Writing Workshops for Adults


Participate in workshops to sharpen skills. Learn from award-winning poets, practice new strategies and meet fellow writers. For information and registration, contact
Mimi Madden at 860.677.4787 ext 182 or poetry@hillstead.org.


2012

March 18, Sunday, 1:30–5 pm
"TELL ME A SECRET: WRITING YOUR MEMOIR"
Workshop with Bessy Reyna

Have you been thinking about writing your memoir and wondering, "Where do I start?" Let award-winning author Bessy Reyna (www.bessyreyna.com) provide you with the tools in this workshop. This session also complements previous work done by participants in Rennie McQuilkin's "Childhood Reminiscence" workshop. Join us and find new ways to mine the richness of the stories in your life. Handouts will be mailed to registrants prior to the session. Admission is $20 for members, $25 for members-to-be. Space is limited – reserve your spot today! Register by emailing wadsworths@hillstead.org.

May 19, Saturday
1:30–5 pm
"AN HOMAGE TO THE HOMAGE: What Close Modeling Can Teach Us About Writing Poems"
Workshop with Steve Straight

In this workshop participants will work from published poems to produce their own new work. Examples will be provided, but those attending are encouraged to bring one or two short poems by other poets they admire. Admission is $20 for members, $25 for members-to-be. For information or to register, contact Sarah Wadsworth at 860.677.4787 ext 134 or wadsworths@hillstead.org. Space is limited – reserve your spot today!

June 2, Saturday
9–11:30 am
"Writing Against the Current"
Workshop with Lisa C. Taylor for Teachers grades 8–12

Poetry speaks to teenagers with its emotional impact and visceral images. In this time of new Common Core Standards and increased academic rigor, poetry has an important place in your English/Language Arts classroom. From cutting edge contemporary poets that speak to students, to dynamic writing activities encouraging critical and creative thinking, this workshop will transform your class into a virtual poetry café! We will be writing, inventing, performing, risk-taking. Teachers will leave with exciting tools for motivating budding writers. Admission is $20 for members, $25 for members-to-be. For information or to register, contact Sarah Wadsworth at 860.677.4787 ext 134 or wadsworths@hillstead.org. Space is limited – reserve your spot today! Find out more about Lisa Taylor at www.lisactaylor.com

June 2, Saturday
9–11:30 am
"Assorted Expression"
Workshop with Brook Yung for middle school, high school and college students

Featured poet for the festival's Connecticut's Young Poets Day (June 2), B. Yung will lead a dynamic workshop for young writers that engages all the senses, with a focus on the spoken word. The 21-year-old poet and international hip hop star emphasizes the importance of rhythm, rhyme, and powerful imagery in creating and performing poetry. Admission is $15 for students, $20 for members, $25 for members-to-be. For information or to register, contact Sarah Wadsworth at 860.677.4787 ext 134 or wadsworths@hillstead.org. Space is limited – reserve your spot today!

June 3, Sunday
9–11:30 am
"Create Your Story"
Workshop with Minton Sparks

Tremendous value lies in locating yourself within a particular time and place in history. Focusing on the questions, "Where are you from?" and "How does this inform the definition of who you are?" you will write your own stories, explore your family tree, and learn from Minton's own work and experience. Minton will then guide you through using your stories to create various poems and performances. Admission is $20 for members, $25 for members-to-be. For information or to register, contact Sarah Wadsworth at 860.677.4787 ext 134 or wadsworths@hillstead.org. Space is limited – reserve your spot today! Find out more about Minton Sparks at www.mintonsparks.com

June 3, Sunday
9–11:30 am
"Poetry, Nature, and Seeing What's Hidden in Plain Sight"
Workshop with David Leff

This workshop will include lively readings, discussion, a short walk on the museum's beautiful and historic grounds, and a writing assignment with feedback. We will begin with the premise that nature poetry is as much about human nature as it is about the environment. Participants can expect an emphasis on sharpening all the senses to better perceive the world around them. Come dressed to spend at least some time outside regardless of the weather. Admission is $20 for members, $25 for members-to-be. For information or to register, contact Sarah Wadsworth at 860.677.4787 ext 134 or wadsworths@hillstead.org. Space is limited – reserve your spot today! Find out more about David Leff at www.davidkleff.com

July 30–August 1
Monday–Wednesday
9 am–3 pm
THREE-DAY TEACHER WORKSHOP WITH TONY HOAGLAND
"Five Powers of Poetry: Reading, Writing, and Teaching Contemporary Poetry"

This workshop, for teachers and other interested, serious writers, takes place during the course of the Sunken Garden Poetry Festival. To find out more, visit www.fivepowerspoetry.com/thefivepowers.html. Admission is $300 for three days, plus admission to Tony Hoagland's poetry reading on the evening of August 1, the Festival's 20th Season Finale performance. Space is limited – reserve your spot today! Register by emailing wadsworths@hillstead.org.

October 21, Sunday, 1:30–5 pm
"THE LIBERATING VILLANELLE: Freedom through Form"
Workshop with John Stanizzi

In this workshop participants will read and discuss two of the most powerful and well-known villanelles – Dylan Thomas' Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night and Elizabeth Bishop's One Art – and then write stanzas using the Villanelle form. The purpose is that writers might experience the sense of creative freedom that can emerge from studying and working within the "confines" of traditional forms. Admission is $20 for members, $25 for members-to-be. For information or to register, contact Sarah Wadsworth at 860.677.4787 ext 134 or wadsworths@hillstead.org. Workshops fill fast – reserve your spot today!