My First Writing Experience
Back in September of 2020, when I was introduced to Gateless Writing, I didn't consider myself much of a writer.
But I had an itch.
The writing workshop 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, the facilitator shared the Gateless writing guidelines and then led us into an embodiment exercise. It all felt so nurturing and cozy. We were given a writing prompt and we wrote for 20 minutes.
Gently, as we were brought back into our virtual circle, we were told we'd be invited to read our writing aloud. We were 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 writing, I felt a glow, encouraging me to sign up for another workshop 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 on the page, at the craft, at what works. It does not critique. And believe me, that is incredibly refreshing.
But I had an itch.
The writing workshop 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, the facilitator shared the Gateless writing guidelines and then led us into an embodiment exercise. It all felt so nurturing and cozy. We were given a writing prompt and we wrote for 20 minutes.
Gently, as we were brought back into our virtual circle, we were told we'd be invited to read our writing aloud. We were 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 writing, I felt a glow, encouraging me to sign up for another workshop 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 on the page, at the craft, at what works. It does not critique. And believe me, that is incredibly refreshing.
