Writing Life

Writing Life women’s writing circle
six Wednesday mornings:
May 15 to June 19, 2024
10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Nourish Yourself.
Honour Your Voice.
Write Your Stories.

Theme: Memoir + Mythmaking: Opening to New Discoveries

Fee: $360 for six Wednesday mornings

So many women writers have explored their memories and written books that offer something for all of us – a bigger picture that is universal. Maureen Murdock’s new book, Mythmaking: Self-Discovery and the Timeless Art of Memoir,  has inspired our weekly themes and the writing of many women authors will offer weekly inspiration as well. And of course, we inspire one another with our stories different from one another yet the same in many aspects. Together, we will support and encourage the sharing while developing one’s own voice. You don’t have to be working on a memoir to join the writing circle – just be curious and open to new discoveries.

Here are some of the themes we’ll explore in Memoir + Mythmaking: Once upon a time; the people that are part of your life’s journey; your purpose/calling; writing the body; your home and belonging; and your spiritual practice. And then it will be Summer Solstice!

The purpose of our writing as it is with writing a memoir is “not merely to record the events of one’s life but to be conscious of how certain events in one’s life have shaped that life and continue to
shape and expand it. Memoir is not only a recollection of the past but also a way of defining oneself in the present. Writing memoir shows the writer becoming aware of creating themselves.”
(Maureen Murdock, Mythmaking)

No previous writing experience is necessary to embrace the fullness of the stories from your life.

Location: Mary Ann’s home in the Extension/White Rapids area of Nanaimo, B.C.

Please Do: Let me know if you would like to sign up for the Writing Life women’s writing circle.
Once you know there is a space for you, you can confirm with payment.

Fee: Confirm your space by sending an e-transfer for $360 to creativity@maryannmoore.ca
If mailing a cheque, my address is: Mary Ann Moore, 76 Colwell Road, Nanaimo, B.C. V9X 1E4

Maximum: 6 writers

What Happens in a Writing Life Circle

In the Writing Life Circle we write from our lives and create writing lives. We write for the love of it. I offer inspiring readings, poems and prompts as doorways to our own stories and “your own way of looking at things.” Much of our inspiration and creative stimulation comes from one another as well as from the work of other writers. There’s no critiquing and no previous writing experience is necessary. Responses to one another’s writing is meant to encourage and support.

While some of the writing may be considered “journaling,” it has value as acknowledging an event or an emotion and may offer some fresh insight. Lines from those journaling entries may make their way into future pieces of fiction, a personal essay or a poem. An important aspect of the circle is to claim the fullness of your own life, to write your story for yourself first before you consider the aspect of crafting it to share elsewhere.

We follow guidelines in the circle so as to create a safe container. I also offer a flower essence each week as Nature’s support for our safe container, the process of uncovering and the integration of what has been discovered.

Please be in touch with any questions you may have.

what if you don’t have writing experience?

“Writing” can be a frightening word if you’re used to being judged for it. In the Writing Life Circle we transform thoughts into words, memories into insight and new possibilities. Inherited stories become invented stories, recreated by you. As there’s no pressure to perform, you’re free to explore. I follow circle guidelines as noted above from Calling the Circle: The First and Future Culture by Christina Baldwin. The guidelines give us structure in the space just as we look for structure in the story.

benefits of the writing life circle

Some women may write another piece of their story and that way keep up the momentum. Others may be open to exploring in the moment as if writing in a journal. Everyone benefits from the circle by listening with attention and speaking with intention. We create a sacred space in which to let our stories reveal themselves. Other benefits include:

• An exploration of your relationship to silence and stillness,
• A variety of writing prompts to get you started,
• Guidelines for your own journaling practice and various other forms,
• References for reading and inspiration,
• Support from a circle of women who are also writing,
• Witnesses to your creative journey,
• A creative boost and a reminder that your creativity makes a healthy impact on your life and on the world.

questions

If you haven’t been to a Writing Life Circle before, it’s a good idea to have a chat with me, Mary Ann, in advance. Please contact Mary Ann Moore at 250-591-7990 or creativity@maryannmoore.ca.

the intent of the writing life circle

• To provide a safe place for women to tell their stories.
• To find the still centre of ourselves and of the circle.
• To write what has heart and meaning for us.
• To realize our role as leaders in a circle of leaders.
• To remember the divine feminine and embrace our female and male teachers.
• To become a community of peers slowing down to a natural rhythm.

what a former writing life circle member has to say:

my experience

As a poet, writer and circle leader, I bring many years of experience, passion and playfulness to writing in community. I find great delight in seeing people awaken their creative potential. My poetry, fiction and personal essays have appeared in chapbooks published by Leaf Press, literary journals, websites, anthologies and on CD: When My Heart is Open. My full-length book of poems, Fishing for Mermaids, was published by Leaf Press. My latest poetry book is Mending published by house of appleton. Please visit my books page to see more including  two writing resources: Writing to Map Your Spiritual Journey published by the IAJW (International Association for Journal Writing, 2020) and Writing Home: A Whole Life Practice (Flying Mermaids Studio, 2021) And please have a look at my blog for reviews and musings on the creative life.