The following two workshops are part of the University of Iowa Summer Writing Festival 2012 in Iowa City, Iowa. The festival offers a variety of writing workshops by talented instructors. Browse the catalog, then register mid-February (for my workshops below or for other workshops and instructors) at http://www.continuetolearn.uiowa.edu/iswfest/

Instructor Linda M. Bendorf

Is your creativity on hiatus? Do you love the power and beauty of language, but lack time or inspiration? Former students will tell you this workshop provides both a destination and a plan to make surprise possible. Whether you seek to restore personal or professional creativity, serious work requires serious play. This course invites you to recharge. Before the workshop, I’ll ask for a letter telling me what you think creates gridlock in your writing life. During our high energy, focused, yet flexible workshop, plan to generate all new work. We’ll plunge into exercises and strategies to spark creativity and to bypass mental roadblocks. We’ll write quickly to stay ahead of the inner critic, and boldly to outsmart the censor. This workshop invites you to take the kind of intellectual and creative risks that lead to breakthrough thinking, your best work, much laughter and sometimes an unexpected tear. In good workshop fashion, we’ll share our work as time allows, and send you home with a storehouse of ideas and drafts.

Instructor, Linda M. Bendorf

With its stylistic and thematic range, creative nonfiction is considered the genre of intrigue and innovation. "Creative nonfiction . . . is fact-based writing that remains compelling, undiminished by the passage of time, that has at heart an interest in enduring human values: foremost a fidelity to accuracy, to truthfulness." (Carolyn Forché and Philip Gerard Introduction, Writing Creative Nonfiction. Story Press, 2001). So, your work – grounded in voice and authenticity -- must reach beyond the purely personal. Let’s gear up for vigorous engagement as you show and tell what really happened and why it matters. We’ll draw inspiration from extraordinary essays, some that illustrate how fiction techniques enhance nonfiction. Plan to write intensely to develop and shape your idea or rough draft narrative. I will encourage and skillfully guide, offer targeted assignments and in-class writings. We’ll all offer constructive feedback. Our one-on-one allows for additional questions about publication, your writing life, writing goals or challenges. Come spring, I’ll ask for your letter of introduction telling me who you are and what you're driven to write.

Update

As of March 2012, Carl, Kiwi and I live, work and play at Wild Finch Farm, five beautiful acres of woodland, prairie, pasture and gardens bordering Solon and West Branch, approximately ten miles from Iowa City, Iowa. Set on a hilltop in northeast Johnson County, our historic farm is also home to two-hundred year old towering Burr oaks. Seeking inspiration or guidance? Consider a writer’s retreat or private coaching at Wild Finch Farm. Settle in with a book or your journal; or take a leisurely stroll to awaken your senses and clear your mind. In good weather, you can jump start a project or complete your manuscript outside on the covered patio, the sheltered pavilion or the sunny deck. Arrange for a mini-get away and enjoy the option of a delicious home-cooked meal and project or manuscript coaching or editing.

Wild Finch Farm is also headquarters of the Iowa Young Birders and home to Wild Finch Farm Summer Day Camp. For more information on upcoming events, see Wild Finch Farm.com or email Linda at Lmbendorf@gmail.com. Phone: 224-688-9222.