UPCOMING October 8:

Discovering Book Arts &
Creating an Illustrated Journal

October 8, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Center for Contemplative Arts
Cost, $25; all proceeds to benefit community outreach programs.

Creative Journeys with Gail Balden and book arts instructor Carole Huelsberg will offer a workshop on book arts and creating an illustrated journal on Saturday, October 8 at the Center for Contemplative Arts in Manzanita, Oregon from 9 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Cost of the workshop is $50 plus a $5 materials fee.

Learn how to create several books to use for journaling, recording "Gratitude's," writing your own story or as gifts for family or friends. Several types/styles of books will be taught; sharing how objects from nature as well as readily available cost effective items may be used to create unique books you will treasure.

Creative spirits need a place to remember, doodle, draw and dream. The journaling segment of this workshop will focus on capturing your world on the page using language and imagery.

No previous "book-making" skills required. Just come with your joy for acquiring new skills & take home some treasures.

Class size is limited and pre-registration is required. To register, send deposit for 50% of the workshop cost ($27.50) to Gail Balden, 41500 Anderson Road, Nehalem, OR 97131 by October 1. For more information, contact Gail at 503-368-7807 or gail@creativejourneys.net.

2011 SEASON

February 19:

Jumpstart Your Writing

Begin or begin again in 2011. A new year, a new page-gear up with writing goals and the essential tools of the writing life. Get out of the rut, get inspired, be bold, and develop productivity strategies to make this the year to bring your stories to the page.

June/July/August:

Summer Series/Writing From the Heart

Participants may register for any or all of the summer series, each workshop independent of the others but all building on the premise that good writing comes from the heart and what we most care about. Each workshop will include a variety of good advice, writing exercises and inspiration for those drawn to self-expression, whether in the form of journal sketches, essays, memoir, short fiction or poetry. Enliven your life by discovering what you think, feel and know through the power of words. Participants enrolled in all three workshops can expect to have a completed, critiqued manuscript in hand by the last class.

June 11:

Writing From the Heart, Part 1

This workshop will examine the call of our stories, how to capture ideas and get started. Creating sanctuary, making time to write, getting rid of roadblocks including your inner critic and developing confidence in your work will all be explored as we work on the key elements to good writing.

July 16:

Writing From the Heart, Part 2

Learn how to write a piece of artistic truth in a compelling narrative voice by using the techniques of fiction such as dialogue and building a scene. Finding your hook, the importance of details, engaging the senses, developing memorable rich characters and invoking the power of memory are techniques that will lead to strong writing in your distinctive voice.

August 13:

Writing From the Heart, Part 3

This final workshop in the series will show participants how to sharpen and tighten their work, add depth with simile and metaphor, revise and put it all together. The important techniques of how to give and receive critique, define your audience and get material market-ready will be covered as well as a key ingredient for all writing-trusting the process.

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Reclaiming Purpose and Passion
in a Chaotic World

Women’s Retreat, June 25, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church, Nehalem, OR
Cost, $25; all proceeds to benefit community outreach programs.

In her book Gift from the Sea, Ann Morrow Lindbergh asked of herself: “What is the shape of my life? This one-day women’s retreat facilitated by Gail Balden encourages women to take a break from their busy lives, draw inward and listen to their own wise voice. The workshop will focus on using writing as a spiritual tool in times like these. Cultivating stillness, opening to creativity and developing a practice of keeping a peaceful heart in a chaotic world will be included in this renewal retreat that includes music, solitude, art and a nature walk. All women in the community are invited to attend.

Space is limited, so early registration is advised. To register, contact Gail Balden at gailbarbara@creativejourneys.net or call 503-368-7807.

Michigan Workshop:

Writing From the Heart

August 20, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tea Room
114 South Main, Ann Arbor, MI
734-665-2757

This workshop will examine the call of our stories, how to capture ideas and get started. Creating sanctuary, making time to write, getting rid of roadblocks including your inner critic and developing confidence in your work will all be explored as we work on the key elements to good writing.

Register by August 6, 2011 for discounted cost of $55; after August 6, $60. and open to maximum of 15 participants