Writing Workshops
We write to timed prompts to spark creativity, step into flow, find our story. We write to surprise ourselves and discover the bounty of stories that lie within.
Ten people come together and write, choose to share (or not you decide), listen to others and write some more. Creativity and exploration in a non-judgment environment. Intimate, connecting, fun. It is like a yoga class for writing.
Later workshops help you to find your story and, through group feedback, to hone your story.
Current virtual writing workshops
Give the gift of a writing workshop.
WRITING GROUP LEADER
Kathy Katims
In March 2020, seeing an urgent need for connection, Kathy offered her first prompt driven writing workshop. Since then she has offered over 100 workshops and they are still going strong. People have described the workshops as “life changing” “church” “a storytelling laboratory” “yoga for writing” and most importantly “safe.”
What people are saying about our writing workshops
“Having written almost no prose before, I found Kathy’s class was revelatory and liberating! Kathy’s prompts take you quickly to places you didn’t even know you would go. Memories surface and somehow words fly. Intimate, fun, moving - And also a sacred space which is so important these days. I so enjoyed getting to know these 10 participants through their words and really really looked forward to meeting up virtually each week. Thank you Kathy for creating such a warm and inspirational place.”
–Karen Croner
“Every class opens the door to a story, a way of writing, a feeling, an idea I surprise myself with. Saved by a Story–The Workshop is a warm embrace of acceptance, surprise, inspiration. And the caliber of the other participants, really keeps me on my toes creatively! Acceptance and challenge. I love it.”
–Jan Oxenberg
"This prompt driven online class guided by Katheen Katims is a perfect space to inspire and support writers to find their own process and story. From my experience all creativity has a fragility especially in the early stages. This fragility is important and comes from the very fertile vulnerability of the artist. So, to have a place where you can write and read your work or write and not share and if you share, you are heard by Kathy and the rest of the group without comment but with a deep connected listening is amazing. And the fact that even if you don’t share out loud, you have WRITTEN for 15 or 20 minutes which at times when we feel stuck can seem miraculous. I highly recommend this class to any writer at any point in their process. It works and it’s fun.”
–Mary Jo Deschanel
"Kathy is gentle and empathic facilitator, guiding the group to write from the heart and share in ways that feel both cathartic and supportive. Saved by a Story-The Workshop Zoom sessions have become my favourite part of the week during this upended time in our world. Whenever I sit down to write with my fellow explorers, I discover an anchoring space, where I can listen deeply both to myself and others. I'm very grateful to Kathy for such a valuable offering!”
–Rory Green
"This group has been a meditative rebirth of understanding why I write. I work for different writers in television by trade and I had forgotten what it meant to write for myself. This Saved by a Story–The Workshop group has helped me to be creatively open with my own personal regime of how to love writing and embrace storytelling again."
–Kristina Thomas
"Saved by a Story–The Workshop's power snuck up on me! Without being aware of it, I found myself going straight to writing about what drives me, what has had the most impact on me. After only a few sessions, my awareness of my spirit, my mind and my heart grew through the power of words. I gained confidence in the power of my voice quicker than years of therapy accomplished. This workshop is free of judgment and criticism, which allowed my self worth to blossom beyond my expectations. I was able to start writing other works while doing the workshop. Tall order? Yes, but it's true. And real."
–Rosemary Rodgriguez
"Kathleen's class has been a great way to kick start a writing day and have a dose of community in these isolating times. Or anytime really.
I was (and am still) feeling quite overwhelmed by the big picture. Prompts get me to quickly scratch out something on a notepad in 5-7 minutes. I'm not thinking about what I'm writing, or whether it's good or important (it is usually neither). Sometimes though it opens a door to a memory, a person, or an idea that I later want to explore more fully.
Kathleen runs the workshop with professionalism and grace. It feels like a really safe space. No comments. No critiques. Just writing and listening. Everyone, save Kathleen, was a stranger a couple weeks ago. And now their presence on my screen and their hastily written but heartfelt words are a real source of joy to me."
–Liz Netto
"I have participate in dozens of artistic communities; In schools, theatre's, film and television sets, universities, conservatory etc. Saved by a Story–The Workshop is an arts collective with an unusual feeling of sanctuary for the writers, and also contains great energy , and the potential for risk, and for growth. I think that Kathy Katims, herself, has a rare ability to be a team leader, yet also a democratic participant in the creative proceedings. The other writers make me want to explore my work freely, and without snide, or judgmental reacting to each others' work. I enjoy very session of this group, and am very curious as to how the next class will be. It's fun and kind of dangerous , too. Like good art.”
– Danton Stone
"Saved by a Story-The Workshop has become more than a silver-lining to my quarantine. The two hours a week spent on Zoom with Kathy and the other writers are inspiring, moving, fun, and life-affirming. Kathy’s prompts open doors within myself - they have led me to memories I didn’t know I had and feelings I didn’t know I felt. And I love the little community we’ve made online and the very organic closeness I feel to people I know both nothing and everything about. I couldn’t recommend this experience enough to writers and non-writers alike.”
–Rozzi