Write Now: Ignite Your Creative Journey
Presented by: Trevor Martens, I Help You Write Things
Experience: Certified High School English Teacher, 16 Years
Overview: This three-session workshop is designed for writers who are ready to take their passion for storytelling seriously and commit to their creative growth. Whether you’re starting fresh, returning after a break, or finally ready to prioritize your writing, this workshop will provide the tools, inspiration, and support you need to begin your journey.
Objective: The objective of this workshop series is to equip writers with the mindset, skills, and support necessary to confidently begin or recommit to their writing journey. By fostering self-trust, introducing key storytelling techniques, and providing constructive feedback, the workshop aims to inspire participants to embrace their creative potential and make a meaningful commitment to their craft.
Target Audience:
- Aspiring Writers: Individuals who have always wanted to write but haven’t yet taken the first step.
- Returning Writers: Writers who have taken a break from their craft and are ready to rediscover their passion and commit to their storytelling.
- Emerging Writers: Those who are already writing but want to deepen their dedication, refine their techniques, and gain valuable feedback to grow their confidence and skills.
- Personal and Fictional Writers: Creatives drawn to either personal storytelling or fictional narrative who are eager to start, improve, or complete their projects.
Workshop Structure:
- Impromptu writing exercises: To ease tension, stimulate story ideas, and practice trusting our creative intuition, I begin each session with timed quick writing. This not only provides ‘starter dough’ for new stories, it also helps writers to write without the inner critic in their ear.
- Discussion of a specific technique: Each session, I’ll discuss a specific narrative technique with participants. They will then be encouraged to attempt to use this technique in their assignment for the following week. This will not be a complex technique and I always give writers the permission to simply write their story and omit the technique. My emphasis is on having participants write and share, so having a story that doesn’t use the technique is favourable to not having piece because they didn’t feel confident in their ability to use the technique.
- Sharing of stories: We then take turns reading our stories. In our first class, I discuss what supportive feedback looks/sounds like and share with them the impact criticism can have on our motivation, inspiration, and self-confidence. Feedback provided by myself is professional and focused on the strengths of the story and writing of the author. If author’s would like specific critical feedback, I will provide it, but I discourage critical feedback for authors who are not yet at a point where they are writing consistently on their own, for their own enjoyment.
- Next Steps for Growth: If appropriate, tailored advice will be provided for both the pieces shared and the authors, to encourage continuous development and progress in their writing journey.
Maximum Number of Students: 8
Facilitator Credentials: As a certified high school English teacher with 16 years of experience, I bring a wealth of knowledge in guiding and nurturing new and seasoned writers. My approach is centered around creating a safe, positive, and encouraging environment for writers to explore and grow. I’ve been a developmental / substantive editor for the past 6 years and have been teaching workshops in the Winnipeg and Niverville area (and online) consistently for the past two years.
Cost: $150 for MWG members