“An abundance of raw talent”
by Paul Dias
Every Tuesday for nine weeks, fifteen or more
aspiring writers gather at the feet of Brian Henry, with the hope of becoming
more proficient in writing stories. To this end, Le Chef D’Orchestre –
a man with tremendous experience in the science and the art of skillfully
delivering a compelling story in a captivating manner, holds court.
There is an abundance of raw talent in the group.
To unleash their creativity, Brian has deliberately maintained a playful yet
informative atmosphere. This has disarmed the participants and put them at
ease. With their inhibitions suppressed, the participants allow themselves to
write stories from the depths of their souls. It is a thing of beauty and truly
magical to behold.
Over the weeks of class, common errors and
practices that ruin a good story are discussed. Various technical aspects of
styles of writing and the dos and don’ts of creating a good story are also
showcased. Brian’s natural aptitude for teaching and motivating his pupils
quickly results in their writing skills improving dramatically. His protégés
begin to regularly deliver praiseworthy pieces.
This gathering of minds and their cumulative
wealth of experience soon reveals the presence of several good writers. More
importantly, the classes have served to help each participant discover their
own unique ability to write a good story.
Paul Dias is a Jamaican by
birth, who now calls Canada home. He’s a gifted painter and a natural
story-teller who dreams of writing his first best-seller. Check out Paul’s Instagram
page here.
***
Note: This fall, I’ll be offering
an online “Welcome to Creative Writing” class on Monday evenings. Details here.
***
“This class is a treasure” by Vera Ninos
The first time I came across Brian Henry's name I
was at a writing workshop sponsored by the Hamilton Public Library. Two women
were discussing an upcoming one-day workshop of his which they would be
attending. I wrote down his name and promptly tucked it in a drawer with my
writing journal where it was forgotten.
Months later, still dabbling and skirting the
edges of my desire, I attended another library workshop, where I was again
intrigued by conversation about this Brian Henry. Who was he and why was
he so popular?
Though I googled him when I returned home and my
level of intrigue spiked, I still did nothing until weeks later when I sat at
my computer registering my kids for fall activities. What the heck, I decided,
and registered myself for an activity, too, one of Brian’s weekly courses: “Welcome
to Creative Writing.”
That's how I came to find myself spending two
hours every Tuesday morning with other aspiring writers.
Each week, while humorously dispensing his vast
knowledge of writing and writing culture, Brian is encouraging, inspiring and
supportive.
Class begins with a harmonizing review of
everyone's weekly writing challenges and accomplishments, then proceeds with a
couple of students presenting a show and share piece. As in the primary years
of school, a tangible article is shown. Unlike kindergarten, the article is
accompanied by a short written piece.
In the safety of this warm and intimate setting,
the writers often delve deep within their psyche to share personal stories of
sorrow and victory, which are often both revealing and deeply moving.
From there, a weekly lesson or focus is introduced
such as Showing versus Telling what your characters are thinking, First Person
Narratives and how to write a book review – or other kinds of reviews (hence
this piece).
As class continues, students are given an
opportunity to apply the lesson by beginning a written piece in class which
they then share with a small group of other students.
Each week, a handful of writers bring in longer
written pieces, and Brian critiques them and gives helpful suggestions.
As each week rolls into the next, I find my body
of writing expanding, my ability to access the writer in me easing, and my
desire to share what I have written increasing.
I would highly recommend this class to anyone
interested in tapping into their creative potential or even if you're just
wondering if you have creative potential. Regardless, this class is a treasure.
***
Vera Ninos is Hamilton-based mother
of four. You can read more of her writing here.
***
See more pieces about or
inspired by Brian’s retreats, workshops and classes here (and
scroll down).
For more essays, short stories, and
poetry by you fellow writers see here (and scroll down).
See Brian’s upcoming weekly writing classes
(including a “Welcome to Creative Writing” class), afternoon workshops, and
writing retreats here.
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