On Writing

writ . ing 1a. To form (letters, words, or symbols) on a surface with an instrument such as a pen. (American Heritage Dictionary, our favorite.)  Or as one writer famously said, writing is like “sitting at the typewriter and opening a vein.” A bit messy, but you get the idea.  You put all you’ve got into it.  Still now, somewhere there’s a quiet blank page waiting…

Spring 2009 workshops take their inspiration from the wet soil after so much early rain, from the ospreys just circling back overhead, from the lengthening light of day.  “Sowing seeds: the writers garden” is a five-week session on nature writing. Exercises help you get started, plant a few seeds, weed the rows, cultivate your next personal essay or memoir excerpt. Writing set in a specific landscape or in an imagined one, defining our connection to the natural world, digging in the dirt of metaphor, that’s what this workshop is about. Contact the shop for further information and to register.

012709 Our most recent memoir writing session, “Necessary Stories,” is soon to conclude. We began in autumn and writing right through the hectic winter holidays, we’ve arrived in the New Year with a folder full of good work to carry us forward. My workshops are always rooted in and inspired by the turning of the seasons. My next session will begin in March with the intention of sowing seeds. Meanwhile, the second session of writing with Thomas Merton is underway and reaching the halfway point. Writers in this group are writing deeply considered essays on spiritual topics. The rewards of their  efforts have been many. To join in the next workshop sessions, please contact the shop at 725-4926 and speak with Maryann about your writing interest.

040908 Hot memoirs sizzled this summer. Despite the heat, the busy social scene, house guests and the allure of beaches, these writers cooked!  It was a dedicated group, their attention focused despite the distractions of the season.  Who said the Hamptons is just a playground? One thing that helped: Natalie Goldberg’s new book: Old Friend from Far Away: The Practice of Writing Memoir.  Most of us have used  Writing Down the Bones to get started. Now Old Friend continues the conversation.   It really helped free me up, said one participant.  I recommend Old Friend especially to those new to writing personal narrative.   Writers familiar with academic or technical writing will find Goldberg’s work especially encouraging.  She helps us bring out our more authenic, unique voice.

Now that summer’s heat is dissipating, we’ll be forming an autumn writing group.  Time to sharpen your pencils,  open a fresh new notebook, and meet yourself on the page. Contact Canio’s Books for more about Autumn Memoirs.

03Aug 08 Our Hot Memoir workshop is underway with a committed group of writers ready to delve into the heart and heat of their work. We’re finding a new book by Natalie Goldberg helpful: Old Friend from Far Away: the Practice of Writing Memoir offers lots of wonderful exercises to try and refreshingly direct advice for leaping into a project. The small supportive group is a great place to try out new drafts. If you’ve missed the sign-up for Hot Memoirs, fear not, we’ll be offering an Autumn workshop later on. Meanwhile, keep writing.

20 July 08: Local farms are about bursting with delicious vegetables, flower gardens are in high color…fiery reds, salmon pinks and sunny yellows of a fecund summer. In the heat of it all, we offer a summertime writing workshop: Hot Memoirs: a five-week intensive. The workshop is designed for serious beginning writers interested in developing personal essays into fuller memoir. The small group setting allows for individuals to read and critique one another’s work in a cooperative and encouraging atmosphere. Led by Maryann Calendrille, M.F.A. and co-owner of Canio’s Books, the workshop begins Tuesday, July 29 and continues through August 26. Space is limited and registration is required, so please contact the shop at 725-4926. Or send e-mail to info@caniosbooks.com.