method

THE LAKESHORE METHOD

“I want to free what waits within me so that it flows from me like a river, no forcing, no holding back.” – Rilke

LAKESHORE WRITERS WORKSHOP is an outgrowth of the method developed by Pat Schneider, founder of Amherst Writers & Artists, and is based upon the philosophy that “every person is a writer, and every writer deserves a safe environment in which to experiment, learn, and develop craft.”

At Lakeshore Writers Workshops, we write together in response to prompts and  respond to the writing with precise feedback, echoing the strongest aspects of each piece. Craft discussion is woven into each writing session. We do not critique or suggest changes to our workshop writing, as it is fresh and unedited by the author. Opportunities are available for manuscripts critique and encouragement in one on one sessions with Teresa or in manuscript workshops offered throughout the year.  Craft classes are offered each year to explore specific aspects of craft.

In the workshops, all writing, regardless of genre, is treated as fiction to minimize the personal vulnerability of the writer and maintain appropriate boundaries within the  workshop. Though the workshops are not intended to be therapy, we believe that writing as a practice is a powerful tool for self discovery and healing for writers from all backgrounds.

Lakeshore Writers Workshops offer a safe and supportive setting for writers of all levels, allowing new writers the opportunity to explore the artistry of their own voices, experienced writers to generate new material and writers and other artists a place to work through creative blocks. At Lakeshore Writers, Workshops and Classes are kept to a maximum of eight participants to ensure productive use of each writers time and resources.

Participants in Lakeshore Writers Workshops have published poetry, fiction and non-fiction and won prizes and awards in the U.S.