The method
The heart of the Amherst Writers and Artists method can be summed up as follows:
Affirmations:
Everyone has a strong, unique voice.- Everyone is born with creative genius.
- Writing as an art form belongs to all people, regardless of economic class or educational level.
- The teaching of craft can be done without damage to a writers original voice or artistic self-esteem.
- A writer is someone who writes.
Practices:
- Everyone’s writing, including the leader’s, is treated with equal respect and value.
- Writing is kept confidential and treated as fiction.
- Writers can refrain from reading their work aloud.
- Responses to just-written work reflect what is strong and successful.
- Responses and exercises support the development of literary craft.
