“The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by play.”
- Carl Jung
For a creative twist, some writers impose unique conditions on their work as they craft a piece. Instructor Kimberly Lee says, “Dr. Seuss wrote Green Eggs and Ham on a bet—that he couldn’t write an entire book using only 50 words. Or imagine trying this: 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 class, we’ll look at examples by writers who use these techniques, then engage with inventive writing exercises, freeing our own imaginations. During class sessions, we’ll explore how constraints may inspire both poetry and prose. We’ll be surprised by the ideas that spring forth—and thrilled with the original results!
The class will include a taste of SoulCollage®, an expressive arts method through which we’ll use creative constraints to make collages, then write in dynamic with the visual material using specified prompts. “Artistic ability is not required, but curiosity is celebrated,” says Kimberly.
Participants will have the opportunity to share their work with the group—if they choose—and receive positive, uplifting feedback.
Writers will leave the class with fresh, generative ways to approach their current and future projects, as well as several short pieces of writing that can be further refined or transformed into the beginnings of a larger work.
*Please click on the "Class Prep" tab below to find out what to bring to class.
About The Writing Salon's Online Zoom Classes
You will be able to participate in live class meetings via Zoom videoconference. To attend classes, you'll need a phone, tablet or computer and access to the internet. You can participate in the class from wherever you'd like, whether on your living room couch or in your office. Before your class meets, you'll receive an email from The Writing Salon with more information about Zoom and your remote class. If you have any questions about remote learning, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@writingsalons.com.
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 an Amherst Writers & Artists facilitator and affiliate and serves on its board of directors. She is trained and certified by The Center for Journal Therapy, The Center for Intentional Creativity, and SoulCollage®. A former editor and regular contributor at Literary Mama, Kimberly has also served on the staffs of Carve and F(r)iction magazines. Her stories and essays have appeared in publications and anthologies including Minerva Rising, LA Parent, Toyon, The Ekphrastic Review, Read650, and elsewhere. She lives in Southern California with her husband and three children.
- Live Zoom Meeting: Tuesday, May 28, 6:30pm-9:00pm
- Live Zoom Meeting: Tuesday, June 04, 6:30pm-9:00pm
- Live Zoom Meeting: Tuesday, June 11, 6:30pm-9:00pm
Kindly have the following items on hand:
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- A 5×8-inch (approximate) piece of cardstock or cardboard
- 3-4 magazines with images of people, animals, objects, and larger background settings or patterns (digital image will also work!)
- Your favorite writing instruments
Kimberly shared many ideas and techniques to push my creative writing in unexpected and delightful directions. I was inspired to write!
Kimberly has a generous spirit that infused all we did. The prompts were spot on and never failed to move me in unexpected directions.