Allegheny Echoes - Writing Workshops

Creative Writing – All Levels
Sherrell Wigal, a West Virginia native, focuses her writing primarily upon poetry and very short fiction. She has been featured at numerous events throughout West Virginia and the Appalachian region, both as a performer of her original poetry and as a workshop leader. One of the founding members of Allegheny Echoes, Sherrell is dedicated to helping writers throughout the region establish their own voices in writing and to be confident, both in the creation and presentation of their work. Sherrell’s work has appeared in numerous literary journals throughout the United States and Canada. Presently, Sherrell and Suzette Bradshaw are in production with their first spoken word recording together.

Creative Writing - Master
Edwina Pendarvis, born in eastern Kentucky, has lived in Huntington, WV, and taught at Marshall University since 1979. She served as Associate Editor for the Journal of Appalachian Studies from 2002 until 2004, and she often writes about people and places in rural Appalachia. Joy Ride, a collection of her poems is featured in Human Landscapes by Bottom Dog Press. A second collection, Like the Mountains of China, was published by Blair Mountain Press. Her upcoming book, Raft Tide and Railroad: How We Lived and Died, is due from Bottom Dog Press in the Summer of 2008.

Creative Writing Workshops Abstract

Romancing the Writing Muse

The Creative Writing Workshop will emphasize tips, techniques and tricks to put the writer into a receptive mind, and open to receive what the creative muse has to give to each of us. Participants will take part in “hands-on” writing exercises designed to free the writer from the fear often presented by the blank page. Any age and skill level are welcome in the workshop. Everyone will leave the workshop with some finished writing as well as work which can be developed later into completed pieces.

A tentative schedule follows; however, once the workshop begins, changes may occur in order to accommodate the unique dynamics of the group.

Monday – Participants will gather for introductions to the classroom and each other. The workshop the first day will focus on the sense of community among writers and each other. Introductory exercises are designed to create a place of safety and security and allow everyone to begin a journey and relationship with the writing muse.

Tuesday – A “road-trip” is planned for this day to assist the writer in connecting with nature and place. Interactive exercises are given as jumping off points to assist participants in connecting to their writing and allowing the flow of words to come naturally. (Walking shoes, sunscreen and bug repellant are encouraged for this workshop).

Wednesday – Wednesday will include exercises and examples of work by our Creative Writing Master who will join us in the afternoon for a presentation and discussion of her work. The Creative Writing Master will also give a presentation Wednesday evening for all Allegheny Echoes participants.

Thursday – More interactive exercises will focus on understanding work suitable for public presentation. Tips and techniques will be given for reading in public. Each class member is encouraged (though not required) to participate in the Student Concert on Thursday evening.

Friday – This is the final day of workshop and we will have exercises and assignments to stimulate the participants in writing from the place where the muse dwells.

For more information specific to the Creative Writing classes e-mail:
Kirk Judd - taobilly@yahoo.com

Writing Workshops
The 12th Annual Summer Workshops June 22- 28, 2008 - Marlinton, West Virginia
		The 2008 Allegheny Echoes Writing Workshops Instructors \| Abstract \| Group Poems "These mountains echo with the tunes the old ones play, the tales they tell . . ."
Creative Writing – All Levels Sherrell Wigal, a West Virginia native, focuses her writing primarily upon poetry and very short fiction. She has been featured at numerous events throughout West Virginia and the Appalachian region, both as a performer of her original poetry and as a workshop leader. One of the founding members of Allegheny Echoes, Sherrell is dedicated to helping writers throughout the region establish their own voices in writing and to be confident, both in the creation and presentation of their work. Sherrell’s work has appeared in numerous literary journals throughout the United States and Canada. Presently, Sherrell and Suzette Bradshaw are in production with their first spoken word recording together. Creative Writing - Master Edwina Pendarvis, born in eastern Kentucky, has lived in Huntington, WV, and taught at Marshall University since 1979. She served as Associate Editor for the Journal of Appalachian Studies from 2002 until 2004, and she often writes about people and places in rural Appalachia. Joy Ride, a collection of her poems is featured in Human Landscapes by Bottom Dog Press. A second collection, Like the Mountains of China, was published by Blair Mountain Press. Her upcoming book, Raft Tide and Railroad: How We Lived and Died, is due from Bottom Dog Press in the Summer of 2008. Creative Writing Workshops Abstract Romancing the Writing Muse The Creative Writing Workshop will emphasize tips, techniques and tricks to put the writer into a receptive mind, and open to receive what the creative muse has to give to each of us. Participants will take part in “hands-on” writing exercises designed to free the writer from the fear often presented by the blank page. Any age and skill level are welcome in the workshop. Everyone will leave the workshop with some finished writing as well as work which can be developed later into completed pieces. A tentative schedule follows; however, once the workshop begins, changes may occur in order to accommodate the unique dynamics of the group. Monday – Participants will gather for introductions to the classroom and each other. The workshop the first day will focus on the sense of community among writers and each other. Introductory exercises are designed to create a place of safety and security and allow everyone to begin a journey and relationship with the writing muse. Tuesday – A “road-trip” is planned for this day to assist the writer in connecting with nature and place. Interactive exercises are given as jumping off points to assist participants in connecting to their writing and allowing the flow of words to come naturally. (Walking shoes, sunscreen and bug repellant are encouraged for this workshop). Wednesday – Wednesday will include exercises and examples of work by our Creative Writing Master who will join us in the afternoon for a presentation and discussion of her work. The Creative Writing Master will also give a presentation Wednesday evening for all Allegheny Echoes participants. Thursday – More interactive exercises will focus on understanding work suitable for public presentation. Tips and techniques will be given for reading in public. Each class member is encouraged (though not required) to participate in the Student Concert on Thursday evening. Friday – This is the final day of workshop and we will have exercises and assignments to stimulate the participants in writing from the place where the muse dwells. For more information specific to the Creative Writing classes e-mail: Kirk Judd - taobilly@yahoo.com
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