Write Freely Listen Deeply is more than a writing group, it's a feminist space designed to support self-care, community, & authenticity.
Write Freely Listen Deeply is a small, structured, freewriting community. Groups are limited to 5 writers per session to quickly build intimacy and trust. Write Freely Listen Deeply is open to women, nonbinary and trans writers who value vulnerability, authenticity, and creativity. Writers generate new writing, share their writing, and receive thoughtful and positive feedback at every gathering. Original and dynamic writing prompts are offered at each session to help guide the writer on their journey. We embrace beginners and seasoned writers. Come build confidence, develop your voice, experiment with craft, heal and process.
In 2020 I became an official AWA Affiliate, certified to lead workshops in the Amherst Writers and Artists method as described in Writing Alone and With Others by Pat Schneider. However, I was first introduced to this style of writing workshops in high school. It was the early 2000s and poet Genie Zeiger was our facilitator. I found healing, solace, and strength as soon as I received my first note of positive feedback after sharing a sensitive piece of writing. Since then I've dedicated my career to advocacy and storytelling. I fully believe that everyone can write, and everyone has a story to tell. As Pat Schneider said, “No one has seen the night sky from exactly your trajectory. No one has loved exactly the people and places you have loved. Who will tell that part of the earth’s story, if you do not?”
We write freely and listen deeply.
At every gathering, we freewrite. As the facilitator, I prepare multiple writing prompts to guide you. The writing prompts are meant to spark your imagination and will evoke something unique for each person. Writers are welcome to let the prompts guide their writing, but the time is yours to write what you need to write.
After writing, group members are invited to read aloud what they’ve just written. Sharing is optional and respected as confidential. As someone shares the rest of the group members listen deeply for the diamonds in the rough draft.
After a writer shares, group members respond with honest and uplifting feedback. There is no critique of freshly written work. Everyone focuses on what is strong, what is memorable, and what is working in the writing. Together, we encourage and learn from one another’s voice and craft.
I currently lead weekly generative writing groups. All gatherings occur via Zoom. Our time is spent connecting, writing, listening, and responding. At the end of each cycle, there is an option to renew your membership.
Hannah (she/her) offers 15 years of dynamic human service expertise, working in the fields of interpersonal violence, developmental disabilities, and live storytelling. She has a Bachelor's in social work from Skidmore College and a Master's in women & gender from the University of Colorado Denver. Throughout her career, she has always dedicated herself to be in service of others and is committed to uplifting unheard voices.
Hannah has published multiple personal essays and her stories have been featured in That’s What She Said live storytelling events. She has presented her academic writing about gender and gentrification at multiple interdisciplinary conferences across the country. She also teaches Creative Writing to middle and high schoolers at The Academy at Charlemont.
Hannah is a 200-hour trained yoga teacher. She integrates mindfulness, connection, and creativity in all forms of self-development.
