Waiting for Words Advent workshop wraps-up December 18, 2024 By Collegeville Institute Leave a Comment “Choose two of the lines you’ve just written,” Lauren said. “These are now lines 2 and 4 of a quatrain. Write lines 1 and 3.” Or: In the next ten minutes, write the beginning to the novel you’ve always wanted to write. Or: Consider these words from Alice Walker, and then answer the question, “Who gave you what you need in your writing life?” Colored by the light of stained-glass windows, ten writers — poets, authors, Collegeville Institute alums and first-timers — stretched, and in the silence, put pen to paper every time. The Avila Center for Community Leadership in Durham, North Carolina was home for a generative, Advent-themed writing workshop led by Lauren Winner December 9-14, 2024. Some writers came seeking fresh inspiration, others came with works in progress. Every morning, all came together for several hours to write, with open-hearted and courageous commitment to Advent’s invitation to open up to God and be willing to birth something new. The prompts were “tremendous,” one participant said, “even — or especially — those which bristled or chafed a little.” Approaching work obliquely, playing with form, and seeking insight from other artistic media were key to the week’s program. At the North Carolina Museum of Art, participants practiced gazing. They attended a reading from a local author, and glowed in the beauty of Lessons and Carols at Duke Chapel. A murder-mystery game, a book exchange, and the sharing of new writing from the week meant evenings were community-focused and fun. As one participant put it, throughout the week, the group found “an invitation and permission to revel in the chaos and the wonder and the lusciousness of this Holy writing life.” And all left the workshop nourished, and with new intentions for the new year. Like this post? Subscribe to have new posts sent to you by email the same day they are posted.
