My First Gateless Writing Salon Experience
Back in September of 2020 I was introduced to a Gateless Writing Salon facilitated by Becky Karush. I didn't consider myself much of a writer.
But I had an itch.
The Salon was on a Sunday afternoon on Zoom. I clicked on the link and was in an online room with several other people who were there to write. I didn't know any of them and I didn't know what Gateless writing was.
It was just that I had that itch.
After a warm welcome, Becky shared the Gateless writing guidelines and then led us into an embodiment exercise. It all felt so nurturing and cozy. Becky gave us a writing prompt and off we went to write for 20 minutes.
Gently, as we were brought back into our virtual circle, Becky told us that we would be invited to read aloud what we had written. She also told us we didn't have to. After each writer had finished reading their piece, all in attendance were given the opportunity to provide Gateless feedback. Honestly, this was the best part. Gateless feedback is gentle, loving, and empowering. After I received feedback on my piece "Barbie's Day in the Beach", I felt a glow, encouraging me to sign up for a salon the following week. So I did. And I signed up for the next week and the next...
My itch was getting scratched.
With each week, my confidence grew, not only as someone who could write, but as a person. Gateless feedback looks at the power of the piece, at the craft, at what works. It does not critique. And believe me, that is incredibly refreshing.
But I had an itch.
The Salon was on a Sunday afternoon on Zoom. I clicked on the link and was in an online room with several other people who were there to write. I didn't know any of them and I didn't know what Gateless writing was.
It was just that I had that itch.
After a warm welcome, Becky shared the Gateless writing guidelines and then led us into an embodiment exercise. It all felt so nurturing and cozy. Becky gave us a writing prompt and off we went to write for 20 minutes.
Gently, as we were brought back into our virtual circle, Becky told us that we would be invited to read aloud what we had written. She also told us we didn't have to. After each writer had finished reading their piece, all in attendance were given the opportunity to provide Gateless feedback. Honestly, this was the best part. Gateless feedback is gentle, loving, and empowering. After I received feedback on my piece "Barbie's Day in the Beach", I felt a glow, encouraging me to sign up for a salon the following week. So I did. And I signed up for the next week and the next...
My itch was getting scratched.
With each week, my confidence grew, not only as someone who could write, but as a person. Gateless feedback looks at the power of the piece, at the craft, at what works. It does not critique. And believe me, that is incredibly refreshing.
