by Kirby Lindsay, posted 18 January 2013
On Saturday, January 26th, expect to see some intensely enthusiastic folk stream into the Fremont Abbey Arts Center in the bright a.m. – and the same writers emerge, intensely tired, but still enthusiastic, in the evening.
Seattle7Writers will hold its third ‘Write Here, Write Now’ writing intensive at the Abbey, from 8a to 6p. The workshop – described as ‘a writing intensive unlike any other,’ on the website – raises money for two local literacy programs (826Seattle.org and Powerful Schools,) while it provides a unique opportunity for attendees.
More Pages, More Inspiration
“Our goal is to have 120,” paid attendees, reported Jennie Shortridge, with 25 Seattle7 mentors on-hand, for roughly, “150 people total.” That will fill the Abbey, especially as everyone – attendees and mentors – take space and time to write and create.
Experienced, published writers – like Shortridge – will talk about the craft, and give tips and insights, but much of the day will be spent on actual writing.
“We will start off upstairs,” Shortridge explained, about the use of the Abbey. They begin with a continental breakfast and opening remarks by columnist/author Timothy Egan. From there, each hour will contain a 10-minute mini-lesson from one of 25 published, professional writers in attendance, followed by a 45-minute writing session. Attendees can also sign up for one-on-one consults with the authors during the day – but not during the mini-lessons. ‘Either way,’ the website reads, ‘we feel confident you’ll go home with more pages (more good pages) than you’d imagined possible…’
To wrap-up the writing sessions, “we decided to have a panel,” Shortridge reported, “to have a discussion of all the burning questions.” This is one of many new features this year. Closing remarks will be given by Garth Stein, co-founder of the Seattle7Writers with Shortridge. “After that,” Shortridge said, “we have a party!”
More Connections, More Inspiration
Seattle7Writers began, in 2006, when Stein and Shortridge went out for coffee. Writers benefit from talking to other writers, and learning the ways others manage their craft and career. So, after that first coffee, Shortridge and Stein invited other writers to join them to share in the camaraderie and make connections. “You can’t possibly know everything there is to writing,” Shortridge observed.
“There is no magic button you push,” Shortridge said, “You are always striving to write better. I keep learning with every book.” She has written ‘When She Flew,’ and her latest book, ‘Love Water Memory,’ will be published this spring. One of her previous novels, ‘Love and Biology At The Center of the Universe,’ tells stories about a woman finding her place, and connections, at a coffee shop in Fremont. “I write about people who are damaged by life,” Shortridge described, “bumping into others also damaged, but with hope; about people who are struggling.”
Seattle7Writers also offers hope, and help. From regular casual gatherings among a steady group of seven local writers, in 2009 the group formed a non-profit. Formed under the umbrella of Shunpike, the Seattle7Writers mission became, Shortridge reported, ‘let’s go out in to the world and do some good!”
More Interaction, More Inspiration
For participants, the fundraiser may not have anything to do with their decision to attend ‘Write Here, Write Now.’ Organizers plan for open attendance, by writers at every level of experience, ability and knowledge – from those with a vague interest to those with a manuscript they want to see published. Everyone, in fact, that wants to learn to write better.
Shortridge does predict everyone will feel overwhelmed. “Every good writer’s workshop I’ve attended,” she said, “I leave overwhelmed.” They’ve structured the day to give the writers – people prone to work alone with limited social encounters – plenty of ‘people time.’ “That’s really valuable,” Shortridge acknowledged, “it helps people realize that there are others out there like them.”
Yet, “we know writers are very tender people,” Shortridge observed. They’ve sought ways to sooth the fragile egos and sensitive natures throughout the day, including having chocolate and cookies on-hand. ‘Write Here, Write Now’ is a writing intensive, but, “it’s also a very nurturing environment,” Shortridge reported.
More Celebration, More Inspiration
“We call it a conference, but it’s not,” Shortridge explained. “Conferences are usually about marketing,” she said, “this isn’t like that. All we’re going to talk about is writing.” Seattle7Writers scheduled ‘Write Here, Write Now,’ deliberately, at a time of year when conferences rarely happen, “and in the deepest, darkest depths of Seattle muck,” Shortridge joked. This workshop can give writers the needed boost to finally finish that writing project – before marketing it at area conferences later this year.
‘Write Here, Write Now’ celebrates writing – and the people who write – through camaraderie, cheer and a party. For those interested in spending a day writing, with support and in company, limited space remains available at $127 per person. Register now though, as Shortridge acknowledged, historically, they’ve seen a flood of last minute registrants. Writers, you know…
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©2013 Kirby Lindsay. This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction, adaptation or distribution without permission is prohibited.