Perspectives: Seeing New, Writing New

Target Participants:

  • Open to both new and seasoned writers who are fluent in English.
  • As long as you are in good general health and fairly mobile, you should be able to take part in the physical activities planned. The physical activities will be non-strenuous and do not require great athleticism or high levels of fitness.

Duration:

1 session, two hours per session

No. of Participants:

Min: 6 people; Max: 12 people


Pre-Workshop Preparation:

Please bring pen/pencil and paper or laptop for the writing exercises.

Notes for Organisers:

Please make available a quiet, fair-sized room that allows participants to move about freely and provide sufficient chairs/writing surfaces for all the participants.

Are you too caught up with your daily routines? Do you regard the world with a jaded eye? Have you wondered where your creativity has disappeared to? Are you bored with your writing style?

Fret no more! Perspectives can help! This workshop will use physical-based techniques that will challenge you to perceive the world differently as well as give new impetus to your writing. Whether you are a new or seasoned writer, you will definitely benefit from gaining fresh Perspectives on life. Be prepared to move and be moved!

About the Facilitator

Verena Tay has spent more than 25 years acting, directing and writing for Singaporean English-language theatre. She has three published collections of plays and is now working on her debut novel and first volume of short stories. In addition, Verena is an active storyteller-cum-storytelling coach and a co-founder of MoonShadow Stories. Possessing an MA in Voice Studies (Central School of Speech and Drama, 2005) and an MA in English Literature (National University of Singapore, 1993), she has been helping people to improve their communication skills since 2001 and currently teaches voice, speech and presentation skills at various local institutions. For more information about Verena, please visit www.verenatay.com.

Participant’s Feedback:

Feedback from 15 Nov 2011 Workshop (BooksActually)

“Limiting and randomizing stimuli narrows down or shifts writing focus to specific points; which you can then use to write about anything that comes to mind. Refreshing and enjoyable. Thanks Verena!”

Andrew Chow

“The walking around and looking around the environment. It was useful.”

Priya de Langen

“Sharing our stories with other writers. Thanks for organizing the workshop. I think someone needs to galvanize the writing community of Singapore — maybe these workshops would be a good starting point.”

Raymond Angelo

“The exploring, which encouraged me to use the sense I usually take for granted.”

Natalie Goh

“The writing.”

Yen Feng

“Hearing other’s stories. Yes, it was really fascinating.”

ME

Feedback from 6 Sep 2011 Workshop (BooksActually)

“The freeing of ideas.”

 Nicole Ang

“Getting to see things in different perspective—jogged creativity.”

Stephanie Stella

“I liked the idea of framing a random and limited view and taking an aspect of that, (on taking that aspect) as a stepping off point. I also liked the process of taking adjectives you have attached to objects and using them to build character.  If it was longer!”

Tracey Sullivan

“We get to sit down and really start writing! Peer pressure is good.”

 Seow Joo Chuan

“The use of the environment as stimuli was extremely inspiring. It taught me that imagination can be found anywhere.”

Rani

“Reminder to use all 5 senses — separately! It was good fun as it was!”

Amy Tan

“Seeing things in a different angle. Creating characters out of things. Great one!”

Sharon Tan

“To let go & look from another direction at times when you are stuck.”

Alex Lim

“The time to write a range of writing exercises — especially the last exercise as I have never done this type of exercise before. This was such a treat! To take time out from a busy schedule just to be creative and write… in such a calm & welcoming space as well made for a wonderfully fulfilling evening.”

Jacyntha England