Instructor: Lisa Baron
Maximum Enrollment: 10
Class Term: 05/16/2022 - 06/06/2022
Tuition/Fees
SCN Member: $120
Non-Member: $160
Class synopsis
This is a LifeWriting class where you will have the opportunity to craft new narratives and stories about yourselves and your lives, or to work on some of your "known" stories. Might you be in the midst of navigating some life transitions? What are you hoping for? Would you like help freeing up some inner energy for creative ventures?Class description
This class will offer a supportive atmosphere for women to explore their own stories. We will study some beautiful essay writing by women authors such as Ann Patchett, Anne Lamott and Abigail Thomas for inspiration. There will be an opportunity in each class, and in between classes, for writing and constructive feedback. We will talk about what holds us back from being our most creative selves.
Class goals
To create a supportive class atmosphere where you can explore your own stories, past and present, To free up our creative energies but learning strategies to pivot from "Core Beliefs" that may hold us back, To study and learn from accomplished women essayists, To work on continuing to build comfort and ease with your own writing voice and style
Class communication method
This class will offer a zoom meeting every Monday for 90 minutes from 1-2:30 Eastern Standard Time. You will have the opportunity to write in class, and in between classes. You will have a writing partner (another member of our class) that you can share writing with in between classes. All students are also welcome to send me their writing for constructive feedback. There are no other materials required to purchase. I will be emailing you excerpts from other writers in between class time to use during our discussions.Class outline
Class 1
Intro of myself as instructor. Share my poem “Story” published in 2019.
Discuss ground rules – Confidentiality, Constructive feedback only, Building a supportive class community. Class Intros, What you hope to gain from this class experience.
Discuss the following questions (adapted from the book Which Old Woman Will You Be – Do’s and Don’ts for Living Your ThirdThird on Purpose by Debbie Hensleigh- available on Amazon, not required)
Who Do I Want To Be At This Time In My Life? What part of my old story would I like to leave behind? (This could be your belief in your abilities, confidence, holding on to old narratives that could be blocking your creativity, etc.) What gives my life meaning?
Take 15 minutes out of the first class to write on one of these questions. Bring group back together for sharing. Assign writing partners that can share writing during the week.
I will send you some brief passages from lifewriting authors before our next class. Please read them and come prepared to discuss. Also if you’d like, keep writing on the piece that you started in class. You will have a chance to share with class if you want to.
Class 2
Start class with reading some passages from lifewriting authors that I had emailed, and reviewing class comments and impressions. What spoke to you in the essays that you read?
Have students share what they write, if they would like, and to discuss the process. How was it for you writing on one of these questions? How was the sharing with your partner? What creative juices might be flowing as a result?
Choose one of these questions to write about for 15 min in this class:
What parts of your new story might you want to continue to write about?
What parts of your old story are still calling to you?
Review “Core Beliefs” we all carry, and how to pivot from old narratives to free up for new narratives. For example “I can’t write at my age” pivot to “Why not, and how will I know if I don’t try?”
Take 15 min out of class to write on one of these questions, above, to write about a core belief you may hold about yourself, or to continue the piece you were working on. We will then discuss in class.
Share with partner during the week. Also, if anyone has a lifewriting passage from an author they like (500 words or less please) you can email to others in the class during the week and we will discuss. I will also be sending another essay or two by an author to you all during the week.
Class 3
Discuss passages that we sent and received. Discuss writing that class has shared with each other.
Let’s discuss these questions:
What are some new ways you can accept your writing process with patience, whatever that process is?
What are your personal and writing goals at this time?
Take 15 minutes to write about these questions, or to continue working on the piece that you have been working on. Then we will come back together and discuss.
Think about any life or writing affirmations that have helped you get to this place. Any favorite quotes that you’ve held on to along the way? Email to your writing partners. I will send some writing and life affirmations to class before our final class 4, and we will discuss.
Class 4
Review affirmations. Have students pick the ones that call to them. Spend 10 min writing about that affirmation that speaks to you in class. Spend 15 min sharing any new writing that students have created.
Talk about each students writing goals going forward and how class has helped to “free” some energy for creative focus.
Instructor will share some meaningful parts of essays that speak to change and transition.
Class time commitment
90 minutes a week for class, 30-60 additional minutes during the week for additional writing and email sharing with writing partnerInstructor bio
Dr. Lisa Baron is a writer, teacher, therapist, and mentor. She has filled journals with poetry and reflections for many years. Her writing reflects her strong commitment to introspection.
Her writing has been published in Women In Higher Education, The New Social Worker, and Natural Awakenings. Her most recent essay “Musings on Perfection Inspired by Jane Austen” appeared in “Jane Austen: An Anthology of Thoughts and Opinions”, edited by Arlene Bice, 2020. Dr. Baron’s website is: LisaBaronCreative.com
