“Write the story that you were always afraid to tell.
~ Dorothy Allison
As a writer, it’s easy to fall into a pattern of emphasizing technique over depth, style over courage, syntax over spontaneity, and to focus more on structure than on insight. But powerful memoir impacts not only the reader but also the writer who created it, and this cannot happen without taking risks. When you tell the truth and reveal your secret stories, you give the reader permission to do the same thing. That is the magic of memoir.
In this one-day workshop, Mark guides you through a series of practices designed to liberate your authentic writing voice using his Writing to Awaken method. Known for his provocative, insightful work with students, he offers practical tools to help you touch into the depths of your personal stories, using a language uniquely your own.
Allowing yourself to be open on the page is a liberating experience. Without tapping into this deep source, there is no transformation. Without stripping away artifice to expose the truth of who you are, your story will miss the opportunity to emotionally affect the reader or bring insight to your personal experience.
“Mark has a laser-like ability to identify the core of what you’re writing about – and where you’re writing from – and shines his light to encourage you to go there. He inspires you to go beneath the surface and tell the truest story that your heart yearns to express. I loved this workshop.”
~ Jifa, USA
In a safe, judgement-free atmosphere, you’ll spend the day exploring key issues related to personal writing. Mark will offer one-on-one feedback, provide personalized prompts, and guide group conversation and sharing.
- The obstacles to honesty and integrity in personal storytelling
- Overcoming the shame of self-exposure and fears of self-incrimination
- Writing about living people without trespassing boundaries?
- Why secrets and secret-keeping are indispensable to a rich inner life
- How to write about sex and sexuality without self-indulgence
- How to write about trauma without becoming re-traumatized
- Articulating spiritual experience in a grounded, relatable way
Who would benefit from this workshop:
* Writers interested in memoir and personal narrative for publication or legacy
* Journalers wishing to want a deeper their powers of self-inquiry and truthfulness
* Poets drawn to personal narrative a source of inspiration and insight
* Seekers who wish to practice Writing to Awaken as a path of self-knowledge
Mark brings decades of experience as a writer, teacher, and mentor to his transformative work with students. Known for his insightful questions, he creates an atmosphere of safety, support, and laughter to his events, and provides a confidential, judgment-free zone in which to do this powerful writing practice. Writing to Awaken has helped countless people around the world to reach their creative and spiritual goals. We hope you can join us for this inspiring one-day workshop.
