Creative
Workshops 2006 - February Writing Newsletter
Dear writer
Listening
I have been
thinking of writing as listening… the sound of one hand writing or of two
processing…. listening to wells gurgling deep below the surface… listening for
the sound of the reader drawing water.
Rumi writes of deep listening:
….the branches of your intelligence grow new
leaves
in the wind of listening. The body reaches
a peace.
Rooster sound comes reminding you of your love for dawn.
The reed flute and the singer’s lips.
The knack of
how spirit breathes into us becomes as simple
and ordinary
as eating and drinking…. As brightness is to time,
so are you
to the one who talks to the deep ear in your chest.
Apologies
for unsolicited email. I have needed to reconstitute my e-mail lists from names on my general
list. Please let me know if you don’t
want this letter and/or if I have addressed your twin as well (some addresses
might be under both family and first name).
I wish to enthuse about the courses that my friend, Bob Commin, poet, priest and storyteller, runs in the
(h) 021 447 9550 (w) 021 670 7544 082 2025303 bcommin@netactive.co.za
….and another book shaken out of the
process of mentoring. Sue Gow will soon be self-publishing A Shake of Light. Hooray Sue. The light filters through these
poems.
And talking of books… Lali Sher, who has
attended several workshops, is keen to compile a Grandmother book.
“Do
you carry grandmother wisdom in your heart? Even if you are 23? Or 103? You do
not need to be a biological grandmother to send poems, short stories and
fragments. I am collecting material by South African women of all ages. I will
also need drawings and photographs. Email me with questions, ideas and
thoughts: ray.sher@pixie.co.za .”
Something new!
A number of folk, some
of whom live in the small places of the earth, have approached me about writing
courses, as opposed to workshops or mentoring. I
plan to run a pilot one called Write Write Write
with Elma Pollard, my partner and fellow editor and writing coach. As she is
bilingual, you can write in either Afrikaans or English. This
online/email course will be based on my book, The Writer’s Voice. Participants
will be linked to and
support each other through e-mail. For four months you will be part of a
virtual writing community of 6-10 folk, submit assignments and resubmit in a
feedback loop, which includes group input.
A choice of the genres. Any
interest?
I will be in
Workshops
…and so to the Feb -May 06 workshops… I’m
grateful to those who pass on this letter.
The River Journey: Writing Retreat at
Vaaloewer
Sat and Sun 18 and 19 March
09.30 -16.00 (R780)
I do not know
much about gods; but … the river Is a strong brown god (T S Eliot)
Explore your life stories through your
connection to nature. We draw images and symbols from the river and the
landscape around it. We create and craft our writing journey. There will be
time for silence, bird watching and for dreaming.
Travelling – 100km ex J’burg. B & B available at reasonable rates.
Contact: Dorian or Sandy Drew tdfsys@pixie.co.za 016 987 8194
Words, You and your Story - A Creative Writing Workshop
Sat 4 Feb (half day)
(This
workshop will be repeated in Noordhoek Sat
1 April 14.00
–17.30)
This mini-workshop is about getting in
touch with the writer inside you. We explore our creativity and imagination and
find the words to tell those stories… to make them more alive. The workshop
also focuses on how to be present in your writing, find your voice and engage
the reader. For beginners and for those who wish to reconnect to words. People
working on life stories, poetry, fiction, articles will benefit.
My Life, my Death: A Writing and
Story-telling Workshop (R360)
Sun 5 Feb
09.30 -16.30
(with
Peter Fox, co-author of Dying, A Practical Guide for the Journey)
We’re constantly in the flow of life and
death. In this workshop we celebrate our life and befriend our death. Myths, stories and poetry guide us for the
day.
Venue: 16 Avenue
Rd Newlands
Words, You and your Story: A Creative Writing Workshop
Sat 18
February 09.30 –16.00 (R290) (full day)
(see
and
squinting into the distance …May…
Hermanus (Volmoed)
Walking with your Story: A Creative Retreat (with Bob Commin)
5-7
May (18.00 Fri. – Sun 14.30) R
780*
We explore our life stories through our connection to nature. We visit
waterfall, dark wood, mountain, grotto, lily pond, meditation hut and chapel.
We draw from these places the images, symbols and themes for our life journey.
(The price includes 2 nights accommodation shared (single supplement
R600* for locals where no accommodation is required)
Zen Men
Breath and Words (with Bob Commin)
19-21
May
Ixopo Buddhist Retreat Centre 039 834 1863 brcixopo@futurenet.co.za
During this
weekend we live and breathe as a brotherhood of men. We explore how meditation
and words help us to be present in ourselves, our relationships, our loving and
fathering, work, play, health and our re-creation. We take as guide poets, monks, and mystics.
May the ears in our chests be open.
Dorian
There are wells within your heart.
Some fill with each good rain.
Others are too deep for that.
(Hafiz)
Dr Dorian Haarhoff
021 852 7587 / 082 873 6802
http://dorianhaarhoffwriter.homestead.com
Marais Street