Creative Writing Workshops
As a creative writing workshop facilitator, I am most passionate about working with people who don’t consider themselves writers (yet!). There are many talented writing teachers who help writers hone in on their craft and get their work publication-ready. I inhabit a different space. Most of the writers I work with are adults who are getting started with writing — sometimes writing for the first time in their lives, often fulfilling childhood dreams. I especially love working with women who are making time for their writing despite busy work and caretaking schedules, as well as women who are seeking a new creative adventure as they enter a phase of life with fewer responsibilities.
My workshops either follow or are influenced by the Amherst Writers & Artists method. I am certified in this method and am also an Amherst Writers & Artists Affiliate.
For Writers
I offer small-group creative writing workshops a few times a year. The best way to hear about these opportunities is by subscribing to my email newsletter or following my Instagram page. Details and registration, when available, will be housed on this page of my website.
Between workshops, I work with writers one-on-one to support them in meeting their writing goals.
One-hour consultation ($50): Ask me anything! I can help you set goals as a beginning writer and provide some places to start with your writing.
Friendly reader ($35/hour): I can read your current writing and identify your strengths as a writer. If desired, I can also provide gentle guidance to consider or writing resources to explore.
For Organizations
Creative writing is a beautiful, timeless, and accessible form of art. As a business or nonprofit, generative writing workshops can be a transformative offering for the people you serve. Creative writing workshops can also provide a reflective space for staff members and other stakeholders as part of team-building or retreat activities.
Generative writing workshops typically provide prompts as inspiration, which can be easily adapted to the needs of the organization or customized to a theme. Workshops may also provide opportunities for participants to share what they’ve written and respond to each others’ work. In my workshops, responses focus on what is strong about the writing, without criticism.
Together we can create a workshop that meets your budget and needs.
Are you a writer-at-heart ready to put pen to paper? Are you an organization seeking to offer creative writing for your staff or the people you serve? Visit my Contact page, send me an email at Lshscantlebury@gmail.com, or give me a call at (907) 764-3012.
As a writer, most of my education is in creative nonfiction (memoir and essay) and songwriting. My creativity transcends genre, though; I am currently at work on an essay collection, a novel, a book of poems, and a memoir written in prose poetry. (I can’t seem to stick to one project!) I am completing a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Alaska Pacific University, with an expected graduation of July 2024. As a workshop leader I have been facilitating generative creative writing workshops for two years now, including: hosting a songwriting workshop in collaboration with Anchorage Folk Festival (2022); leading generative writing workshops for Write Around the World, Amherst Writers and Artists’ annual fundraiser (2022-2023); facilitating Writing in Your Parks in partnership with Anchorage Park Foundation (2023); and offering my Write Moments virtual creative writing workshops (2021-2023).
“Lauren has a knack for generating clever and thought-provoking writing prompts. That ability, combined with her enthusiasm for language and her patient and generous personality, make her a uniquely effective facilitator of classes fit for anyone seeking to spend some time with their creative side. I’m so glad to have been able to think, experiment, and share ideas with Lauren’s Write Moments workshop!”
“I had the privilege of participating in Lauren’s Write Moments workshops for over a year. I joined knowing that I wanted to write, but unsure of what that would look like. The weekly sessions greatly exceeded my expectations! The space was always a safe place for writing, for sharing, and for learning how to listen to others. I highly recommend Lauren as a teacher/facilitator for anything to do with writing. ”
“Lauren is a wonderful facilitator. She’s low-key but very structured. She asks each participant to set a goal for the four-week writing cycle. Writing with Lauren helped me write productively and effectively. You’ll be astonished at what you can achieve writing with Lauren!”