Writing Workshop – Part B

As most of you know from my last post, I flew to New York City this past weekend for a caregiver’s writing workshop, provided by the Wounded Warrior Project, WWP, and hosted at the Writers Guild of America East. Let me tell you, it was an amazing trip.

For those of you that are new to my blog, let me give you a little backstory concerning my trip. In December of last year, I was selected to attend the first part, unaware until two days into the trip that the workshop was a two-part event, of the WWP Writing Workshop for caregivers. It was my first time in New York City, and I was thrilled to get to know some other caregivers and meet our very talented mentors, David Tucker and Jenna Jackson. It was a wonderful trip. I was scheduled to fly back to New York City the following June for Part B.

This trip, Part B, was very different than the first trip. First, our coordinator, Jack Hartman, was a more easy going than our first event coordinator. He worked hard to provide us with a trouble free and fun trip. Jack made sure the dining options were better, our transportation issues were less cumbersome, and our paperwork issues were kept at a minimum. Our weekend was a success because he went above and beyond the requirements. Thanks again, Jack!

Second, our group work varied from our first weekend. During our last trip, we did numerous exercises, including character biography creation and scene setting, to improve our descriptive writing skills. The writing assignments this time were focused on learning the art of rewriting and moving forward in our future projects. We wrote one main piece and then did several critique/rewrite sessions. By the time we completed the workshop, I learned to push past rewrite fatigue and how to thoroughly develop my characters.

Third, this trip was more relaxing. During the last trip, I was nervous throughout the weekend and felt slightly insecure about my writing abilities. I was more confident going in to this workshop, and I was more comfortable with my group members, including our mentors. I was a little anxious about what writing assignments the mentors had planned, but that dissipated quickly. In addition, I decided to stay in my room a little more during this trip, since I really needed time to reflect on what we were learning and to get adequate rest. The extra downtime helped me better enjoy our group work and evening outings.

One of my favorite parts of the weekend was spending time with my friend, Astrid. We met during the first trip to New York City and really enjoyed each others company. This time was no different; we were two peas in a pod. I think we spent more time laughing and being silly than we did being serious, during our evening excursions. I will miss her.

Here are some photo highlights from my weekend.

My friend Astrid

Our group hard at work

My writing group from left to right – Astrid, Me, Christy, David, Jenna, Veronica, Bernadette

Our group is on a field trip

We found The New York Times

Our writing workshop attendees and mentors

World Trade Center South pool

We visited a famous bakery for our writing group outing

Jack – the weekend coordinator

One World Trade Center

As you can see, I got to see the World Trade Center South memorial pool, the location of The New York Times, and visited a famous bakery in Soho during this trip. I also spent some more time in Times Square, saw the Trump Towers Soho, bought cupcakes from the Sprinkles bakery at the Brookfield Place mall, ate at Morton’s Steakhouse, visited the Trinity Place Church, and walked by several other famous sites and restaurants. I even bought myself a few souvenirs.

My trips to New York City were life changing. I learned so much about myself and who I want to be as a writer. During the last trip, I realized that I am a writer, and this trip, I came away with a plan for my future writing projects and a greater appreciation for the writing process. I will never be the same.

Thank you, Wounded Warrior Project, Jack, David, Jenna, and Writers Guild of America East!