Spirit of the Written Word Writing Workshops

 “The Writers Group . . . is the highlight of my week. Pam provides a safe and sacred environment for us with her clarity, authenticity, humor and calm presence. … S. B.

Writer, artist and certified yoga teacher Pam Roberts facilitates Spirit of the Written Word writing workshops for new and experienced writers. Mainly offered to people touched by cancer or loss, Spirit of the Written Word  workshops foster a safe and supportive environment where writing becomes a tool for healing and a means to connect with ourselves and others.

Spirit of the Written Word workshops celebrate the belief that everyone is a writer- everyone has a voice and stories that deserve to be expressed and heard. In the workshops everything is confidential and voluntary. Pam provides prompts- a poem, a phrase, objects or other inspiration- to help inspire writing. Writing is shared, if desired, and members comment on “what sticks with us about the writing.”

The format of the workshops derives from the work of Amherst Writers and Artists, developed by Pat Schneider and taught to Pam by her mentor, writer and long time writing workshop leader, Genie Zeiger. Pam happened to be a member of Genie’s writing group more than 20 years ago when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and she found that writing in the safe workshop setting was a critical part of her healing process. Under Genie’s guidance, Pam first began leading Spirit of the Written Word writing groups for cancer survivors in 2003.

Studies have shown that writing can be therapeutic when confronted by a challenging situation such as cancer. Our creative expression in the workshop setting can help transform pain and grief and bring deep meaning and relief. 

The workshops for people affected by loss and by cancer (survivors may bring an accompanying loved one) are grant-supported and offered for free. The Spirit of the Written Word workshops for general populations have a charge. Please click on Current Workshops and Events below for upcoming programs. Pam is available for one-on-one writing consultations and to facilitate a writing group of your choosing.

Other programs Pam offers include:

~1 in 8: The Torso Project, the hands-on healing art workshops, exhibits and book for women touched by breast cancer.

~ Gentle Yoga for Cancer Survivors, an adaptive gentle weekly class that includes breathing and centering exercises; postures to increase flexibility, strength and balance; and a deep guided relaxation.

~ Yoga class at Shelburne Falls (MA) Yoga Studio

 For more information: 

Current Workshops and Events – opens in new window

Pam’s blog: https://www.SpiritoftheWrittenWord.com/blog – opens in new window

Links to Pam’s Websites:

Pam is holding a torso from One in Eight: The Torso Project.

 

Email Spirit of the Written Word

Comments about Spirit of the Written Word writing workshops:“ (The workshop) has become a loving family, a weekly safe place to name in writing what some of us find hard to express in (spoken) word. . . Pam has made it possible for us to look at our fears and hopes, depression and aspirations with acceptance.”

J.B.

 “The Writers Group at Cancer Connection . . . is the highlight of my week. Pam provides a safe and sacred environment for us with her clarity, authenticity, humor and calm presence. She never fails to find just the right prompts, which propel us into action, writing our true stories. Being in the circle of those who have experienced cancer in one way or another is like a safety net of understanding and compassion.”

S.B.

“ ‘Everyone can write’ – without actually saying those words, that is the feeling Pam conveys to our writing group. . . Pam is a wonderful leader and mentor.”

R.K.