Through a series of prompt-driven exercises, our writing community will explore the ideas, experiences, and memories that make each of us unique. As we approach Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the writing we do will focus on the introspection that is critical to the High Holy Days.

Far too many adults think they can’t write because someone in their past told them they couldn’t. EVERYBODY can write, but not at the same level. I can play volleyball, but you sure don’t want me on your team. Once a person breaks through these self-imposed boundaries, the writer emerges. Writing is the expression of ideas onto paper, nothing more and nothing less.

Each of us will write honestly with the goal of introspection. Writers can respond in prose or poetry or the combination of the two.  There will be no teaching of specific forms of writing and I will not be offering feedback of a critical nature. This experience, in the best of all possible worlds, will give each of us a written window into what makes us human.

Sharing of writing within the group is highly encouraged but not required. Confidentiality is a given. Sharing your writing is a very brave act, and we will all respect each other’s right to privacy.

I am looking forward to writing with you. (Space is limited to 10 people so register early!)
Mimi

About Mimi Botkin
After 37 years of full-time teaching of English and Language Arts at the high school and middle school levels, Mimi Botkin retired in 2007 and began a new teaching and writing life. A Fellow of the Western Pennsylvania Writing Project, she now volunteers for  JFilm’s Teen Screen program in which she writes and teaches curriculum for Holocaust films shown in this venue as well as leading response sessions with students after they have seen the films. She also facilitated a Writing Circle at Temple Sinai for five years and currently for the Pitt and CMU Osher programs.