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Writing With Constraints: Free Your Creativity
$75
“The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by play.” —Carl Jung
For a creative twist, some prose writers impose unique conditions on their work as they craft a piece. Dr. Seuss wrote Green Eggs and Ham on a bet: that he couldn’t write an entire book using only 50 words. Here’s another dare: Write about a trek through the desert without using the words “sand,” “cactus,” “water,” “sun,” and “heat.”
Challenging ourselves in this fun way can have an oddly liberating effect, leading to rich, resonant writing. In this generative workshop, we’ll look at examples by writers who use these techniques, then engage with inventive writing exercises, freeing our own imaginations. We’ll be surprised by the ideas that spring forth—and thrilled with the original results! The workshop will include a taste of SoulCollage®, an expressive arts method through which we’ll use creative constraints to make collages, then write about them using specified prompts.
Access Program
We want our writing classes and Delves to be accessible to everyone, regardless of income and background. We understand that our tuition structure can present obstacles for some people. Our Access Program offers writing class and Delve tuitions at a reduced rate. The access program for writing classes covers 60% of the class tuition. Most writing classes have at least one access spot available.
Please apply here for access rate tuition. Contact Susan Moore at susan@literary-arts.org if you have questions.
Kimberly Lee
Kimberly Lee left the practice of law some years ago to focus on motherhood, community work, and creative pursuits. A graduate of Stanford University and UC Davis School of Law, she is certified as a workshop facilitator by The Center for Journal Therapy, The Center for Intentional Creativity, SoulCollage®, and Amherst Writers and Artists, and she serves on the board of directors of the latter. A former editor and regular contributor at Literary Mama, she has also served on the staffs of Carve and F(r)iction magazines. Kimberly’s stories and essays have appeared in publications and anthologies including Minerva Rising, LA Parent, Fresh Ink, Words and Whispers, Toyon, The Ekphrastic Review, Wow! Women on Writing, Read650, Mom Egg Review, and elsewhere. She lives in Southern California with her husband and three children.
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