“Saundra’s
workshop brought me back to myself, to my life, to engaging with the
world. She is a great facilitator, gentle, kind, supportive and easy to
talk to.” Jen G.
“This workshop turned out to be a way of finding my voice, which is not what I expected, but I suspect it’s what I needed. I was looking for bricks and mortar, what happens in plotting, where do I publish? What I got instead was the integral missing piece: How do get myself to write? Where do I find the words?” Ron B., freelance writer
Fifteen people gather round a large oak table, their feet firmly planted on the floor, their hands resting gently on their laps. The jittery chatter of just a moment ago is replaced by a deep silence. Fifteen people sit and follow their breath until a bell rings. They are given a writing topic—“Why you are here”—and the bell rings again. They are off and writing. Fifteen hands move across the pages of fifteen notebooks, the scratch of pens on paper the only sound in the room.
“This workshop turned out to be a way of finding my voice, which is not what I expected, but I suspect it’s what I needed. I was looking for bricks and mortar, what happens in plotting, where do I publish? What I got instead was the integral missing piece: How do get myself to write? Where do I find the words?” Ron B., freelance writer
Fifteen people gather round a large oak table, their feet firmly planted on the floor, their hands resting gently on their laps. The jittery chatter of just a moment ago is replaced by a deep silence. Fifteen people sit and follow their breath until a bell rings. They are given a writing topic—“Why you are here”—and the bell rings again. They are off and writing. Fifteen hands move across the pages of fifteen notebooks, the scratch of pens on paper the only sound in the room.
In my workshops I try to create a bubble in time where beginning and experienced writers can explore their deepest dreams in writing. Using Natalie Goldberg’s writing practice as a foundation, I encourage students to explore the territory of their own minds and memories, and to write from their deepest selves. In the time we are together I encourage writers to let go of the pressure to produce and give themselves permission to dig in the rich compost of their lives for material.
I offer workshops for all levels of writers and on a variety of topics. For beginning writers, I offer a place to dive in. For professional writers, I offer the opportunity to return to beginner’s mind and remember what it is like to write from desire, to follow your mind and return to the sound of your own voice. In addition to courses on writing practice, I teach workshops for graduate students who want to write with “voice,” courses on writing about art and about motherhood, and a class on reading for structure.
I have studied writing practice with Natalie Goldberg, author of Writing Down the Bones, since 1999, and completed two year-long intensive courses with her. I began teaching writing in 1999, a few months after I completed my Ph.D. in art history. Prior to that time, I taught art history courses at the University of Texas, the College of Marin, and lectured on art for the Texas Fine Arts Association, the Huntington Art Gallery, and the DeCordova Museum, where I served for two years as assistant curator. In addition to teaching writing for U.T. graduate students and at the Writer’s League of Texas, I offer workshops for organizations and private groups, as well as individual guidance and instruction.
Upcoming Workshops
Fall Writing Practice Group begins Monday, September 20th, 6 - 8 p.m. Come join me in sitting meditation, slow walking, and writing practice. It’s a peaceful way to begin the week, and you will be amazed at the effect it has on your writing.
The Monday Night Practice Group is open only to students and clients who have worked with me previously. That said, I’m offering a half-day mini-retreat on September 26th for anyone else who wants to join in the second and/or third session (see schedule below). If you know of someone who might be interested, please pass the information along. The mini-retreat also offers a chance to refresh your own practice. If you’re a writing practice student without meditation experience, or a meditation student without experience in writing practice, the workshop will prepare you for the Monday night group.
Monday Night Practice Group
Session I
Dates: September 20 and 27, October 4 and 18.
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Congregation Beth Israel, 3908 Shoal Creek
Cost: $50
Session II
Dates: October 25, November 1, 8, and 15.
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Congregation Beth Israel, 3908 Shoal Creek
Cost: $50
Session III
Dates: November 22 and 29, December 6 and 13
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Congregation Beth Israel, 3908 Shoal Creek
Cost: $50
Discount: If you sign up for all three sessions, the total cost is $125.
Write From the Bottom of Your Mind: Mini-Retreat
This workshop provides space and structure to get past the chatter in your head and move into the territory of big mind. Through sitting meditation, slow walking, and writing practice, as developed by Natalie Goldberg, we will discover the truth of what we think, see, and feel, and pour it onto the page. If you have not studied with me previously and you want to join the Monday night group, this class is required.
Date: Sunday, September 26
Time: 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Congregation Beth Israel, 3908 Shoal Creek
Cost: $75
TO REGISTER, WRITE TO ME AT WE-WRITE@TEXAS.NET