Winter 2006 Workshops at Writers & Books

Boutique Éclectique

Writing Aerobics:
Pilates for your Pen!

• WA6-M22

• Instructors:
• January 14: Anaïs Salibian
• January 28: Robbi Hess
• February 11: Wendy Low
• February 25: Karen vanMeenen
• March 11: Patricia Roth Schwartz
• March 25: Len Messineo
• April 8: Donna Marbach
• April 22: Nick DiChario
• $99 W&B members / $129 general public for the season
• or $20 W&B members /
• $25 general public per session

It’s true—we’re not just aerobics anymore! Much like the Pilates method of body training, our instructors will help you focus on improving flexibility and strength in your writing without piling on unnecessary bulk. Impromptu writing exercises often inspire great moments of fiction, poetry, memoir, and drama, not to mention valuable endorphins. The emphasis each class is on generating spontaneous work. Students may share their efforts if they feel comfortable, but this is not a critique workshop. Each session is meant to get those brain cells pumping! Subscribe for the series and save, or come to individual workouts—either way you can’t go wrong!

Register online

A Woman’s Voice: Journal & Memoir

• WA6-M189A
• 10 Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 pm
• January 18 - April 5
• no class March 15 or March 22
• $189 W&B members / $199 general public
• Instructor: Karen vanMeenen

A Writer's Book of Days

• WA6-M16
• 10 Thursdays, 7 - 9 p.m.
• January 19 through march 23
• $169 W&B members / $179 general public
• Instructor: K. Howard

Judy Reeves’ A Writer’s Book of Days has been described as "a holistic approach to being a writer that encompasses the physical, emotional, and spiritual as well as the creative aspects of writing." In this ten-week class, we’ll explore a variety of Reeves’ ideas and learn more about the processes of writing, imagination, creativity, and hard work. Class time will be spent with individual and group writing exercises (based on Reeves’ book), class discussion, and sharing of participants’ writing as they feel comfortable. This workshop is focused on "process" as opposed to editing and publishing.

Register online

The Two Faces of the Spirit:
Conservation and Preservation

• WA6-M17
• Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• January 28 and 29
• $100 (or $75 for those willing to share a room) W&B members /
• $105 or $80 general public
• Instructor: Bill Chaison

Within the environmental movement there is a subtler division between conservationists and preservationists. Aldo Leopold injected a spiritual dimension into conservation by promulgation of his "land ethic" in Sand County Almanac. Barry Lopez combined a spiritual sense with a scientific bent in Of Wolves & Men. For this workshop, participants should read the Leopold and Lopez books before the weekend begins. The instructor will lead a discussion of these works, and participants are welcome to bring other works related to the topic. In addition to lively discussion and debate on Saturday, the instructor will lead a half-day’s walk on Sunday morning through the nearby Finger Lakes National Forest, Federal land on which resource exploitation is allowed.

The venue for this unique workshop is the McLallen House Bed & Breakfast in Trumansburg, New York, ten miles north of Ithaca (an hour and a half from Rochester). Participants will spend Saturday night at the bed & breakfast, 30 McLallen Street, Trumansburg, New York 14886, 607-387-3892, www.mclallenhouse.com. Price includes breakfast on Sunday morning.

Writing What the Body/Mind/Spirit Knows: A Weekend Writing and Yoga Retreat

• WA6-G14
• Friday, 6 p.m. through Sunday, 12 p.m. at the Gell Center
• February 10 through 12
• $189 W&B members / $199 general public
• Instructors: Luc Miller-Watelet and Karen vanMeenen

Enjoy a weekend of learning and sharing through the process of yoga and writing. Instructors will offer tools and experience toward searching for one’s inner truth in a small, safe community. The weekend will include reading, writing (in various genres), yoga exercises, and group and individual poetic walks along the quiet footpaths of the Gell Center. The workshop price also includes all meals (vegetarian) and semi-private lodging at Gell. Open to yoga/bodywork practitioners and writers at all levels. Bring a pillow, blanket, yoga mat if possible, and loose clothing. A more specific outline of the weekend’s activities will be sent to participants in advance of the weekend. If you have questions about this workshop call Karen vanMeenen at (585) 473-2590 x104.

The Artist’s Way

• WA6-M62
• 4 Wednesdays, 6 - 8p.m.
• April 6 through April 26
• $75 W&B members / $79 general public
• Instructor: Robbi Hess

With the New Year comes the New Year’s resolution to pick up that pen and write every day. This workshop is for students looking to get in touch with their "Inner Artist" and finally get that writing project underway. The instructor will lead participants through Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way. During the workshop, participants will follow the book’s tenets in discovering and recovering their creative energy. Each week, students will receive writing exercises and feedback on the work completed the week before. This class is perfect for anyone looking to massage the muse, develop a creative consciousness, and follow the writer’s path.

Register online

The Awakening Writer Enters Spring

• WA6-G19
• One Saturday, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• April 8 at the Gell Center
• $37 W&B members / $39 general public
• Instructor: Patricia Roth Schwartz

Get your creative juices flowing with fun and stimulating writing exercises for all genres—poetry, fiction, non-fiction, journaling—to help your writing bloom into a new season of growth. Music, guided imagery, relaxation, affirmations, a walk outside, and more. All levels of experience welcome. Bring a bagged lunch, loose clothing, and comfortable shoes. (Coffee and tea provided.)

Register online

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