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All readings are FREE but we do advise you arrive early as seating is limited.
Recent events are listed in the Events Archive.

CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP

Wednesday evenings, in the upstairs library of Shakespeare & Company.

"We write to taste life twice" Anaïs Nin.

The seven-week workshop at Shakespeare and Company unites writers of all ages, nationalities, and backgrounds as participants come together to read, write, and share. Experienced writers encourage those who have never participated in a writing workshop, while intermediate and advanced writers receive concrete feedback and editing suggestions on their work.
This workshop is a great place to discover new poetry and prose, to learn about different genres and writing techniques, to meet people who love to talk about literature and writing, and to share your work. By the end of the seven weeks, even the shyest writers feel comfortable sharing their work and a bond is created as strangers who thought they had nothing in common come together as friends. Long after the workshop ends, participants continue to meet and to exchange their ideas and work.

I have taught writing for over ten years in the Ukraine, US, and France, and was on the editorial board of Pharos, a Parisian literary magazine, for three years. I am also a freelance editor. My poetry and prose has been published in literary magazines. I have lived in Paris since 1999 and began the Writing Workshop at Shakespeare and Company in 2004 because I hadn't found the writing community I longed to meet. When I walked into the bookshop and asked Sylvia Whitman if she would host a writing workshop, she was very positive and welcoming. Upstairs in the library, George Whitman greeted me with open arms and asked, "How long can you stay?" I am very thankful for their continued support.

The two-hour class is divided into two sections. First, we talk about developing good writing habits; readings and events in Paris; and places to submit work. Then, we read a published excerpt that I bring in. Fields include poetry, flash fiction, memoir, non-fiction, place, strong beginnings, frames, and new trends in literature. We talk about everything from how the author has achieved the effect to whether or not we like the piece and if it works or not. Usually, there is a lively debate. I assign an optional homework assignment linked to the theme of the evening. During the second hour of the class, writers who are ready to share their work pass out copies, and we read and discuss it in a positive, encouraging atmosphere. The cost of the entire workshop is 70 euros. Seven weeks together creates a bond of trust and friendship. Many participants tell me that the workshop is one of the things that they appreciated most about Paris. I hope that you will consider joining us for a session. Please e-mail me at pariswritingworkshop@yahoo.com for details.

The upstairs library at Shakespeare and Company is the perfect atmosphere for a writing workshop. We begin each class to the chime of the bells of Notre Dame, and we are surrounded by George Whitman's impressive and diverse collection of novels, memoirs, and history books. Many participants tell me that they feel energized and ready to write after each session. I am convinced that the library, filled with books and memories, creates much of this energy.

Janet Skeslien Charles