Carolyn Brigit Flynn
TEACHING
Writing to Feed the Soul
I have been teaching creative writing classes, writing groups, retreats and intensives called Writing to Feed the Soul for more than twenty-five years. As a teacher, the focus of my work is the generation of new writing, as well as insightful editing and the development of new and ongoing writing projects.
Participants in my creative writing classes and groups often find that a new voice emerges, and that their work goes deeper. I bring people together in a unique atmosphere of witness: deep listening and thoughtful feedback with an eye to the continued unfolding of the writer and the truest spirit of their work.
INDIVIDUAL CONSULTATIONS: I am available for individual meetings with writers and those seeking to pursue questions of writing, creativity, and spirit. I work with writing and editing, manuscript organization, poetry collections, and help to bring writing projects to fruition. I also work with writers on issues soul & spirit at the essence of creativity.
CREATIVE WRITING GROUPS & INTENSIVES
BI-MONTHLY WRITING GROUPS
Offered live in Santa Cruz, CA or online via Zoom
These inspiring and productive writing groups meet twice a month. We begin with time for writers to read work written outside the group, providing space for deep witness and insightful feedback. This is followed by a circle writing together. I offer prompts, poetry and questions of soul as a springboard for new and enlivened writing. Participants then write for thirty minutes, and then read their work in a safe and vibrant circle. People often find these groups electric and life-changing. Over time writers find that they produce a dynamic new body of work, their writing deepens, and their experience of life grows more present to themselves and the world.
Groups are limited to 7-8 writers. Fee: $190/month, or $570/quarter.
REGISTRATION IS QUARTERLY. Quarters are: October-December, January-March, April-June. Payment is due for the quarter at the first meeting. Monthly payments are fine. Please note that participants are responsible for their quarterly spot whether or not they are able to attend each meeting. Registration is continuing as long as the writer keeps the spot. Writers are asked to provide a month’s notice if they are not continuing for an upcoming quarter.
MONTHLY WRITING GROUP
Fridays 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Live in Santa Cruz, CA
This vibrant and productive in person mini-retreat begins with time for participants to read their writing to the circle for witness and feedback. We have a brief break for lunch, followed by writing together. I offer a centering meditation and a writing prompt, with 30 minutes for participants to write. We then gather together and read our new work to the circle, to be witnessed in a safe environment devoted to furthering the writer's work. These writing groups are electrifying, generative and often life-changing. People find that their writing practice quickens, they begin or complete new writing projects, and their experience of life grows deeper and more fulfilling.
This group is limited to eight writers. Fee: $120/month or $360 for the quarter.
REGISTRATION IS QUARTERLY. Quarters are: October-December, January-March, April-June. Payment is due for the quarter at the first meeting. Monthly payments are fine. Please note that participants are responsible for their quarterly spot whether or not they are able to attend each meeting. Registration is continuing as long as the writer keeps the spot. Writers are asked to provide a month’s notice if they are not continuing for an upcoming quarter.
MONTHLY WRITING INTENSIVE
Saturdays 9:30 - 4:00 pm, PST
Offered live in Santa Cruz, CA or Online via Zoom
This day-long Intensive is for writers who want to delve into a project, book, poetry collection, blog, essay, story or a writerly theme. It is offered online via Zoom. We will begin with a morning circle to read work and receive feedback. We'll then take a break for a two-hour silent working time and lunch. Carolyn will be available for brief as-needed individual consultations during the break. We will then gather later in the day for a second circle for sharing and productive feedback. Over time, writers find that their body of work takes startling leaps. Writers have completed novels, memoirs, poetry collections, non-fiction books, Ph.D. dissertations, and blogs in the Writing Intensive.
The Intensive is limited to five writers. Fee: $175/month or $525 for the quarter.
REGISTRATION IS QUARTERLY. Quarters are: October-December, January-March, April-June. Payment is due for the quarter at the first meeting. Monthly payments are fine. Please note that participants are responsible for their quarterly spot whether or not they are able to attend each meeting. Registration is continuing as long as the writer keeps the spot. Writers are asked to provide a month’s notice if they are not continuing for an upcoming quarter.