Applying the steps in Peter Elbow's freewriting method in Writing Without Teachers, we'll write and give feedback in a way that treats your writing like a living organism capable of growth. You can come to class with a topic you'd like to explore, or with no idea of what you want to write about. You'll learn how to generate writing, discover what you really want to say, discern how to improve your writing, and participate with a community of writers to help you develop your voice. Learning the feedback method used in this class can be as challenging as doing the writing itself. Instead of praise or correcting "flaws," we'll proceed by entering into another's experience (and your own) to reflect the true impact of the writing. This class is appropriate for writers of all levels of experience.

This is an online four-part series offered via Zoom. Access to a computer or other device and the internet is necessary to participate. A commitment to attend all sessions is requested. Space is limited and registration is required. Please only register once for the first session - this will automatically register you for the entire series. A Zoom invite and any other necessary details will be sent out to all registrants before the first class.

Instructor Anais Salibian, M.A., is a retired practitioner of therapeutic bodywork and award-winning writing teacher of creative non-fiction. Especially in Memoir classes, she finds that her students undergo a similar process as her clients—discovering truths about their lives that lead to more wholeness. Decades of research on the power of writing to heal reveal that the healing components are the very techniques taught in her writing classes. Her classes range from focusing on the details of craft to writing, sharing, and providing feedback in ways that help develop community.

Rochester Writes programs are hosted by the Arts & Literature Diviision and supported by the Suressa Forbes Fund for Local Writers and the Friends & Foundation of the Rochester Public Library. Contact Carol.Moldt@libraryweb.org for additional information.