Hoping to become a writer?
Wondering how to get published?
Wishing you had more time to write?
Need some real motivation?
Yes? Then this workshop is for you!
This full-day creative writing workshop in Antwerp provides tools to strengthen your journey towards becoming a writer. In this interactive, hands-on workshop, you will receive practical tips and encouragement from Anne Randerson, Ph.D., published author and professional writing teacher since 2007.
Come prepared for short writing assignments, group discussions, explanations about the craft of writing, editing, publishing, feedback, etc. All ideas for writing projects are welcome: autobiographical stories, short stories, novels, travel experiences, childhood challenges… You name it! Just bring a pen and notebook and any original ideas you may have. (The workshop will be taught in English, but you can also write in Dutch, or in your own native language.)
My advice to new writers: If you have a dream to become a published writer, you must believe in yourself. Write something every day, even if it’s just in your journal. That’s still writing. Take some writing classes, get a writing coach, or join this workshop! Go to author readings. Visit libraries. Especially don’t give up on your projects or ideas, even when things look bleak. If you can, work a little on weekends, evenings, early in the morning, and holidays. Every little bit counts. It fuels you with positive momentum. Follow your intuition—trust your gut—every step of the way. That person you feel compelled to contact on a hunch just might open the right door for you. Don’t listen to naysayers.
Know that writing is extremely hard work. It’s pure dedication. But it’s worth it to feel the satisfaction of finally having your name in print or seeing your friends waiting in line for your autograph. Go outside and enjoy your surroundings. Visit the seaside, mountains, local cafes, restaurants, and festivals. Grab a camera and notebook and go to a new neighborhood each weekend. Take pictures and write about people you see. Sit on a park bench, soak in the sun or rain, and reflect on what surrounds you. Use your five senses to feel, smell, taste, hear, and see what comes up. Then jot this down in your notebook. Meet interesting people and mingle. Belgium, and Antwerp in particular, are such vibrant, diverse places… take advantage of these opportunities and have fun in the process!
Prerequisites: a working knowledge of English (although you may write in Dutch or another language; Anne speaks Dutch, however, the workshop will be in English).
Instructor: Anne Randerson, Ph.D., is a former university lecturer and researcher in intercultural communication, mindfulness, contemplative practices, business writing, and global studies. She is also a creative writing teacher and transitions guide & coach: www.crossculturalhorizons.com
Anne has published two full-length contemporary novels and has contributed to: National Geographic Traveler; Travelers’ Tales; Routledge; Emerald; Palgrave Macmillan; Expatica.com; (A)WAY magazine; Brussels Weekly, U.S. Tri-Missions in Brussels; So Say We All; Natural Awakenings; Rendez Vous, Write for Tohoku; Summertime Publishing; the San Francisco Sentinel, and other international publications. Since 2007, she has taught creative writing courses at the American Women’s Club of Brussels, Boston University in Brussels, the European Commission, and San Diego Writers, Ink. She is a member of the Belgian Association of Authors, Composers and Publishers and is currently completing her third novel.
“I attended several of Anne's Creative Writing classes in Brussels. She is a skilled and generous teacher. Her workshops were well prepared and well run.”
“Anne's creative writing course was so successful and motivational that many people, including myself, signed up for a second or even third course. As a teacher, she pushed us beyond our boundaries and motivated us to get published.”