With Maureen Buchanan Jones
Using the Amherst Writers & Artists Method

"Maureen creates a setting that allows me to take chances in my writing. I appreciate the creative energy of the people in our group and their encouragement. Meeting with this group of writers once a week is the encouragement I need to discipline myself to write every day."
Nancy C.

We will create a community that supports and encourages our desire to take creative risks in recording memory, imagination and dream.

As participants we will:

• write in response to exercises
• read our writing to each other when we choose
• respond with what we remember and like
• learn to hear, trust and explore our individual voices
• critique manuscripts when desired

Maureen also offers one-on-one workshops for those individuals who prefer or require privacy.

Writers of all Skill Levels and Genres Welcome

The 10-week sessions meets once every week.
Downtown Northampton, MA.

Maureen Buchanan Jones holds a Ph.D. in English Literature from the University of Massachusetts and is certified to lead workshops using the A.W.A. method as described in Pat Schneider's Writing Alone and with Others (Oxford University Press). Maureen has taught in university and school settings and has published poetry and non-fiction.

"Maureen faithfully holds to the fundamental truths of the AWA method. She graciously reflects back the writer's strengths, models the kind of respect that listeners can offer one another and allows the writer to attend to further strengthing the writing. She instills confidence that shaping one's work will develop simultaneously with a growing attention to detail."
Janice L.

"This is not your standard workshop. Here we laugh, play, cry, listen, write and experiment. Maureen's group, under her wise and patient attention, helps me to see what works. Through her group I have found a comfortable boat to go sailing in--my own zany humor."
Nadine G.

"It is a special and talented group of people. I have very much enjoyed my time with them,and have taken an immense amount away from this experience. I am no longer afraid to read aloud to others what I have written. Listening to others has helped me hear the good things in my own writing that I was unable to hear before."
Angelique B.

Maureen's writing workshop has been an oasis for me as I explore my voice through the written word. Maureen is a magician at bringing in brilliant writing prompts that appeal to my senses and to my heart, mind, and soul. She creates a space of quiet attention in which these prompts have unleashed my imagination in unexpected ways, leading me into various genres. Just as importantly, she always creates a respectful atmosphere in which I always feel supported in my writing. She sets a tone in which I can read my newborn drafts knowing they will be held with gentleness. She herself has a special gift for listening, for finding the gems hidden in each piece, and for calling my inner voice to come forth with all its energy and wisdom.
Anne D.