Amy Aves Challenger
Writing Workshops
Since 2014, I've facilitated writing workshops in the US and Europe, leading professionals and teens from all backgrounds through the transformative power of creative storytelling. Through my training in the Amherst Writers' and Artists' Method, I foster a safe space where creators of all levels unite to bring stories to life. Participants describe my workshops as inspiring, therapeutic, and unifying. All work created and shared in workshops is treated as fiction. Content shared in workshops is not to be discussed outside the workshop (except by the authors themselves, if they choose) to provide a sense of freedom and anonymity.
Workshop Format:
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Participants of all levels write, read, and listen in a small workshop setting where craft, style, and personal voices are identified and strengthened. Outcomes are less important than the process of creating; however, poetry, essays, journal entries, and longer works of fiction often emerge. Writers may choose to return to these works for editing and development, outside of workshops. In workshops, all work is treated as a newborn being, with only strengths identified.
Visual, written, and spoken prompts inspire participants to develop writing and listening skills in an encouraging environment. Participants of all backgrounds write, share, listen, and provide feedback on writing.
Writing Level: All levels welcome
(English speaking)
Class Size: Maximum 10
Email me to express interest or join the waitlist.
I'm always open to adding new workshops.
Following are the primary principals of the Amherst Writers and Artists Method employed in workshops:
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Everyone has a strong, unique voice.
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Everyone is born with creative genius.
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Writing as an art form belongs to all people, regardless of economic class or educational level.
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The teaching of craft can be done without damage to a writer's original voice or artistic self-esteem.
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A writer is someone who writes.
Who benefits from workshops?
• Students, writers, aspiring writers, or professionals seeking a space to develop communication confidence, listening skills, storytelling abilities, personal style, and creative energy.
• Those seeking a creative place
for inspiration, feedback, engagement, and encouragement.
• Professional writers who will benefit from a space to play, develop craft, generate material, and/or try a new writing style.
• Those seeking an outlet to express difficult, joyful, or inspirational stories and perspectives in a setting where all work is treated as exploratory and confidential.
Workshops are purposefully small (maximum 8 participants). Each session includes multiple creative prompts, time for participants to write, and time to share and receive feedback. Ideally, participants bond quickly and feel immediate positive results.
Requirements:
• Able to speak and write in English, although English may not be the primary language.
• Willing to listen, take notes, and articulate respectful feedback when reflecting on the work of participants, regardless of experience level.
• Interested in writing, listening, and discussing reading and writing.
• Willing to honor the anonymity of all work shared in workshops. Confidentiality is a critical aspect of workshops, helping to maintain a safe exploratory environment.
Questions? Interested in another workshop time or date that isn't posted here? Send me a message. I'd love to hear from you.
Thank you for unleashing the creative. I love the technique and intimacy of the group. The weekly workshops gave me time to explore like a child, and find my words again.
The space you created felt almost sanctified and spirit filled. Your stories inspire, validate and feed the soul too. I loved every second of our time together. Thank you for sharing your craft.
— Pam
Zürich, Switzerland
"Amy's writing workshops have been a wonderful way to uncover my voice as a writer. As a novice, I was apprehensive about sharing my work. Amy created such a supportive environment that I felt immediately comfortable and connected with the group. I entered the class intending to develop my journaling about motherhood, but have discovered the challenge and joy of writing poetry and fictional prose. Thanks to Amy’s encouragement I intend to further pursue this new passion."
-- Stephanie, Fairfield, CT
(Read more testimonials here)