write It Like It Is Groups
ALL GROUPS ARE CURRENTLY FILLED. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR SUMMER 2023 OPENINGS.
If you’ve ever wanted to write freely, without censors, editors, or critics, this is your chance. Experience the exhilaration of tapping in to your authentic voice. No holds barred. No worries about publication or perfection. It’s all about letting go and having fun in a safe, creative atmosphere.
Each week, we do a variety of freewriting exercises in response to specific prompts about life experiences, past and present. Sharing is optional but strongly encouraged. Write It Like It Is draws on the work of Natalie Goldberg, Steve Almond, Brenda Ueland, and others.
Freewriting and sharing over time with the same people deepens the experience of self-discovery and creates new pathways for self-expression. Plus it's fun and enlightening! For beginners, it's a way to get the pen moving; for experienced writers, it's a way to get "off the page" and quiet the inner critic. Just bring your desire, imagination, and willingness to take a risk.
If you are interested, send an email to deborahsosin@gmail.com to see if there is room or to ask any questions. Groups usually run eight to ten weeks.
Payment by Venmo, Zelle, or personal check ($250 to $300, depending on number of meetings).
Cancellation policy: No refund if cancelled within 72 hours of start date except in an emergency.
befriend your INNER CRITIC
Befriend Your Inner Critic Workshop
Next workshop TBD
You might be familiar with your Inner Critic—the voice that says you’re not good enough. Or compares yourself to others. Or expects nothing but perfection. Our instinct is to push that voice away. But, paradoxically, you can find more inner peace and free up creative energy by moving toward that voice, with curiosity and compassion. In this workshop, we’ll first cover the roots and purpose of the Inner Critic in general and how it can affect writers and other creatives in particular. Through lecture, discussion, and written exercises, we’ll examine seven types of Inner Critics, including the Perfectionist, the Task Master, and the Guilt Tripper. Finally, we’ll practice specific skills and strategies for managing your Inner Critic so that you can move happily forward in your creative life. See more information about working with the Inner Critic here.
Cost: $65. Payable by Venmo or Zelle (or personal check in some cases). Please email deborahsosin@gmail.com to register.
Befriend Your Inner Critic Support Group
Stay tuned for info about the next six-week group.
This online support group is for those who want to work deeply with the Inner Critic in a group setting; set individual goals and create measures for accountability; share their pitfalls and progress with others; and learn additional skills and tools for managing the Inner Critic. This is not group therapy but it is always therapeutic to connect to others who are on the same path! See more information about working with the Inner Critic here.
Cost: $300. Maximum of six participants. Payable by Venmo, Zelle, or personal check. Please email deborahsosin@gmail.com to inquire about registration.
Grub Street Classes
Stay tuned for upcoming classes.
Some reviews from GrubStreet students about past "Befriend Your Inner Critic" workshops:
► Debbie was excellent and was totally able to engage all of us, even in the virtual setting. I am incredibly grateful for this class!
► I came away with exactly the take-home that I was hoping for. As the title suggested--how to make friends with your inner critic. I came to understand my inner critic is trying to keep me safe in just the same way it worked when I was a small child. I also learned that I could encounter my IC with more compassion and welcome. Debbie is thoughtful and considerate with each person. She listens well.
► She understands the material on a deep level and is a natural at explaining it to others. Thoughtful, good sense of humor, and creates a relaxed, supportive environment.
► Fabulous. Just the right pace, support materials, linking writing, creativity, and elements of her psychology/counseling awareness.
► This class was excellent. Debbie clearly knows what she is talking about and I found it incredibly encouraging and enlightening. I will definitely be attending another course (hopefully of Debbie's!).
► Great instructor. She was well prepared, knew her field well, and understood how to engage us. The highlights were listening to her discuss the subject matter in light of her experiences and the sharing between students in the class.
► I came away feeling more confident and inspired to work through my obstacles!
► Debbie created a space to talk through and explore issues which are usually hard to talk about.
► This was an important, helpful class. In the week since the class, I have worked with some of Debbie's ideas and plan to order a couple of the books she suggested.
► Debbie did an excellent job of laying out what our inner critics are up to and how we can most productively work with them. I would encourage everyone who suffers with self-doubt to take this class. The length was perfect.