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I write this blog because I enjoy writing. Sometimes I'm happy with the result and press the publish button, other times I write a couple of paragraphs, edit down to one and then push delete. I started blogging because I wanted to exercise my writing muscle. I know from experience that composition begets better composition and a blank page will never get filled if you just stare at it. I carry on writing this blog because I have "met" so many creative, original, expressive and slightly bonkers "friends" and am now a blogger groupie and proud of it. Recently however, I have felt myself getting a bit stale and hackneyed and in need of a better workout. SO, I am very happy to announce the start of a new writing group in Bodrum. Calling ourselves a Writing Circle, we will meet twice a month for a couple of hours a session and practice our craft, be it prose or poetry, in an atmosphere of mutual creative criticism. It is not a class as there is no teacher. Neither is it an English lesson as we will not be correcting grammar. My fellow co-ordinator Martha Patrick and I are looking forward to our first meeting on Monday afternoon where we will write briefly, share our work and decide how we want our writing circle to develop.
Martha is a student of the Amherst Writers and Artists method which I am looking forward to hearing about. Pat Schneider, founder of AWA, encourages writers with these words in the introduction to her book, Writing Alone and With Others:
Whether your purpose is artistic expression, communication with friends and family, the healing of inner life, or achieving public recognition for your art - the foundation is the same: the claiming of yourself as an artist/writer and the strengthening of your writing voice through practice, study, and helpful (as opposed to damaging) communication with others. . . . 'A writer is someone who writes,' wrote William Stafford. . . . Every one of us is a writer. You are a writer. You are an artist. Accept it, celebrate it, and practice it for the rest of your life.
If you would like to join us please leave a message below or email backtobodrum@gmail.com
Sounds interesting. You all are going to have so much fun!
ReplyDeleteI hope so.
DeleteWell done you! I write a blog more like a diary and to share with friends and family who aren't nearby what we are doing. Occasionally (and less so these days,) I do exercise that writing muscle as I love to write just for the sake of it. A blog is a good place to do this but 'our' blogging world has become something slightly different as you say - and I too really appreciate that. Wish I were nearer - I'd love to join your circle. As it is, I am flexing my 'creative' muscle by a lot of doodling!! Have fun. Axxx
ReplyDeleteI was just wishing we lived nearer when you were talking about walking the dog.
DeleteB to B, I'm very interested in your experience with AWA and the results of your efforts. This subject is so endlessly interesting - we all write for different reasons - story-telling, journals, polemics, etc. - and, of course, everyone has different sets of expressive skills and levels of creativity. I hope that in the future you blog about what you're thinking because we, too, have put thought into this and sometimes we wonder 'What's it all about?'
ReplyDeleteI hope any visit you make to Bodrum can coincide with a writing circle meeting.
DeleteSounds like a great group! Never thought about writing together or meeting up per se as a group. Fun!
ReplyDeleteI joined a group about 14 years ago and loved every minute.
DeleteOhhh, that's interesting. Sure we'll see updates in your blog anyway, but keep us informed. :) Interesting why you said you started your blog, too, as Jack Scott put something on Twitter today about all the reasons why people blog and I retweeted it. I'll find the link if I can - new to Twitter. ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm still resting twitter
DeleteSounds interesting :)
ReplyDeletelonelyblogs.com
Ideal place for a lonely blog
Delete. . how will 'chatterboxes' get things done? Fun to get together with like-minded similars, opposites and in-betweeners though.
ReplyDeleteMake a change from facing a computer screen.
DeleteWhat a great idea. We all go through a rough patch now and again. This is a good way to up the energy levels and keep the impetus going.
ReplyDeleteDo you go to any workshops in Norwich?
DeleteI'm not sure how I would get on...but no need to worry as the only one here is miles away.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to have you in our group.
DeleteSounds like it will be a fun and interesting group ...... :-)
ReplyDeleteI'll report back.
DeleteHi Annie, not sure if my previous comment made it - just wanted to say, this is a brilliant idea and I would loved to join in!! i am sure it will be inspirational and movitvational, we all need that sometimes - please do keep us posted & enjoy : )
ReplyDeleteSevgiler, Ozlem
Sorry you other reply must have disappeared. I notice a few I put on your page do the same.
DeleteWhat a great idea! Such a pity it's too far for me, but I do wish you well. I still treat my blog as a writing exercise, which I enjoy a great deal, and always compose my posts in Word first. I almost always edit and polish, sometimes for quite a while, before putting the post into Blogger and adding the photos, etc.
ReplyDelete