Carol J Crittenden (aka CJ Critt
214-734-3199 (cellular)
212-695-9349 (cellular)
cjcritt@mac.com
The Write Stuff – Creative Writing Workshop
CJ Critt’s, The Write Stuff is a creative writing workshop, or one-on-one experience that encourages the expression of the writer’s Signature Voice.
To break it down, and to ensure that writer’s block never hangs around for long, I suggest a simple creative writing philosophy. From Rage – To the Page – To the Stage. Meaning…anything you feel passionately about, i.e., an injustice, a betrayal, a major desire, fear, joyful experience, brush with death, pet peeve, searing memory, ecstatic moment, etc. is something to write about, and that everyone, given permission and guidance, is an expert on their own life and has vital stories to tell.
The way we uncover this voice is to facilitate the student writer to let go, to write quickly and spontaneously, without a thought as to ‘doing it right.’
Initially, after an introduction to my professional background, and some thoughts on “Where writing comes from…” I read a few, short, autobiographical performance pieces that showcase different styles; monologue, poetry slam rant, journal entry, etc. as a way to get the show and tell energy rolling.
Then I offer a set of provocative writing prompts to trigger memories and whatever else the students may feel intensely about. I tell them to pick the first topic that grabs them and that they identify with or feel any passion for, and to write without trying to censor themselves for 12 to 20 minutes. Then we stop, take volunteers and the authors read and share their new work.
Time permitting, we repeat the spontaneously writing 3 to 5 times more, until the student’s individual writing style, or voice, begins to emerge. I help them recognize this, and their peers will also reinforce the style or themes that they have observed, too. Over time, these selections can be expanded, or turned into fully realized pieces which can be performed on-stage, shared with family and peers or self-published with software which is fairly commonly available.
Another area to explore is one-on-one coaching where I can work with individual students who need editing skills and suggestions for works they are already engaged in. Or for students who are attempting further character development--whether for characters they are creating on the page, or for characters they are creating to perform.
The workshop can be a single shot experience, or a series of creative sessions, culminating in selection of the best new work, rehearsed for a live student show.
Program comments and reviews for presenter CJ Critt 2007
(1) Original Message-----
From: Marion Mohun Marion.Mohun@cityofcarrollton.com
Sent: Mar 19, 2007 12:45 PM
Hi, C.J.
Every time you have done a program (3 times) at the Carrollton Public Library, we have had much larger crowds than for our other adult programs. That is because people love your presentations and they like you, too, on a personal level. You are terrifically funny and immensely entertaining, no matter what program you are doing. We loved the presentation "By Rail", which showcases not only your humor but your excellent writing style, and, as far as our book discussion group members are concerned, any recorded books that you narrate gives us characters that are forever after enjoyed when done only by you.
We look forward to having you here whenever we can because your programs are a delightful treat not to be missed.
XOXO
Marion
P.S. I could go on much longer than this. mm
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(2)
>Sent: Mar 18, 2007 10:51 AM
>Subject: Re: pithy quotes from Whitesboro Public Library
Karen Butts " That was the most entertaining afternoon that I
have spent in years!"
RE: Solo show, BY RAIL: Jo Ann Jewell " I made that train trip. I could relate very well to her humorous takes on all of the personalities! She turned some fond, but stressful memories into the hilarious adventure that it really was."
Joe McDonald, " I did not know what to expect, but C.J. Critt provided a great afternoon of fun. She has such an ability to take everyday insights on people and their nuances and make it a humorous story"
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(3) I have asked C.J. Critt to come twice and present her Write Stuff creative writing program. She is excellent at working with people and inspiring them to write freely and creatively. Many of our patrons appreciated her warm, encouraging style. Ms. Critt read her creative writing and gave interesting prompts that motivated everyone to write and share. It's a privilege to have Ms. Critt speak and, I'm eagerly awaiting her next presentation at the Hurst Public Library.
The Hurst Public Library and ten other libraries in the Dallas/Fort Worth area planned a community reading project. The book chosen was Isaac's Storm by Erik Larson. We were looking for someone to read passages from the book to peak interest and kickoff our event. I thought of Ms. Critt and was not disappointed. Ms. Critt read the book and selected interesting passages. She captured the attention of the audience and read dramatic passages from the book without giving away the ending. She led a question and answer session at the end of the reading that prompted a lively discussion of the Galveston storm. Ms.Critt's attention to detail, her professional voice, and her engaging manner created the perfect opening event for our community reads program.
Sincerely,
Vicki Stone
HURST PUBLIC LIBRARY
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(4) The Narrate Like a Pro workshop was one of our more popular workshops at the Fort
Worth Public Library. It certainly had the most patron involvement of any program
I've ever seen. We were still receiving patron inquiries weeks after the event
(and you know that's true!). There's a lot of budding talent out there,
but also a lot of curiosity from patrons who want to know exactly how audiobooks
are made. Make sure your meeting space is big enough to meet the demand!
Eric Fry
Multi-Media Manager
Fort Worth Public Library
500 W. 3rd St.
Fort Worth, TX 76102-7333
817-871-7791
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