Free Class/Writing Exercise/Summer Classes

Identity As An Act Of Courage: Free Workshop 6/24, 2-4pm

Who we are has everything to do with where we come from and where we call home. This workshop will explore the connections between home, identity and the courage to be who you are. Presented by the Los Angeles Women's Theatre Festival & the city of West Hollywood. To reg-email- terrie[at]creativerites.com, with your name  & phone number.

Limited space. Location given upon registration.

The Art & Challenge of Listening Within: Writing Exercise       With your eyes closed, ask what needs to be said, what's wanting to emerge and be listened to? Keep your eyes closed until something comes to you. (You can apply this exercise to what comes to you now, or apply it to a time in your life, or a person or character in your story. Write for 6 -10 minutes. Then- Ask what you or a character wants to ignore, deny or avoid and write for 6-10 minutes.  Use this exercise to discover and excavate. and if there a line, idea or memory that came out that you want to know more about, use that as a starting place and continue to write spontaneously without editing or censoring. 

                                                    

If you're interested in strengthening your creative instincts, be inspired and guided to dig deeply into the truth and imagination of your characters and story and be a part of a supportive, writing community, then get your Creative Rites of summer...      

Summer Session Starts As Of Saturday 6/25 for:                  -

Truth Lies & Memory: Creating The One-Person Show                                                  

- Memoir/Life Stories/Short Stories/Fiction                                                                     

- Creative Expression                                                                                                                                           

 5 & 10 wk Sessions. Classes in Venice, West LA & Pasadena choice of: Sat 10:30am- Venice, Sun 11am- Venice, Tues 12pm- Pasadena, Wed 7pm- West L.A 

Tuition: 5wk- $250, 10 wks - $450

For more info-310-281-3175 / terrie[at]creativerites.com

Take A Summer 

Writing Holiday Without Leaving LA...

Magical Mystery Tour Workshop: Write In Inspiring Places!

A fun, roving, writing workshop to generate  new work and nurture your creative spirit. 4 wk session, 11am - 1pm. 

1st session: Weds 7/6 - 7/27 or 2nd session: Weds, 8/6 - 8/24. 

Tuition $185

TO REGISTER

Please send a $100 check (non-refundable) write the class day you're reserving space for on the memo line of the check, make the check out to Terrie Silverman & send to:

Terrie Silverman

P.O. BOX 35404

L.A. CA 90035-0404

REMAINDER OF TUITION DUE:

for the 5wk session- 1st day of class, 10 wk session- by the 3rd class

Need to Jumpstart an Idea, Story or Dream Project? Or Reignite your Creative Spirit?

Need a jumpstart to begin, continue or finish your idea, story or dream project?
Or, would you like to reignite your creative spirit?

How about a Spring Creative Tune-Up?
Wednesday 3/23, 7:00-9:30pm, West L.A.

Get guidance & motivation in this workshop that’s
guaranteed to get you having fun while helping you to
accomplish your creative goals. All disciplines and levels welcome.

This class will allow you to:
- Receive support, guidance and motivation to continue or finish your dream project.

- Let go of the inner-critic, trust your creative impulses.

- Experience creating being fun & playful again. (Or maybe for the 1st time!)

- Tap into the mission, purpose and gift of your idea or project.

Tuition- $40

For more info/Reg-
terrie@creativerites.com
310.281.3175
www.creativerites.com

Solo-Show Master Class Workshop

IF YOU WANT OR NEED TO WORKSHOP ALL YOUR MATERIAL FOR A SOLO-SHOW
or know someone who does...

**NEW- Get Going, Go Solo! Intensive Master Class Lab

I've designed this new class based on the requests I've received from some students. You'll get to present large excerpts of your writing, improvise ideas/scenes, leading you to present a full length piece, revise it & present it again during the session.  


So whether you're in the development stage or ready to fine-tune and polish your Solo-Show, get guidance, support and direction to get your story ready for a workshop production. Workshop culminates in a 30 min public performance.


Class time will be devoted to:
- Fully developing the story's theme
- Nailing the dramatic question
- Creating an organic arc 
- Get to present up to 30 min worth of material weekly for the 1st 5 weeks
- Workshop up to 75 min of material, 2X during the session
- Becoming a fearless writer/performer
- Make the scenes active & the narrative clear


LIMITED CLASS SIZE, REG EARLY TO SAVE & RESERVE YOUR SPACE

10wks- Wed, starting April 6, 7-10:15pm- West L.A.
REG BY 3/18- $400, $450 thereafter


TO REGISTER
$150 deposit (non-refundable, if you have to cancel, you can receive class credit towards the next session) The check should be made out to: Terrie Silverman. Remainder of tuition due by April 13th.

SEND TO:
Terrie Silverman
P.O. BOX 35404
L.A. CA 90035-0404

REFERRAL OFFER
If you refer someone receive a 30 min individual
coaching session. Refer 2 and get a 60 min session

Your faithfful facilitator,
terrie

Terrie Silverman
Artist-in-Residence
Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center

Get Your Creative Rites: Shows, Early Reg Discount & Workshops

See Embarrassing, Absurd & Painfully Comic Moments Become Gorgeous Stories
Be moved and entertained by brave, hilarious stories & solo performances from the Winter Creative Rites Workshops. Three different shows, $8 cover.

March 18th- 7:30pm- 1100 Ave 64, Pasadena, 91105

Reception to follow (call (310) 281-3175 for parking)

March 24th -  7:30pm - Beyond Baroque

March 26th - 4:00pm Beyond Baroque

Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center

681 Venice Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Creative Tune-Up:

A workshop to inspire and guide you to begin, continue or finish your project and still be able to enjoy your creative process.

Wednesday 3/23, 7:00-9:30pm -West L.A.

Receive guidance inspiration & motivation in this workshop that’s guaranteed to get you having fun while creating. Give yourself the gift of creative expression and reconnect to the joy, freedom and playfulness of being creative. All levels & genres welcome.

 Reg by 3/15 $35, $45 thereafter 

Scroll down for reg info

Spring Session Starts As Of Thursday, 3/31 for:

* Truth Lies & Memory: Creating The One-Person Show

* Memoir/Life Stories/Short Stories/Fiction

* Get Going, Go Solo! Advanced Writing/Performance Lab 

* Creative Expression

Classes in Venice, West LA & Pasadena

For more info-

310-281-3175 / terrie[at]creativerites.com

1x a week, choice Of:

Wed 7pm - West L.A
Thurs 12pm - Pasadena
Sat 10:30am - Venice
Sun 11am - Venice

EARLY REG DISCOUNT-  6 or 10 wk sessions

Reg by 3/15- 6wk workshop- $240, $260 after /10 wk workshop - $385, $425 after 

TO

REGISTER

Please send a $100 check (non-refundable) write the class day you're reserving space for on the memo line of the check to:

Terrie Silverman

P.O. BOX 35404

L.A. CA 90035-0404

REMAINDER OF TUITION DUE:

for the 6wk session- 1st day of class/10 wk session- by the 3rd class

 If you'd like to share your writing experience and/or moments of triumph, you can post it here or Creative Rites on Facebook

Keep Telling Your Stories!

Setting Goals For The New Year Without Getting Overwhelmed

New Year's Writing Goals: 

Achieving Without Being Overwhelmed

The new year brings a fresh start: goals and resolutions. Take advantage of the energy that brings, but imagine setting your goals so you can't fail. What is the most magical, exciting idea/project you'd love to complete this year? Start from the joy and love of the  work without questioning: If you can do it, how you're going to do it, or if it will be good enough...

Focus on the path in front of you, instead of the destination To succeed- don’t look up. The mountain will overwhelm you, the incline will make you think you'll never make it to the top. Look just one step ahead. This will allow you to keep going and reduce the fear.

Writing Guidance

Set A Goal
It can be a project or it can be committing to your creative practice. You decide whether it's product or process you need this year.

Set Up A Schedule
You may have to experiment with the time & location as to what's conducive and do-able with your daily/weekly life. You may also need to build up to your desired writing session length. Because writing takes focus and concentration, it takes practice in the way an athlete builds strength and endurance.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS TO FEEL SUCCESSFUL FROM THE START. You can start with 10 or 15 minutes a day and build up. The advantage to daily writing is the writing becomes a habit quicker, thus making facing the blank page easier, builds focus & concentration- AND TAKES SOME OF THE PRESSURE OFF. If you don't like what you're writing today, it doesn't matter as much, since you'll be writing tomorrow.

Set A Deadline
This is the way to actually finish your project.  Select a completion date and then work backward to figure out how much time you'll need to work on it each week to make your deadline.

YOU ALSO ARE ALLOWED TO REVISE YOUR DEADLINE, if needed WITHOUT GUILT. Just be committed to the revised deadline. Then break down the project.Set your first draft deadline. Depending on the project and your writing experience, AFTER YOU'FE DONE THE 1ST DRAFT, you'll decide how many drafts you'll want/need to do.

Start A Project Or Writing Log
Make one or more entries each week about CONCERNS, QUESTIONS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS about your project and/or writing practice. This gives you more room to write, so the questions and concerns don't swirl around in your head.

Make sure you list all the work (accomplishments) you've done-writing, research, reading, seeing or participating in an art discipline, reviewing your work. But only if it gives you clarity, if this discourages you or exacerbates your 'critic,' wait till you've finished your first draft to read the work.

Get Support & Encouragement
Ask for support- whether it's a writing buddy, or a supportive friend, you might be surprised that they're grateful you asked, since you're giving them permission to do the same with you. And when you get struck or burned out- sometimes just talking it out- having a fellow writer or friend be a sounding board may give you perspective, clarity and release the stress.

We all need help and it's natural to get discouraged, especially when you're working on a long term project. Make getting support and encouragement a part of your writing practice.

If you need more guidance and support for your idea, writing practice or project, I offer:
- Coaching
- Script Consultations
- Phone Sessions
For More Info/To Schedule - terrie[at]creativerites.com

 January Events

Don't Think! A Writing Workshop To Tap

The Creative Gold Of Your Subconscious

Sat, Jan 15th, 10:30am - 1:00pm

Presented by IWOSC- Independent Writers of Southern California
Facilitated by Terrie Silverman

We are at our most vulnerable when we are creating. Yet, we are at our most original and powerful when we can let go of playing it safe. This workshop will give you the tools to strengthen your unique voice using spontaneous writing, storytelling, drawing & guided imagery to spark the imagination, tap into the subconscious and write from a wild, playful place. Walk a new path with your words. All writing genres welcome. Admission: IWOSC members - $!5; Non-members - $35
Veterans Memorial Building
 4117 Overland Avenue
Culver City (Corner of Culver Boulevard. Parking entrance on Culver)

Reservations Required. Space is limited. Reservation deadline: 4 p.m. the Friday before the seminar. For Reg/More info, please email- info[at]iwosc.org

Gorgeous Stories 11th Anniversary Performance Party!

Friday, January 28th, 7:30 pm

Celebrate the 11th year of Embarrasing, Absurd & Painfully Comic moments becoming GORGEOUS STORIES as Beyond Baroque’s Artist-in-Residence, Terrie Silverman, hosts a retrospective of brave, moving and often hilarious true stories from her Creative Rites Workshops featuring LARAINE NEWMAN, (original SNL & Groundlings cast member) MAUREEN TEEFY, (Fame, Grease 2) LINDSIE CARLSEN, (Writer/Hula-Hooper) FIONA GOODWIN, (British Comic) MARIANNE LEWIS, (Singer/Songwriter) JACK SUNDMACHER, (Actor/Writer/Filmmaker) & STEPHEN SCHILLING (Writer/Black Belt-Martial Arts.) The evening will include storytelling, solo-performance, music, prizes, audience participation and a dessert reception. Delight in the giving and receiving of personal stories.
Cover- $12

Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center
681 Venice Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291

 Winter Classes Start As Of Jan 8th For:
* Truth Lies & Memory: Creating The One-Person Show
* Memoir/Life Stories/Short Stories/Fiction
* Get Going, Go Solo! Weekend Lab Intensive (in Feb)
* Pet Lit- A Writing/Storytelling Workshop for Pet Lovers
* Creative Expression
Classes in Venice, West LA & Pasadena
For more info/To Reg- terrie[at]creativerites.com

 If you'd like to share your writing experience and/or moments of triumph, you can post it here or Creative Rites on Facebook

Keep Telling Your Stories!

Winter Sched, Reg / How To Begin Your Story

Winter Session Starts As Of Sat, Jan 8th, Choice Of:
Wed 7pm - West L.A
Thurs 12pm - Pasadena
Sat 10:30am - Venice
Sun 11am - Venice

EARLY REG DISCOUNT-  6 or 10 wk sessions
Reg by 12/20- 6wk workshop- $240, $260 after /10 wk workshop - $385, $425 after 

TO REGISTER
Please send a $100 check (non-refundable) write the class day you're reserving space for on the memo line of the check to:
Terrie Silverman
P.O. BOX 35404
L.A. CA 90035-0404  

REMAINDER OF TUITION DUE:
for the 6wk session- 1st day of class/10 wk session- by the 3rd class


How To Begin: Take The Leap

Starting a new year brings possibility. There's momentum to start. We have a fresh slate. Imagine taking the leap to create the idea or story we've been pondering. Or carrying around for years but aren't sure how to start. We  may think we should know where the story starts in order to begin.

The answer is that not only do we not have to know where the story starts. We won’t know until we've let the story unspool from our subconscious.

Allow yourself to lay out the whole field of the 1st draft and then play with the possibilities of what makes sense for the story and the journey we want the listener or reader to take. We need the perspective of looking down at the whole field of the story to determine whether to start at the beginning, middle or the end of the story or even somewhere in-between.

Therefore, All We Need Is The Willingness To Begin

And then we write and write to discover the story that wants to be told without worrying about the structure until we've fully investigated the story. If we try to edit or structure while we're creating, our creative instincts are stifled because the two sides of the brain are competing. Since the right hemisphere is our imagination and the left side is the analytical, they crash into each other if we are creating and editing or structuring simultaneously and we lose the flow of our creative impulse.

Find A Home For Your Writing

Invite your imagination to play by creating a conducive environment. Experiment with the time and place that enhances your creative process. Pay attention to the light, mood, time of day and ambience of your writing environment Do you need silence, music or background sounds? Are you content in a cozy coffeehouse or seated by a favorite window in your house.

Once you've had a flowing writing session- notice what elements contributed to it and make that part of your writing practice.

If You're Feeling Stuck

Take a walk, put on music you love and dance. Movement is great for the muse because it gets us out of our head, it relaxes us- it gets us out of the critical left-brain.

Encouragement To Begin:

Write Wild

Our creativity isn't logical or structured; so give yourself permission to write thoughts, lists, fragments, stream of consciousness. Wild and messy means you're trusting the gold of your subconscious.

Let Go Of Structure

Structure is the step after you've created. Try to stay in the creative moment. We want structure because it makes us feel in control. Creativity is about embracing the unknown

Have Passion For The Mystery

We're trying to figure something out, so allow the mystery to compel you to keep writing

as you get closer and closer to answer what you or the protagonist are grappling with

Commit To Discovering

Sometimes we have to trick ourselves to do the work as well finishing the story or project. If you're engaged in the investigation and discovery of what you really want to express with the story, as a way to take the pressure off worrying about whether  the story is good. Write to discover an epiphany, which will supply you the arc of the story and thus the ending.

If you need more guidance and support for your idea, story or project, I offer:

*Coaching

*Script Consultations
* Creative Tune-Ups

Interviewing: Listening To Write

Listening to Write

In honor of Story Corps' National Listening Day, November 26th, which invites people to 'Celebrate by interviewing and recording people you care about...' I invite you to use interviewing: the act of questioning, as a tool, as well as a stimulus to write. Questioning brings about a thought-provoking intensity between the interviewer and interviewee, making the listening urgent, purposeful and a catalyst for more questions and stories.

I believe we write to find an answer to something we're grappling with, to understand a memory or theme in our life. And so we investigate it through writing. And through this process, we may, and quite probably will have an epiphany. 

In the questioning, we get to discover the core of the story, what is true for the narrator (or protagonist) and learn the perspective of other people or characters in the story.

 What happens when we are truly listened to? We may come up with answers that surprise us. Who would you interview? Consider not only what questions you'd ask but what would you chose not to ask. Who would you want to be interviewed by? What will you and your interview partner discover in the listening and being listened to?

Writing Guidance: The Interview- Actual Or Imagined

There are a number of ways to use an interview in your writing. Here are some possibilities:

YOU ARE THE SUBJECT

Consider interviewing someone who's known you for years and ask them their observations about you- what's their earliest memory or first impression? How would they describe your appearance, personality, etc? If you have access to anyone who knew you as a baby, toddler-this can be fascinating.

HISTORICAL

Interview people who were the generation that you're writing about. Perhaps they can offer eye witness accounts of an event or remember what their parents told them. Specific day -to-day details can give a rich context to the time period. And you don't have to know your interview subject. Go to a Senior Center. They will be delighted to share their experiences.

THE IMAGINED INTERVIEW

Allowing you to take the leap and 'create' an interview is a great tool to discover

a different perspective and an authentic point of view. Conduct an interview with a person or character in your story by writing down questions for them and then let your imagination run wild as you 'answer' the questions from their perspective-- WITHOUT WORRYING IF YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG. Trust wherever the answers go. If you’re writing about an earlier time in your life, you can use the perspective of that younger 'You' to ask the questions.

THE SELF-INTERVIEW

Interview yourself from different time periods in your life. For example, the present day 'You' can interview the teenage 'You' (and vice-a-versa.)

After you've conducted the interview you can decide if you want to include it in your story*, use it as a jumping off point to write, or as reference to add details and context to your story. Interviewing is a way to capture the truth in that moment, for the truth, since it's based on our subjective memory changes and evolves. 

*The journalistic rule of thumb in getting permission to use the interview is to have the tape recording device in full view and hitting 'record' when the interview commences, so the subject knows the interview is being recorded. If it's a family member, you can discuss your intentions and impetus- be it preserving family histories, research, etc. or, you can just tell them I'm making you do it.

If you want to share your interviewing experience- you can post it here or Creative Rites on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Los-Angeles-CA/Creative-Rites-Writing-Performance-Creative-Expression/136905296360119?v=wall//)

Keep giving and receiving stories!

Your faithful Creative Rite-er,

Terrie 

Watch me transform from writing coach to ballerina 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jweB7rskrw0