“I’m one of those writers who’s addicted to structure, and I wanted to know more about how to structure a memoir—which I learned at this workshop.
Sharing personal experiences with other people – all of whom you’ve just met for the first time – is a real ice-breaker of an approach. It allows you to get to know those people better—and learn from them, as well.”
Paolo, January 18, 2015
“So much fun to hear all of the stories, as it always is with the Amsterdam Writing Workshops. Love the international perspectives.
In terms of writing memoir, my goal is to align my story with the examples set by Mary Karr and Kay Gibbons: no self-pity, no melodrama, and, most importantly, writing a universal story despite its unfortunate uniqueness.”
Susan, January 18, 2015
“Thank you for wonderful, inspiring and professional weekend. I learned more about form, and structure, what works and what doesn’t, and how to write for a reader’s experience. The method offered for getting from prompts to words on a page to a digitized first draft was also very valuable. It simplified what can feel like an overwhelming task into a step-by-step process, without becoming linear or prescriptive.
It felt motivating, encouraging and meaningful to be with other memoirists. We co-created a powerful atmosphere of intimacy, anonymity and safety. (more…)
Robbyn, January 18, 2015
“The other memoirists were inspiring, open, and hardworking. I loved that there was such a diverse group of writers in terms of age and life experience.
I have to admit that I was nervous about others hearing my work. I so appreciated the total anonymity. I also appreciated the extent to which the instructor controlled the feedback.
I came away energized and ready to write more. I think that’s the highest compliment one can give to a writing workshop.”
Suzanne, January 18, 2015
“I learned so much from listening to other people’s questions and observations—as well as their work. The anonymity was a comfort given the personal nature of what I shared. It’s interesting to hear if the emotion wrapped up in the writing actually transmits to the audience.
I would have spent a week in that room. It was a really lovely learning experience.”
Noreen, January 18, 2015
“I learned, for the very first time, the different ways of structuring an essay. The way the essays were presented helped me discover my preferred essay style. I am going to expand on what I started this weekend and see where it takes me. This workshop was just what I needed to start me on writing again.”
Dorothy, November 5, 2014
“I learned plenty of actionable techniques for structuring an essay and producing prompts…It was cathartic to write something new…I feel like for the first time in a long time, I did something for me and helped advance my craft.”
Angela, November 5, 2014
“I learned not hold back and to reveal myself freely.
I learned to make my experience universal.
I learned to structure my writing.”
Raina, November 5, 2014