Workshops, Retreats, and Mentoring Sessions

Patricia's approach:

The purpose of coming together to exchange creative work is to keep opening the channels by which we share our human experience. To do this, it's essential to establish an atmosphere of mutual respect, for each other and the process itself. I have developed a technique I call creative listening, which is a very useful tool for a writer to have and essential as a participant in a group. We learn to notice the connections, rather than the flaws, to become aware of where the story is coming from, and where it may want to take us. I have always found that participants learn as much from each other as from the instructor, once this atmosphere of trust and confidence is established.

I prefer to keep class sizes small - with an optimum of 10 to 12 participants - in order to maximize a free exchange between writers, and to ensure that each member of a group has enough space to develop at her or his own pace. You are free to keep your writing private, shared only with the course leader, but encouraged to share your experience of the creative process itself, its challenges and rewards. All participants are asked to respect the intimacy of the writing circle, placing the integrity of the individual above all matters of taste, opinion, and value judgements.

Spring - Summer 2008

Creative as Weeds and Wildflowers

A Solstice Weekend Writing Workshop, June 21 - 22

We can all feel it as the light lasts longer each day, energy returns, spirits lift, and our enthusiasm for life grows like the weeds. To celebrate the Solstice this year, you are invited to let the warmth of the sun inspire your creative life, too, with a weekend writing workshop on Gabriola Island.

Retreats

Give yourself a break. Free of the demands of daily routine, let the tranquility of a Gulf Island setting give you room to breathe and time to devote your attention to the work you care about. Whether you are launching into a new project or returning to an old one to lift it to another level, or simply looking for stimulation to move forward with your writing, a retreat at The Writers' Haven may be just what you need.

Individual Coaching

Screenplay and Stageplay Development

Registration and payment in full must be received three weeks in advance of a course, with a non-refundable deposit of $50.00 if you are forced to cancel. A full refund will be sent to you if a course is unavoidably cancelled by the Writers' Haven.