves
• Associative listing
and intuitive juxtapositions
• The surrealist
technique of "automatic writing" to write
what you don't know
• Dilating the mind
with image, scent and sound
Throughout the process, we emphasize play, surprise
and connection with others, and finding the startling
and hilarious power of our own minds.
This is unlike any other writing class you've ever
taken.
Next Start Date To Be Announced. Please email with your interest.
andy@theopening.org
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