Unleashing your creativity: Poetry & Writing workshop with Wendy and Maeve

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. About the Speakers
3. The Story of Project Alice
4. Workshop Overview
5. Creative Writing Exercise
6. Haiku Writing Exercise
7. How to Write a Haiku
8. Haiku Generator Demonstration
9. Tips and Tricks for Writing Haikus
10. Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome to Project Alice's first workshop! In this workshop, we will be exploring the power of words through creative writing and haiku writing exercises. We believe that art and writing can be transformative and healing, and we want to share that experience with you. Get ready to unleash your imagination and have some fun!

About the Speakers

Allow us to introduce ourselves. My name is Cassidy, and I am an artist and a trainee art therapist. I have always had a deep connection with art and have seen firsthand how it can impact and empower individuals. I am excited to share my knowledge and experiences with you in this workshop.

And I am Wendy Staggs, an advisory board member of the Prison Arts Collective, the umbrella organization that Project Alice is a part of. I have personally experienced the transformative power of art and writing while I was in prison. It has helped me work through my traumas and become the person I am today. I am thrilled to be a part of Project Alice and to offer a safe space for people to express themselves.

The Story of Project Alice

Project Alice was created with the vision of providing a safe space for individuals who have found healing through art inside prison to continue their creative journey outside. Founded by Annie Buckley, whose mother Alice worked in the juvenile justice system for many years, Project Alice aims to support individuals as they transition back into their communities while nurturing their artistic abilities.

Workshop Overview

Our workshop is divided into two parts: creative writing and haiku writing. In the first half, we will delve into the world of creative writing. All you need is a pen or pencil and two pieces of paper. We will provide writing prompts to spark your imagination. There are no right or wrong answers in this exercise, so let your creativity flow and have fun!

After the creative writing exercise, we will move on to haiku writing. Haiku is a form of poetry that follows a specific structure of three lines. We will guide you through the process of writing a haiku and provide a haiku generator for you to experiment with. Get ready to play with words and create beautiful and concise poems.

Creative Writing Exercise

For the creative writing exercise, we will start with a writing prompt. Imagine waking up on a nice summer's day and going for a walk along the beach. While sitting on a bench, a little girl approaches you and gives you a fortune cookie. When you open it, the message inside says, "The future is now." Let your imagination run wild and see where this prompt takes you. Don't worry about spelling or grammar – just enjoy the process of storytelling.

Haiku Writing Exercise

Now, it's time to delve into the world of haikus. Haikus are short, three-lined poems that allow you to express a moment or capture the essence of something using vivid imagery. To write a haiku, you need to count the syllables of each line: the first line should have 5 syllables, the second line should have 7 syllables, and the third line should have 5 syllables.

We will demonstrate how to write a haiku and provide a haiku generator for you to play with. Simply visit the website provided and input your nouns, adjectives, and verbs to create your own unique haikus. Remember, haikus should be concise and evoke emotions. Have fun exploring this traditional form of Japanese poetry!

Tips and Tricks for Writing Haikus

Writing haikus can be challenging but also rewarding. Here are a few tips to help you craft beautiful haikus:

1. Focus on a singular moment or observation.
2. Use vivid and sensory language to create imagery.
3. Experiment with word choice and structure.
4. Embrace the simplicity and brevity of haikus.
5. Play with juxtaposition and contrast to add depth.
6. Revise and refine your haikus to enhance their impact.

By following these tips, you can create haikus that resonate with your readers and capture the essence of a fleeting moment.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this workshop and that it inspired you to explore the power of words through creative writing and haikus. Writing has the ability to transform and heal, and we encourage you to continue exploring your creative side. Remember, there are no limits to your imagination. Keep writing, keep creating, and let your words carry you to new heights.

If you have any questions or would like to share your work, feel free to reach out to us. Thank you for joining us in this exciting workshop, and we look forward to seeing what you create!

Highlights:

• Explore the transformative power of art and writing
• Learn about the story behind Project Alice and its mission
• Engage in creative writing exercises to unleash your imagination
• Discover the art of writing haikus and create your own
• Tips and tricks for crafting impactful haikus

FAQ:

Q: What is the purpose of this workshop? A: The purpose of this workshop is to explore the power of words and how they can be used as a tool for transformation and healing. Through creative writing exercises and haiku writing, we aim to inspire and empower individuals to express themselves artistically.

Q: Do I need previous writing experience to participate? A: No, previous writing experience is not required. This workshop is open to anyone who is interested in exploring their creative side and discovering the joy of writing.

Q: Can I share my work with others during the workshop? A: Absolutely! We encourage participants to share their work and engage in discussions with others. This workshop is a safe space for creative expression and connection.

Q: Can I continue writing haikus after the workshop? A: Of course! Writing haikus can be a wonderful ongoing practice. Feel free to explore this traditional form of poetry and continue crafting haikus long after the workshop is over. Let your imagination soar!

Q: How can I get in touch with the workshop facilitators? A: You can reach out to us through the contact information provided at the end of the workshop. We would be delighted to hear from you, answer any questions you may have, and provide further guidance on your creative journey.