Calling All Writers
» tonyTwo opportunities to get creative with your writing at Unicamp
Unicamp will host two workshops for writers this year — one is a weekend writing workshop on Writing Children’s Stories (held June 1-3) and the other is a weeklong writing workshop called Write Your Life (August 20-24).
WRITING CHILDREN’S STORIES (June 1-3)
Anne Bokma
Have you always dreamed of writing a children’s story? This workshop will inspire you to get those stories down on paper. Bring your ideas and we’ll explore together the elements that make for great children’s literature. We’ll read published stories (bring a copy of a favourite children’s story to share) and engage in exercises to get our creative juices flowing. Opportunities for solo writing time will be built into the schedule.
Facilitator Anne Bokma is an award-winning freelance journalist who contributes to many well known Canadian magazines including Canadian Living, More, Today’s Parent, MoneySense and the United Church Observer (you can check out her writing at www.annebokma.ca) . She enjoys writing children’s stories and dreams of getting one published some day. Cost: $40. Info: annebokma@cogeco.ca
WRITE YOUR LIFE (August 20-24)
Valerie Nielsen
Have you always had an interest in writing, but didn’t know where to start? Or have you been writing for a while and would like some feedback on the merits of your work? You may be happy keeping a journal for your own spiritual practice. Or you may dream of writing the “great Canadian novel.” Whatever your skill or interest, you are most welcome to join a group of like-minded folk at Unicamp.
Facilitator Valerie Nielsen will lead this third annual Writers’ Retreat at Unicamp. This year the retreat will concentrate on Memoirs. Bring old photos, letters, memorabilia, an open heart and mind, and of course, writing materials. The workshop will offer plenty of opportunities to write personal stories which can be developed into a memoir. Learn how you can create a legacy of love for your family and friends. No writing experience necessary. We will share some ritual, movement and music, and create a balance of solitude and sharing. Participants who wish can arrange one to one appointments with Valerie to discuss their work. Come and be inspired by the beauty of Unicamp and the support of kindred spirits.
Valerie has been facilitating The Writers’ Circle at The First Unitarian Church of Hamilton for eight years. One of her favourite activities is leading retreats and workshops on creativity and spirituality which she has done all her adult life. Valerie has a B.A. in Religious Studies and English Literature from The University of Toronto and an M.R.E. (Masters in Religious Education) from Emmanuel College, Toronto School of Theology. Her professional background includes teaching, counseling and ministry. She is also President of The Tower Poetry Society, one of the oldest poetry collectives in North America. Her own book of poetry is called Green Light.
For more information contact Valerie at valerie01@sympatico.ca (905) 643-5425.
Write Your Life takes place from Monday August 20th at 7.30 p.m. until Friday August 24th at noon. The Program fee: $150
