Wiawaka Writing Classes: Journaling as brainstorming with inspired prompts!

In this thoughtful, introspective workshop, we will explore the technique of journaling as a way of jump-starting the creative process, taking inspiration from the beloved poet Shel Silverstein as well as Jane Austen, author of the classic Pride and Prejudice. Participants will use prompts inspired by Austen quotes and Silverstein poems as a basis for free-writing. From this popular and cathartic technique, we will explore ways—through one-on-one guidance and peer reviews—to turn an unstructured journal entry into a cohesive art form—be it a poem or flash fiction story or personal essay.

With a BA in English literature from UMass Amherst and a Masters in Teaching from Simmons College, Johannah Davies Spero teaches composition and creative writing at SUNY Adirondack. The award-winning author of 8 novels under the name JD Spero, she has done author visits in school classrooms across the Northeast and has taught writing workshops locally for BOCES enrichment, and also at yoga retreats, Wiawaka, the Hyde Collection, Chingachgook Women’s Retreat and, most notably, following the footsteps of Stephen King at Exeter High in New Hampshire. After living in the Boston area for over twenty years, she returned to her hometown of Lake George to raise her three boys—although her family will always root for Boston sports teams.