WRITING WORKSHOP
Writing Workshop in the Gallery
By Laura Daniel
Summer | Fall 2018 | MartinArts 39
This past spring, over a dozen writers
convened in The Court House Cultural Center
Gallery for a writer’s workshop led by Betty Jo
Buro. Not only a gifted writer but instructor
as well, Betty Jo coached the group on special
techniques to hone their writing skills. The focus
of the workshop was to provide techniques on
how to break through writer’s block and offer
creative means to reach inspiration and awaken a
dozing muse.
The craft of writing was discussed along
with many aspects of good and potent writing
with an emphasis placed on the importance of
providing specific sensory detail to add vigor
to your writing. The group was given fun and
creative writing prompts and exercises along
with time to write short pieces ranging in topic
from childhood memories to instructional pieces
describing everyday tasks. Buro read exerpts from
published, accomplished writers and encouraged
the group to be inspired by unique styles and
attempt their own twist on the discussed prose
and style.
Hosted by The Arts Council of
Martin County and funded by a grant from
The Community Foundation, facilitator Betty
Jo writes about her experience leading the
workshop, “Something magical happens when
people gather together to write, and this group
was no exception. Holding the workshop in the
gallery added to the creative energy. I believe
everyone has a story to tell, and my job is to teach
the techniques that help people tell their stories
well. I love leading workshops because I get to
watch these stories emerge.”
Plans are in the works to put together
a 6-8 week writing course lead by Ms. Buro and
hosted by The Arts Council in the upcoming
season. Betty Jo expounds on the developing
concept: “For the next workshop What’s Your
Story? I’d like to do a 6 or 8-week ongoing
workshop where we discuss and practice a
different aspect of the craft of writing each week:
Anchoring your story (Or memoir) in place,
establishing voice, dialogue, playing with form,
revision/editing/publishing. In this workshop
participants will have an opportunity to read
their work and get constructive feedback from the
group.”
Keep abreast of programs and cultural
happenings such as these workshops regularly
offered and supported by the Arts Council by
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our monthly newsletter. More details to come in
efforts to foster the literary arts in our community.
Visit our website to learn more and stay
connected www.martinarts.org.
Writer Betty Jo Buro
/www.martinarts.org
