Come on over and have a seat. I'll try and answer any questions you might have.
When and where can I join the writing group? Do I sign up?
You don't need to sign up, just follow along with the weekly posts. You join by your participation either on the boards or at home in your journal. I would encourage you to at least read each week's information and prompts, even if you don't participate in that particular assignment.
Is the Freewrite thread a place for finished work?
No. Absolutely not. The Freewrite thread is a space for freewrites only--and freewrites are writing excercises to get you thinking, moving and feeling. Freewrites can also develop into short writing assignments that beg for more care and time--consider them fair game for your longer work.
Can I edit my online freewriting thread?
Let's review what freewriting is and then we can talk about what freewriting is not. Here is what Natalie Goldberg says are the keys to freewriting in her book, Writing Down the Bones:
1. Keep your hand moving
2. Don't cross out
3. Don't worry
4. Lose control
5. Don't think
6. Go for the jugular
Now, she isn't the ultimate authority--I've read other interpretations of what freewriting is all about--but I think what she has to say is simple and practical advice. So this means if you are going to use the Freewrite a go-go thread for your freewrite work, it should remain unedited. I can hear the gasps of panic now. Take a deep breath and say it with me:
I am free to write the worst junk in the world.
I am free to write the worst junk in the world.
I am free to write the worst junk in the world.
It's really okay. You don't believe me? Still not buying it? Here's a compromise: use your paper journal for the *real* down-and-dirty freewriting, and if you must, go ahead and share with us the next generation freewrite--the one that has mostly correct spelling and grammar. The one that doesn't look like a ransom note. I want it to be a space for freedom and for exploration.
Do I post a new reply for each freewriting prompt?
That is fine. Go for it.
What's the assignment for the first week?
Choose three freewriting prompts and spend 10 minutes writing on each topic. Begin to explore ideas surrounding the darker side of mothering and take notes. Read all the intro threads on this current workshop forum. Gather your supplies (pen and journal).
What if I can't keep up?
Take notes and write when you can.
I hope this helps.
Warmly,
~Jesse
When and where can I join the writing group? Do I sign up?
You don't need to sign up, just follow along with the weekly posts. You join by your participation either on the boards or at home in your journal. I would encourage you to at least read each week's information and prompts, even if you don't participate in that particular assignment.
Is the Freewrite thread a place for finished work?
No. Absolutely not. The Freewrite thread is a space for freewrites only--and freewrites are writing excercises to get you thinking, moving and feeling. Freewrites can also develop into short writing assignments that beg for more care and time--consider them fair game for your longer work.
Can I edit my online freewriting thread?
Let's review what freewriting is and then we can talk about what freewriting is not. Here is what Natalie Goldberg says are the keys to freewriting in her book, Writing Down the Bones:
1. Keep your hand moving
2. Don't cross out
3. Don't worry
4. Lose control
5. Don't think
6. Go for the jugular
Now, she isn't the ultimate authority--I've read other interpretations of what freewriting is all about--but I think what she has to say is simple and practical advice. So this means if you are going to use the Freewrite a go-go thread for your freewrite work, it should remain unedited. I can hear the gasps of panic now. Take a deep breath and say it with me:
I am free to write the worst junk in the world.
I am free to write the worst junk in the world.
I am free to write the worst junk in the world.
It's really okay. You don't believe me? Still not buying it? Here's a compromise: use your paper journal for the *real* down-and-dirty freewriting, and if you must, go ahead and share with us the next generation freewrite--the one that has mostly correct spelling and grammar. The one that doesn't look like a ransom note. I want it to be a space for freedom and for exploration.
Do I post a new reply for each freewriting prompt?
That is fine. Go for it.
What's the assignment for the first week?
Choose three freewriting prompts and spend 10 minutes writing on each topic. Begin to explore ideas surrounding the darker side of mothering and take notes. Read all the intro threads on this current workshop forum. Gather your supplies (pen and journal).
What if I can't keep up?
Take notes and write when you can.
I hope this helps.
Warmly,
~Jesse
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