About Us
Creative Sphere Writers Workshop
Creative Sphere Writers Workshop provides a time, space, and place to generate fresh, new writing, to discover or recover unique stories, experiment freely with craft, and connect with your writerly voice. In the midst of busy lives, our workshops are a carved-out space to give yourself the gift of time and the inspiration to write copiously and freely.
Our workshops use the Amherst Writers & Artists™ writing group method. The AWA method was developed by Pat Schneider and is described in her book Writing Alone & With Others (Oxford University Press, 2003).
At Creative Sphere Writers Workshop, we write during our time together and everyone receives feedback every week. We use prompts to foster exploration of craft, spark imagination and memory, and write on the spot during the workshop time itself. Every member has the option to share their writing, and fellow members respond in support of new writing with feedback about what works, what's memorable, and what's strong. This way, the writer can take the new writing they've created and the feedback they've received, and decide what is next for that piece of writing.
Our goal is for you to leave each workshop with fresh, spontaneous writing, feeling invigorated by the new work you've created, and encouraged by feedback from fellow members.
Our workshops are designed to meet the needs of writers of all skill levels, working in any genre. From experienced authors seeking to deepen your craft and push your work further to those who haven't written creatively in years or ever, you will find an inspiring, creative home here. Workshops are for adults, and currently take place entirely on Zoom.
The AWA Method
AWA is based on 5 essential affirmations:
1. Everyone has a strong, unique voice.
2. Everyone is born with creative genius.
3. Writing as an art form belongs to all people, regardless of economic class or education level.
4. The teaching of craft can be done without damage to a writer’s original voice or artistic self-esteem.
5. A writer is someone who writes.
Creative Sphere Writers Workshop upholds these principles in its practices. Our writing sessions are facilitated in the AWA method: the groups are generative opportunities to write on the spot and share that prompted writing with others. You’ll receive positive, supportive feedback about what is working in your writing and you always have the opportunity to pass. AWA groups value equity —the role of the facilitator is to keep the group productive, prolific, and protective of each individual writer during the workshop.
In AWA workshops, we treat all writing as art, story, and literature. When we respond to each other's writing, we refer to the narrator, speaker, or character, rather than "you" or even "the writer." This provides a protective layer for all writers; group members respond only to the work itself and the voice or voices that inhabit it - not to the writer. We do not make assumptions about whether the piece comes from imagination or memory. This allows all writers to write freely without fear or discomfort about what is shared in the writing.
Additionally, confidentiality is a core value of all AWA workshops, and we agree that writing that is shared in the group is not discussed outside of the group without expressed permission of the writer.
Project Development & Developmental Editing
Designed for both aspiring authors and seasoned writers, our project development and developmental editing services provide valuable support and focused feedback to help you bring your ideas to the page. We work with writers of all genres, at all levels of writing experience.
Examples of What We Offer:
- Tailored Project Development
- Brainstorming Sessions: Collaborate to generate ideas and structure your story
- Outlining Assistance: Create a clear roadmap to guide your writing process
- Character Development: Examine character arcs and motivations to make them unforgettable
- Expert Developmental Editing
- In-Depth Feedback: Receive constructive feedback on plot, pacing, voice, style, and structure
- Voice and Style: Capture your unique voice and those of your characters while ensuring consistency throughout your writing
- Theme Exploration: Uncover and strengthen the underlying themes in your work
- Ongoing Support
- Regular Check-ins: Stay motivated and on track with scheduled updates and feedback sessions
- Resource Recommendations: Receive information on further writing tools, articles, and workshops to further hone your skills
A message from Susan Josephs, Workshop Facilitator
My first experience with Amherst Writers and Artists was in a weekly workshop led by Joan Marie Wood in Oakland, CA in 1996. I immediately recognized the unique qualities inherent in this method. In the years since, of the many different types of writing workshops I've attended, AWA workshops have consistently allowed me to feel the most joy, the most moved by creative spirit, and, simply put, to get the most actual writing accomplished. In the AWA setting, I'm able to make those creative connections that push my work forward because of the freeing, spontaneous nature of AWA writing and supportive responding.
Writing with others reminds us of the unique bonds writers hold with one another; whether on Zoom or in person, we share the ability and desire to use the written word to make sense of our world, and bring voices and characters to life that enhance our own lives and those of others.
For the past 25 years, I've taught writing throughout the Greater Philadelphia area, from emerging literacy with elementary students to college level writing, most recently at Delaware Valley University. I have an undergraduate degree in English from Oberlin College, and a Master's degree in Reading/Writing/Literacy from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, and am certified in the Amherst Writers and Artists method. I'm thrilled to take on the role of facilitator of Creative Sphere Writers Workshop, and I look forward to writing with you soon!