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We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.
Ernest Hemingway
January Newsletter
January Special: Writing Resolutions
On January 1st, we kicked off the new year and the first of our 10th anniversary specials with a reflexive writing course on resolutions. Together we used prompts and free-writes to push through blocks, examine our goals more intimately, and practiced writing as a tool to make the most of 2024.
No experience was required; participants did not need to share their work (unless they wanted to!). All they needed was a pen and some paper (we try to write by hand as much as possible at IGCo. as a way to balance our online lives).
Here is a poem that we read and reflected on in the workshop: “New Year’s Day” by Kim Addonizio (2000)
School’s out… uh… never?
A group of amazing people at Engineers House in Bristol.
Since 1997, IGCo. founder Carolyn Grisold has been in university or college in some capacity or another. I like to say I collect diplomas instead of art. Hanging on my office wall you will now find a post-graduate certificate in “Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes” (aka CWTP)from Metanoia Institute in Bristol. For me, this programme included 4am classes and multiple trips to England. What a fun experience that was – studying writing for well-being with a group of likeminded women (and one man, as per!) who were welcoming, creative and passionate about this burgeoning area of the Expressive Arts. A stark contrast to my M.A. for which I studied alone and had to seek special permission to focus on reflexive writing. CWTP has been a great value-add to my previous grad studies.
But guess what, folks? There’s more!
Carolyn smiling in front of Edinburgh Castle on a surprisingly sunny day in Scotland.
Starting in January 2024, I will be researching a PhD in English at the University of Dundee in Scotland (hence the pic above). I’m taking this doctoral programme remotely, and part-time, but will be “forced” to visit Scotland often. Darn. Heh heh.
My project focuses on the intersection of writing well and writing for well-being and I seek to better understand why we writers continually believe if we don’t publish, we perish.
I will keep you abreast of these scholarly pursuits. [Popping collar.] In the meantime, whenever you get an IGCo. newsletter you can practice saying “Ah, just what the doctor ordered!” LOL
Liz Gilbert is coming to Toronto
…and she’s bringing Martha Beck with her!
This weekend-long workshop will provide a rare opportunity to study with both Marty and Liz together, as they share all they learned over the decades about the creative process. Participants will be led through a series of experiences and exercises designed to open the imagination, subdue fear and imposter syndrome, and allow inspiration to flow. This workshop is for everyone from professional “creatives” to those who are just looking for an inspiring re-set in their lives.
The event takes place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on a Saturday & Sunday, 10am-4pm. You get to choose if you want to take Elizabeth’s workshop or Martha’s, or one of each. I’ve booked my spot – will I see you there?? (Yay!)
Morning pages with a view!
Starting the day at the Juniper Hotel in Banff.
I know it wasn’t this year but I would be remiss not to mention that, in June 2022, I was invited to attend an incredible event in Banff, Alberta, with TrueElk luxury writing & wilderness retreats. “Writing our Relationships” was the theme and host Sarah Packford curated a creative and inspiring programme that featured memoir workshops by author Christie Tate, forest bathing at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, and a relaxing stay at the Juniper Hotel.
I had never been to a writing retreat before, and the bar is now set extremely high for my next one! What an amazing week we had.
This journal gets around!
Writing in Westgate Gardens, Canterbury.
Also in June 2022, en route to my CWTP weekend in Bristol, I made a pitstop in Canterbury to attend Victoria Field’s new therapeutic writing conference, The Healing Word. Featuring speakers who are currently practicing and/or facilitating poetry therapy in all its forms, this event was especially poignant as I got to meet my M.A. professor, Dr. Reinekke Lengelle, in person for the first time!
The Healing Word will next take place in Summer 2025.
Currently reading…
In my M.A. at Athabasca University, the courses I took with Dr. Reinekke Lengelle set me off on my reflexive writing journey. Here she partners with some of the leading voices in the field to bring the latest text on the field of Writing for Wellbeing.
Upcoming events
February Special: Reading Love Letters
February is a month of romance, and whether they are written to yourself or someone else, let’s find out how self-reflection can enhance our appreciation of love letters!
Together, in our second 10th anniversary special, we will read famous (and some not-so-famous) love poetry and prose and write responses to them, consider our blocks when reading and writing about love (and self-love), and get ready to write our own love letter to whomever we choose!
No writing experience is required; participants do not need to share their work (unless you want to!). All you need is pen and paper, as per usual at IGCo.! We’d LOVE to see you there! xo
DATE: Sunday February 11th
TIME: 11am-12pm ET
COST: FREE
On a personal note
Pearly Poo (foreground, right) with Beau-the-cat and Hazel-the-dog.
For those of you who have attended an IGCo. workshop online, you have likely seen one or more of my beloved Petulants make a guest appearance. Most likely it was Beaumy feisty ginger tabby knocking things off my desk, or Hazel my rascally wiener dog begging to sit on my lap. A rare sighting of my cat Pearl was a treat. The most special little tortie, she was never any trouble, and came and left my life as easy as the breeze she loved to nap in. Pearly passed away this summer at the young age of 7 and is missed every day!
You are the key to unlocking creativity
Thank you for supporting IGCo. over these past 10 years! We wish you all the best for 2024. Here’s to the future. Apparently it is now.
-Carolyn