Getting Off Your “But:” A Workshop for People Who Want to Write, But . . .

We’re on holiday hiatus after our fall workshops, so check back often for the 2011 schedule! Sign up for our email list and you’ll be notified when the new schedule is released. BUT, if you want more details just to see what’s in store, read on…

So many people want to write.  When I share that I’m an author, most people respond with something like:

• “I think I have a book in me,” or
• “I’ve always wanted to write articles,” or
• “I’d love to share my memoirs as a legacy for my family,” or
• “I think the world needs a blog about why chocolate and peanut butter really ARE two great tastes that taste great together.”  (Just a note: I would ABSOLUTELY read that blog!).

And when I say “what a fabulous idea…why don’t you do that?”, I usually hear something like:

• “I’m interested but I just don’t have the time,” or
• “I’d like to but I’m a salesperson (or hairstylist, or nurse, or DEA agent, or…insert occupation), not a writer,” or
• “It would be a dream come true, but I always got B’s in English,” or
• “It would be cook, but I’m sure someone else is already writing really great stuff about chocolate and peanut butter”  (FYI: I have yet to find them…and rest assured, I look for them)

I typically respond with, “if you want to write, you’ll really need to get off your but and just do it.”  After the customary shocked or defensive glance, I clarify: “I don’t mean your backside (though honestly, that IS a necessary step).  I mean your excuses.  Your but is the thing holding you back.”

So, if you’re ready to get off your but and write something, anything, join us for one of our “Get Off Your But” workshops.

The only goals of this workshop are to help you: Get of f your but, and get off your butt and simply WRITE.

It doesn’t matter if you want to write for profit or for pleasure, for purpose or for passion, nor does it matter what or why or for whom you want to write, nor whether you ever show it to anyone…it only matters that you want to write.

So YES greeting cards count, along with bestselling books, quirky blogs, cereal box promotions, touching (or funny…or tell-all) memoirs,  journals of self-discovery, and, yes, even crayon renderings on your walls if you wish.

During our highly engaging, infinitely practical, and undoubtedly entertaining time together, we’ll cover at least the following (but likely a whole bunch of other stuff that we just can’t predict):

• Finding and sharing your authentic voice in your mind and on the page.
• Getting off your “buts” by getting past your writing hang-ups or baggage or unfortunate previous literary experiences that have no bearing whatsoever on whether you can be a writer or a good writer or whatever it is you want to be.
• Defining the practical writing processes and products that work exclusively for you and ways to maintain momentum over time (AKA, how the heck am I going to fit yet ANOTHER thing into my life after today?).
• Identifying the opportunities for sharing your work with others  (if you care to) and how to begin that journey on your own terms.

This workshop incorporates interactive learning, powerful individual writing exercises, and creative conversation to spark your literary genius (however you define it, of course).  You’ll have the opportunity to explore your desire to write and to expand your capacity to write, all in one day.

The investment for this workshop is $150.  Feel free to bring notebooks, journals, laptops, sticky notes, or whatever method of writing and remember that works for you.  This is your time, so it’s important that you tailor it to your preferences (just as your ongoing writing process will be!).

So, if you’re ready to get off your but and/or off your butt and simply write…join us!

About the Presenter:

Deanna Davis, PhD, is the author of three books, including Laugh, Cry, Eat Some Pie, The Law of Attraction in Action, and Living With Intention.  Deanna is also a professional proposal writer, blogger, promotional copywriter, editor, and on-again-off-again personal development journaler.  She has been an adjunct faculty member for Gonzaga University, is a professional speaker and entertainer, and created the one-woman comedy show “Womanhood: The Divine Comedy.”  She is also an admitted laughaholic and advocate of adding chocolate as a key component of the USDA Food Pyramid.