Writing Circle develops skills, confidence and community
From Adult Literacy Coordinator Jeanne James-Hory
This summer, Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society brought a group of locals together for Writer's Circle: An Introduction to Creative Writing, a six-week adult writing program held every Wednesday at the Port Hardy Civic Centre.
Led by guest instructor Garth Holden, the circle introduced participants to storytelling and fiction writing through discussion, writing prompts, games, examples and weekly writing activities. Around 20 people took part over the six weeks as they were able, with an average of about 10 participants attending each Wednesday.
From the beginning, Garth created a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. There was no pressure to arrive with writing experience, to finish every assignment, or even to share what you had written. Participants were encouraged to experiment and play with their writing.
During the first few weeks, several participants were nervous about reading their work aloud. As the group became more comfortable together, people began arriving excited to share what they had been working on between sessions. By the final gathering, one participant who had initially been very shy about reading aloud proudly shared her first completed short story with the group.
Others have continued developing their work beyond the circle, with several participants now looking at opportunities to submit their finished pieces to writing competitions.
One of the unexpected successes of Story Circle was the connection that developed between participants.
Kaariina Saarinen shared this reflection about her experience:
"I have to say that our Wednesday meeting has served not only my needs for writing from memoirs into story. Rather, the intimacy and honesty experienced has been a remedy for my isolation. I am recovering from surgery for a fractured femur in February.
With gratitude and appreciation, these evenings have been gifted and uplifting. An exchange of excellence and feedback that now keeps me writing daily. And fearlessly editing!
Thanks Jeanne for coordinating and Garth for facilitating. PS I truly see a shift in writing style, depth, and clarity of soul's purposes for language and its potency."
Her experience captures something that became increasingly apparent as the weeks went on. The circle offered an opportunity to develop writing skills, but it also gave people a regular place to meet, exchange ideas, encourage one another and become more confident sharing their voices.
A huge thank you goes to Garth Holden for the care, enthusiasm and creativity he brought to the six weeks.
Garth was able to read the room and adapt each session depending on where people were that day. When the creative energy wasn't quite flowing, he had a writing prompt, game or activity ready to get everyone started. When participants arrived eager to share or explore something further, he made room for that too.
His enthusiasm for storytelling was contagious, and by the end of the program the group wasn't ready to be finished. Participants have already expressed interest in another round of Story Circle.
A big thank you to the Lions Club. We are very grateful to the Lions Club for supporting this program and helping make these six weeks possible.
For more information:
Visit MWFLS on Facebook or the website: www.mwfamilyliteracy.org
Email Jeanne at: adult.literacy@mwfamilyliteracy.org
The Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society works with communities, schools and organizations to support literacy and learning for all ages on North Vancouver Island. Visit the MWFLS website to learn about their free programs at: mwfamilyliteracy.org
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