If you are interested in having Colleen facilitate an AWA workshop or you wish to attend an online zoom, or in person workshop email: TheHudsonValleyStoryCottage@gmail.com
The Story Cottage writing workshops utilize the Amherst Writers and Artists Method (AWA). This non-hierarchical approach to writing supports all genres and skill levels by emphasizing:
- voice
- confidence
- craft
At The Story Cottage, writers are encouraged to put all previous assumptions about writing aside and to focus on The Five Essential Affirmations:
- Everyone has a strong, unique voice.
- Everyone is born with creative genius.
- Writing as an art form belongs to all people regardless of economic class or educational level.
- The teaching of craft can be done without damage to a writer’s original voice or artistic self-esteem.
- A writer is someone who writes.
The Writing Workshop
The Amherst Writers and Artists Method method, designed by Pat Schneider, provides a safe environment for writers at all levels to discover their unique voices, to learn what they do well, and to improve their craft. In these workshops we write to prompts and respond to writing using the following AWA guidelines.
- Write
- Read
- Listen
- Respond
We write in response to prompts provided by the workshop facilitator.
Writers read newly composed first draft writing but only if writer chooses to read.
We listen deeply to brand new writing.
We respond by telling the reader what remember, what stays with us, what was strong.
We do not critique brand new writing.
The Story Cottage 