Robin Finn, MPH, MA, is the author of the new book Heart. Soul. Pen.: Find Your Voice on the Page and In Your Life, and the founder and creator of Heart. Soul. Pen. writing workshops. She leads writing events for groups, organizations, and companies around the U.S. and beyond. She's here with advice on hosting writing events that help people laugh, connect, and express themselves in a new and fascinating way.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, people continue to experience high levels of loneliness and overwhelm. Hosting a guided writing event is a fresh way to inspire both staff and guests, and provides a science-based, self-care event that goes beyond traditional offerings.
“It was moving…I got to laugh and connect with my colleagues…."
What is a Guided Writing Event?
A guided writing event is a workshop, led by a trained facilitator, in which participants sit and write together and share their work using guided feedback. Studies show that expressive writing decreases stress, improves overall wellbeing, and leads to increased personal development and self-discovery. A guided writing event brings these benefits and adds the additional layer of community building. Through the use of playful writing prompts, easy-to-follow instructions, a safe container to explore creatively, and guardrails so that all participants feel seen, heard, and understood, these events give people the opportunity to slow down, sink into their creative voice, and authentically connect to others.
"We often express things in writing which we otherwise don’t give voice to…”
It’s for Everyone
People show up at guided writing events and often don’t know what to expect. They come with curiosity, but may feel that they are not a ‘real writer,’ or they are not ‘good’ at writing, or they may be excited to try writing and see what comes forth. A guided writing event is for everyone. You do not need any prior writing experience. You do not need to be a journal writer. You do not need anything but curiosity and a pen. A guided writing event is about creativity, community, and connection—there is no pressure to achieve or perform. A skilled facilitator creates a safe space where people can get creative, reveal themselves more authentically, laugh, connect, and express themselves in a new and fascinating way.
Everyone has a creative voice. Too often, writing is overlooked as a powerful tool for self-care and stress reduction because, without a guide, it may feel scary or unknown. But working with a facilitator creates an environment of magic and inspiration where simple exercises allow people to get into ‘the flow,’ and come away surprised and delighted by the creativity hidden inside of them. Guided writing events can be theme-based, align with an organization’s wellness goals, or have a specific intention for healing, connection, self-expression, or stress-reduction.
“I never realized how writing could play such an important part of self-expression…Turns out that writing is fun and it’s for everyone…”
Takeaways
Participants leave a guided writing event feeling surprised by their own creativity and moved by the creativity of others. Bonds are formed. People feel seen. The desire to be more creative at home and at work is born. Too often, creativity takes a backseat in our lives. But the truth is, engaging in creative self-expression is fun as well as healing. The event can be as short as one hour or as long as a full day retreat. Either way, people will leave with a boost of creative confidence, a deeper sense of connection, and tips to incorporate writing into their lives.