Writing
While I can only personally work with my students at Cambridge Center for Adult Education, I thought writers out there looking to explore their self-expression would appreciate seeing some of the assignments I give:
From my class Writing From Your Own Experience
Read Gail Caldwell from “Let’s Take The Long Way Home” page l65
Assignment #1:
Write about a scary encounter/attack etc. Make it vivid and show how you survived, and remembered it..)
Assignment#2:
Write about someone who had a benign, positive, helpful role in your life—in action, kindness, attitude, style, advice/helpfulness perspective-making. It might be a deep and longlasting relationship/connection or even something seemingly brief, the effect of which would surprise the helpful/’well doer.’
Assignment #3:
Blend winter and summer (it’s hot now) in some perhaps surreal way. Imagine walking down the unbearably hot street and suddenly finding ice and snow. A poetic blending of some kind.
Assignment #4:
Write about a meaningful vacation you had –possibly in childhood-that stays with you for reasons possibly bad, but also good.
Assignment #5:
Write a brief sketch of a woman you would call a virago, or a man you would call a force of nature.Colorful, interesting, disturbing, fun,