Creative Writing Courses: help or hindrance?

Can we be taught to write? Or is it creative urge that rules, OK?

This has come up a couple of times in the past week so I thought I'd set down a few thoughts.

First the craft of writing

Does that have to be learned? I'd give a very firm yes to that. And the only way to learn is to do it.

Last week I was talking to a leading writer in the UK in the mind, body, spirit genre of books. His writing was learned in the hard school of being critiqued on a daily basis by journalists and advertising copywriters. That meant he'd developed skills he could turn to any kind of writing he needed to do. Including several successful novels.

His take on inspiration was that for him, he wanted to write books that came out of experience. Not theories that hadn't been tested but had become robust through practical application.

Second: what surrounds you as a writer

In Saturday's Guardian Review is an article by Rachel Cusk on creative writing courses. Their use or otherwise.

There were three points I think need stressing::

1. The importance of talking about yourself as a writer, even if you are still working at another job.
2. The vital necessity of support from people who are focused on you succeeding as a writer.
3. The need to learn the craft of writing.

You can check out the article here:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/jan/18/in-praise-creative-writing-course

I know just being in the same room as other writers is good for me, whatever level they are. There's always something to learn.

Have you taken a creative writing course? If so how helpful was it to you?

Writing blocks: do they exist?

This came up as a question on Writing From Your Heart 12 Facebook page. www.facebook.com/writingfromyourheart

I said firmly that I didn't believe in writing blocks and I stand by that as far as it relates to the mechanics of writing. Because in terms of words on a page, there are many techniques to be used that allow you write.

Sounds harsh? Maybe but let me take you back ten years.

In my hand I held an envelope containing an assignment I'd sent off to my writing correspondence course.
I was quite pleased with it when I sent it off but by the time I'd read the comments on the accompanying sheet, I felt shredded.

Too many pages, too much waffle, not enough emotional content. It was 12 pages and my next assignment was to reduce it down to 8.

More inclined to make paper airplanes with it than look at it again, I left it for a couple of days.

Didn't look any easier to me to start changing words, or horror of horrors, deleting them.

Of course I did it. And of course my tutor was right. The reduced piece was sharper, firmer and more directed at the reader.

EMOTIONAL BLOCKS TO WRITING

Where I can agree to blocks is in the emotional connection to the words you might want to write. But that's a different issue

These can happen at different stages of the writing process and need a different kind of therapy to loosen them.

1. It may feel too emotionally charged to write about something, not allowing you to begin.
2. While you're writing painful emotions can come upand feel threatening to you.
3. When you've finished the writing, even if it's been therapeutic to write it, you may feel blocked about doing anything with what you've written.

TOM EVANS AND EILEEN PARR TALK ABOUT WRITING BLOCKS

After I'd answered the Facebook question I mulled over the question further and thought it might be useful to discuss it with Tom Evans, The Bookwright who has written extensively about creativity blocks.

Our discussion will go out to subscribers of WFYH Monthly Enfolding on 1 February.

Sign up at www.eileenparr.com and join in the discussion about this topic that haunts most writers at some point in their writing life.

Richard Rodney Bennett

His death on Christmas Eve saddens me. I had the privilege of seeing him three times.

Once in the 1970s when he accompanied a singer whose name sadly I have forgotten. I do remember she sang a Berio piece that sounded like a radio being tuned between stations. Him I remember as elegant, cultured and amusing. As well as being a wonderful pianist.

Closer to his death I saw him twice with Claire Martin and what sheer pleasure they were to watch and listen to. So matched were they in their love of the songs they offered and so obviously great friends.

I heard his music many times on the radio and like other polymaths, his range of abilities across the musical genres maybe played against him being taken as seriously as he should have been as composer. He made it seem easy and that most important of abilities not possessed by all artists.

Accessible. His attitude was, come and share my love of this. And if we had any sense we did.

Sad to think I won't hear him again live because it was such a joy.

Christmas wishes from Eileen Parr

It's 5am on Christmas morning. I'm not awake because I want to see if Santa has visited but I am awake before the rest of the family.

So I'm taking a few minutes to be grateful before we launch into a day of feasting and presents.

The first thing I'm grateful for is a history of happy childhood Christmases. I was surrounded by those who loved me and early in my life, encouraged to be part of the world of books and writing. Annuals and Enid Blyton books sitting at the foot of the bed to give my parents chance to sleep longer!

That love of books has been at the core of my life and I hope will remain so and I've seen it passed on to my nieces and now great niece. Many of the presents surrounding the tree downstairs are books.

And I'm grateful that as a family we emphasise creating experiences rather than merely acquiring stuff. My great niece did a rough count of the presents and we were amazed at how many. If it sounds as if we've spent a fortune, we haven't. Limits on spending turn us creative about what we ask for and buy for the others.

My sister spent some time last week, doing a trawl round the charity shops looking for books for one of my nieces. She came back in triumph having succeeded in finding some authors she wanted to pass on.

This year I'm especially grateful that I'm building connections across the world with those whose love of words leads them to help others with their knowledge, skills and passion.

My love of books and words and the pleasure and connections it's brought me over my life so far is beyond any economic value I can assign to it.

Instead it's opened up worlds for me beyond anything I might have imagined in childhood.

On this Christmas morning, I hope that there's something, whether books or not, that opens your life out in the same way.

All blessings.

Will you be a leader in 2013?

I have to put my hand up and admit I've always been bossy.

There I've said it.. and the world hasn't fallen in on me.

Except that being bossy backfired on me more times than enough in my twenties and thirties and so I started moving in the opposite direction... not being bossy.

Which was fine except I began to realise that in some company, I seemed to come out all wimpish.

Are you the one who's the centre of attention or hovering on the edge of the group?

Recently I went to our local theatre, amateur companies only, to watch a performance of Round and Round the Garden, one of Alan Ayckbourn's Norman Conquest Trilogy. In that is a very bossy woman who tries to organise everyone else. She fails of course because most of us resist being organised, even if secretly we'd like someone to take charge of all the things we hate to do.

So what is leadership anyway?

My trusty dictionary tells me that a leader is:

• a person who leads, commands or precedes a group, organisation or country

Being out in front means high visibility, commanding has too many nuances of being bossy, but maybe precedes might work.

When I look at the verb what I find is much more to my liking:

• cause a person to go with one by drawing them along
• show a person the way by preceding or accompanying them

Recently I went to a TEDx on family and community and a young woman talked about leading by serving others.

Then I found a definition that said a leader was someone who had the courage to go first. Unlike the character in Gilbert and Sullivan The Gondoliers who led always from the rear.

How cand you and I be leaders next year?

During the Writing From Your Heart Online Gathering, I received some wonderful feedback. Much of it focused on the same points.

How the writer appreciated the practical nature of the interviews and how touched they were by the courage I was showing by being vulnerable.

Was it deliberate on my part? To a certain extent it was... because I knew that if I wasn't authentic then I might as well not bother to host the event. I am as I am, with all my insecurities and hang ups. And my talents and strengths. 

All of which I have to admit to.

What does 2013 hold for us?

Let's face it. We have no real idea. We make plans, we vision, we dream, we hope. But we have no real idea what will turn up from one moment to the next.

Whether positive or not, we will be surprised by the year. We'll take some decisions with clear sight and others more hoping for a good outcome.

What I'm challenging myself on for 2013 is becoming the leader I need to be. And I think it's important because I have a role to play in the greater scheme of things. 

Whatever the size of my dreams, whatever scope I'm envisaging, I will have to take the steps out in front... before I can expect anyone to follow me. Whether it's to be part of my community or as a helper to create that community.

So how about you?

What will you be the leader for in the next year?

I'd love to hear about your visions and your thoughts about leadership.

Let me know and if you're not already signed up for my Monthly Enfolding join our community

Take advantage of Julia McCutchen's birthday gift to you

 Julia McCutchen is offering a gift to writers... to celebrate her birthday.

Lynn Serafinn on 5 fears of writing and marketing

Wednesday 14th November 7pm I'm lucky enough to have captured Lynn Serafinn and pinned her down for an hour. She's having a whirlwind year with the success of her book, The 7 Graces of Marketing and her Global Conference that followed it up earlier this year.

Lynn Serafinn is nothing short of a phenomenon: author, radio host, marketing and social media expert.

Not only that, she's holding a global vision for the way we do business. Her indepth analysis of what's wrong with the way we sell now and plan to change it, could revolutionise the way you do business.

Sign up here:
 Listen to Lynn Serafinn live or on replay

Sheila Steptoe talks Tuesday 13th November about her transformation on WFYH12

I've just been researching some more about Sheila Steptoe before interviewing her for #WFYH12 on Tuesday.

We connected in the summer and when I called her, I felt the waves of warmth coming down the phone towards me. Lovely.

This week we're discussing spiritual transformation and often the term has put me off by smacking of something out there and not applicable to the life we all lead. With jobs to do and bills to meet and people to get on with.

What I particularly like about Sheila is how down to earth she is. She relates what happened to her but connects it up to us as humans living a spiritual life.

I'd love you to join us.and gain some insight into how to create your own transformation... on a day by day basis.

Join us to listen live or on replay.

Julia McCutchen talks about Conscious and Creative Writing on #WFYH12

In-depth experience, loving guidance and practical wisdom. Julia McCutchen brings all three to the table whenever she talks to writers. I've appreciated her support during this event and am looking forward to discussing her approach to her own writing and mentoring others.

Join us Thursday 15th November 7pm.

Appreciation: Giving and Receiving

Since the Writing From Your Heart Online Gathering began, I've been receiving feedback.

Positive feedback - which is absolutely wonderful.

Because when you set about hosting an online event, challenges abound. For me the technical issues were and remain the things that trip me up the most.

What I have enjoyed above all else is the connection with the speakers... and the listeners.

I've been that holder of a space where people can meet. In the past I've done it in physical space like facilitating courses. But this was my first cyber-space event and to begin with I wondered how I could do it.

Really though it's just the same as if people were in the same room. Doesn't matter that they listen singly all over the world.

For me I imagine them all connected up and together.

That makes it easy and it seems as if those who listen are receiving the feeling that I'm transmitting.

Which brings me back to the appreciation.

One definition of appreciation is: recognition of the value or significance of something.

Over this last weekend I've been mulling over some ideas about giving and receiving appreciation.

Why we offer it, why we don't and why it can be hard to accept.

During the last few years I've listened to dozens of speakers on a variety of online events.

How often have I sent an appreciative comment?

I'm ashamed to say hardly ever.

What stops us offering appreciation?

It's not because I haven't found significance or value in the talks. Far from it.

Especially this year I've gained huge support and inspiration from listening to speakers talking about subjects as diverse as abundance, lessons they need to learn as they follow a spiritual path, and how to improve your health.

So what stopped me?

Inertia, lack of putting myself in their shoes and a feeling it wouldn't matter. Especially with the more well known speakers, I felt that lots of people would be commenting so it didn't make a difference if I didn't.

Now the boot's on the other foot so to speak, I understand exactly what it can mean to a speaker or host to receive a comment that the words have helped them.

So I'm immensely grateful to those who took the time and trouble to comment.

Which brings me the receiving of appreciation.

Why do we find it difficult to accept appreciation?

Years ago I worked in a block of serviced offices and next door to mine was a young woman offering secretarial services. One of her clients came in most weeks and I'd often meet him in the corridor or we three would share a coffee.

On one occasion he complimented me on a jacket I was wearing and my reply was along the lines of 'I've had this ages, etc etc.'

He stopped me and said, 'By not accepting I meant the compliment, you're rejecting my good wishes.'

As you can imagine it stopped me in my tracks and after that I made a conscious effort, and still do to accept        compliments, even when they take unexpected forms.

Do we appreciate ourselves enough?

If we're exhorted to 'love others as ourselves' how good a job are we doing for others when we don't appreciate ourselves?

Not very good. But when much of my upbringing was to stop me being vain, and not blowing my own trumpet then self praise is tough.

I know that when I reach the end of the Gathering and I sit down to assess how it went, it will be more natural to focus on the mistakes than on the sheer achievement of making it happen.

Which would put down those people who took the trouble to send me their thoughts and loving kindnesses. So I've decided that at the head of the review list is going to be a Didn't We Do Well item.

Big lesson for me there.

How do you deal with giving and receiving appreciation?

There's still time to join in with six more powerful speakers in Weeks 4 and 5 as we look at transformation and how we get our message out in the world.

Join us at

Tom Evans, aka The Bookwright, on Channelling, today on WFYH12

Tom Evans, master at Bending Time and producing published books in 14 days, speaks on the subject of Channelling. at 7Pm UK and 11AM Pacific. Lively, direct and so supportive, Tom will share his views, ideas, and experience.

www.writingfromyourheart.com to sign up. Live session and 48 hour replay.

What would it do for your writing and your business to be able to go from blank page to book in your hand in 14 days?

www.tomevans.co.uk

Eileen Parr speaks on Writing From Your Heart Online Gathering tday

Never meant to speak. Didn't think I had anything much to say. Find out tonight at 7PM UK and 11AM Pacific, how and why that changed. Tune in live or on replay by signing up at www.writingfromyourheart.com 

Janet Conner speaks on Writing From Your Heart Online Gathering today

Janet Conner, author of Writing Down Your Soul and The Lotus and the Lily, discusses how she came to write her first book and find the way of writing that has created a sacred new way of living for her.

Find out why I wanted her to speak on this event and what impact she has had on me.

www.janetconner.com

Writing From Your Heart Online Gathering - Week 2

So thankful and delighted with this week's speakers for their wit, wisdom and generosity.

Elizabeth Marshall stepped in at the last minute for a speaker who had to reschedule and gave us gold nuggets galore about the importance of creating deep connections. Since she's worked with some of the top authors it pays to take notice of her. If she's good enough for Michael Port, Seth Godin and Guy Kawasaki, who am I to reject her advice!

Derek Rydall offered such a strong and honest message he had one of my friends saying 'yes that's me and I need to change, NOW!' I love Derek's concept of Emergineering. It's back to allowing our message to come out, not forcing them.

Amethyst Wyldfyre challenged us on our responsibility to stand up and be clear in our message - the one only we can offer.

All offered nuggets and the calls, and generous gifts.

Still time to sign up and receive the gifts. The replays end Sunday 4th November Midnight Pacific Time.

www.writingfromyourheart.com

Amethyst Wyldfyre asks - Are you Hiding Your True Power by not Speaking Out

A challenging interview in store for us today on Writing From Your Heart Online Gathering. Amethyst Wyldfyre offers a provocative perspective on how writers need to tackle these dangerous questions.

Like speaking out... and making money.

Still not reached your full potential? Do you know yet what your full potential might be... if you were prepared to speak out?

Come and join us in this most contentious conversation. Can we be heart centred... and rich? If not why not?

It's a topic that's been an obstacle for me for many years, and this year I'm tackling it head on. I do think it's time I sorted it. If that's you too, well join me as I talk to Amethyst. You can post questions if you join us live and I'll make sure they're covered in the interview.

Not yet registered for the event? That's easy to sort out - just go to www.writingfromyourheart.com. Takes seconds to register.

Amethyst has long experience of shaking people up... to help them fulfil their potential.

I'm prepared... I think!

Come and join us and see what happens.

For more on Amethyst and why I wanted to share her with you, www.theempoweredmessenger.com

For the Gathering Twitter conversation #WFYH12

Derek Rydall and The Law of Emergence: why it's the only law you need to achieve your full potential

Today's interview on the Writing From Your Heart Online Gathering, is with Derek Rydall, Hollywood actor, script writer, and author.

Never made the Law of Attraction work for you? Find out why and how you can finally accept you're perfect as you are.

Sceptical? Come and listen to Derek and park your sceptism for an hour while he explains what he means.

Find out why there's a buzz of conversation over at #WFYH12 and join in with your ideas on what it takes to be a heart centred writer.

As you might expect of an actor, Derek is a powerful speaker, but his words are from his experience and from his heart.  To get access to all the calls go to:

www.writingfromyourheart.com

For more about Derek visit www.lawofemergence.com

Joe Nunziata on Busting Your Karma to Heal Your Life

Today on Writing From Your Heart Online Gathering, I'll be interviewing Joe Nunziata, author of Karma Buster.

Have you ever wondered why you don't make any headway and you keep getting stuck in patterns that make no real sense to you? Listen to Joe and let him show you ways to dissolve those patterns.

Eight years ago I met up with Joe, telephonically when he coached me as a newbie in the writing business. Practical, focused and thorough, he helped me enormously and it will be a pleasure to talk to him again.

As a practitioner, not a theorist, Joe always looks for ways that work to move you on. So I'm expecting an  energetic and life affirming session with him.

If you haven't yet signed up to our community of writers, check us out at www.writingfromyourheart.com
You'll find like minded people trying to develop as heart centred writers, helping each other because we know when one grows, we all thrive.

Make a connection on Twitter at #WFYH12

We'd love to hear about your challenges, your successes and your needs.

For more about Joe's work www.JoeNunz.com

WFYH12 Online Gathering

Taking time to reflect on yesterday. During the day I was such a mixture of nerves and excitement. All the hard work, all the technical challenges - not my favourite part - finally coming together to create a place for us to meet.

Logging into the control panel for the event it was wonderful to see people joining us.Checking on who was asking questions during the discussion with Raphael underlined for me that you do want to know how to deal with the challenges we face being heart centred  writers.

I listened to quite a few of Raphael's recent series about Teaching What You Need to Learn. This featured spiritual teachers from many faiths and opened my eyes to some of their challenges. It's easy to think that because they are out in the world with that tag of being spiritual teachers and counsellors, they have all the answers.

Just as Raphael was prepared to share his vulnerabilities and issues, so did the people he interviewed and I listened to them much heartened.

As he said, living with an undercurrent of joy is one thing, but we still have to face daily challenges. Being able to rest on a secure foundation does mean that we recover faster maybe when we get knocked off balance.

That's a theme I think Sue Morter will talk about later. Looking forward to speaking to her.

August Gold on Igniting Your Creative Voice

Tomorrow on Writing From Your Heart Online Gathering, I interview August Gold, storyteller supreme.

I've been following August's work for some years and what I love about her is her down to earth spirituality. Host of the Happy Hour w/August Gold in New York and author of The Prayer Chest, she combines deep rooted belief in Spirit with a challenging but compassionate way of helping people face the obstacles in their lives.

No time to meditate? Let August show you how you can find those precious minutes that can change your life.

Our third speaker in our first week theme of being in your body, August's high energy delivery will have you laughing, sometimes at yourself, and draw you nearer to the truth of who you really are.

Join us over at www.writingfromyourheart.com Sign up for free, listen for free or to be sure you have all these not to be repeated conversations to keep, check out the event package.

For more about August's work, www.augustgold.net

Over on Twitter check out the #WFYH12 for the ongoing conversation.

Dr Sue Morter on the bridging of spirit and science

On Writing From Your Heart Online Gathering tomorrow 24 October 2012 my guest is Dr Sue Morter, internationally recognised for her work on bridging science, spirit and human possibility.

As the second speaker in Week 1 of our 5 week exploration into what it takes to be a heart centred writer today, Dr Sue as she is known to many people, will continue the theme of grounding us in our bodies while we serve spirit.

From an early age Dr Sue was taught by her father to question the unexpected events in people's health. What caused them, why they didn't respond to treatment and what the individual could do to change matters.

Taking things back to first principles, Dr Sue has built up an impressive body of work and I look forward to a lively, challenging and stimulating discussion.

If you're not signed up for the online gathering head over to www.writingfromyourheart.com  You'll find a list of the speakers and their subjects during our 5 week exploration of what it takes to be a heart centred writer today.

For more about Dr Sue check out her website www.morterhealthcenter.com