On-going Creative Writing Classes with Amy Ammons Garza
History. Years ago when I was away from home (Jackson County), and I first began to write my novels, I was a member of a writing critique group, Northwest Indiana’s Writers Group, in Crown Point, Indiana. At the time I was a student at Purdue University Calumet, with a full focus on creative writing. As I wrote each chapter of my first novel, “Retter,” I would read the chapters to my fellow NW Indiana writers. It was of enormous help to me, to hear my own words read aloud, and then to get feed back from those I respected. When I began to receive writing awards throughout Purdue’s long reach in the state of Indiana, I began to also receive notice from the news media. Encouraged to speak in front of community groups and then in front of younger students in Purdue’s English Department, I discovered that it takes more to being a “writer” than just to write. Public speaking was sort of forced upon me, and that’s when I discovered that people liked to listen to my “stories.” My professor and my editor kept pushing me to carry this “speaking thing” just a little further...and thus, I evolved into a “mountain story teller,” for all my writing was about my home in the Great Smoky Mountains. Nineteen years ago, I returned home to begin “Catch the Spirit of Appalachia” along with my sister, Doreyl Ammons Cain. Our focus has been and will always be to draw attention to the fact that we must honor those who came before us and the heritage they left for us to pass on. My sister and I make great partners, for as I tell the story, she spontaneously illustrates it. We do performances all over North and South Carolina, and beyond. Separately, she teaches art to her art students at her home and I teach creative writing to aspiring authors in my home. My purpose in teaching creative writing is to provide a safe and open environment to speak from the heart. Everything that I have learned in the writing field over the years, I pour into my students. Writing groups are so important, for like-minded people surround you, those who support your efforts, offering encouragement. Writing is a lonely thing...just you and your pencil or computer. Writing groups awaken dominant desires of telling your own story or the story of your family, your heritage. It doesn’t matter if you’ve ever written before...all you need is a desire to begin, and then have someone or something to inspire you, and the stories will simply fall out onto the paper. Truly, you teach yourself to write, for you must write to learn to write. Being a member of a writing group also keeps you writing, for you have to bring something to read each time you come. And then, a writer must learn to “speak,” and an artist must learn to exhibit his/her work. So, each year, my sister and I bring our students together in Catch the Spirit of Appalachia’s Celebration of the Arts performance. We do this to “push” our students to dig down deep and bring out the best “stuff.” Our wonderful CSA board comes together and provides a Reception for these Writers and Artists to celebrate their talents.
Personal Concept. The flame in the dark is the breath of story lighting the way from one generation to the next. It is up to each of us to pass along and keep the flame burning. The heritage of our great area has now become the driving force of a huge tourist industry. What people want is authenticity... the real story. They want to read and hear stories about those who have started with little, struggled, persevered and accomplished a dream. These are the true heroes of our times. This is why I write.
Writer. Everyone is unique. As a "teller of mountain ways," I write from what I have learned growing up in North Carolina. I write from a particular view of experience coupled with listening to others' wants and needs as I interview. As a feature writer and editor for the regional paper "Fun Things to do in the Mountains," I write articles that help readers to understand the uniqueness of our area, to care about the subject(s) of the article, and to inspire readers to seek out the business represented.
Teacher. Group Sessions—New writers need to "rub elbows" with others of like minds. In group sessions, I teach in the morning, sharing the knowledge I have acquired over the years to help others complete their dreams in a more timely manner. We have lunch, and then each person attending will read from something she/he has written, followed by comments from all. Everyone learns from each other.
One on One—Many people have come to me with a manuscript they have been working on or have completed. For a minimual fee I will read it and give my opinion. If the writer is interested in working with me on a one-to-one basis, for an hourly fee, I will schedule times to go over the manuscript line by line, page by page. What both learn from these sessions is immeasurable.
Group Sessions: When: Second Saturday of the month, 10am until 3pm, bring your own lunch. Place: Amy’s home in Sylva. Cost: $35 each session Each session stands alone. The knowledge acquired is something all can use in creative writing. I strive to have at least one completed work for each writer by November every year. The goal of Catch the Spirit of Appalachia is to encourage EVERYONE to write it down! Put on paper what matters to them. Every year in November Catch the Spirit has a "Holiday Reception" for the CSA Writers (Amy's Classes) and the CSA Artists (Doreyl's Classes), where the writers will be involved in reading their work in a performance for the public, and Doreyl's artists will exhibit their art work. This year, 2007, the reading and exhibit was again at the Jackson County Community Center in Sylva.
Upcoming Group Session dates: Theme for 2008—Writing From The Heart (Normally, the classes are on the second Saturday of the month. If date is changed, it is because of other oblications.)
WRITING WITH A PURPOSE January 12, 2008—Writing From the Heart February 9, 2008—The Magic of Getting Ideas March 8, 2008—Personal Experience, Marriage, Parent, Children April 12, 2008—Nostalgia and Memoirs May 10, 2008—Humor, Essays, Sketches and Columns June 14, 2008—The Five Fundaments--from provocative ideas to stirring conclusions July 12, 2008—Tone, Focus, Pace, Organize August 9, 2008—Six Ways to Make Your Articles Better September 13, 2008—Twelve Secrets of Style October 11, 2008—Preparing for Holiday Reception-Making the Most of your Talent November 15th—Holiday CSA's Celebration of the Arts December—Holiday!
If interested, email Amy at v.ammons@mchsi.com to schedule and get directions to the class.
An example of work brought to book from through coaching by Amy:
"White Feather," by Nancy McIntosh
Pafford (cover art by Doreyl Ammons Cain)
Catch the Spirit of Appalachia Celebration of the Arts A Holiday Reading & Art Exhibitation
Saturday November 17, 2007—Jackson County Community Center 5:00pm
On November 17, 2007 at 5pm, at the Sylva Community Center, 538 Scotts Creek Road, CSA will present “Passing It On.” This is a performance with stories, songs, and spontaneous art in a fast-paced production, where I tell the story, inserting the prose and poetry of local writers and singers, with Doreyl illustrating the story as it evolves. Immediately following, there will be special entertainment featuring “The Muses,” a 3-woman a cappella group singing an ingenious mix of Celtic, Americana, traditional Appalachian, and World music. Their repertoire covers a wide range and includes original compositions, spirituals, soul numbers, and songs from Scotland and Ireland. An art exhibit of local talent will fill the lobby of the Center, and for holiday giving, the sale of art, books, cards, & photography will be available also in the lobby. Refreshments will be served. The program is sponsored by the Board of Directors for Catch the Spirit of Appalachia. For more information, call 828-631-4587. Schedule of Events: 5:00pm—The Ammons Sisters with local writers and singers 5:45pm—The Muses 6:30 pm—Art & Photography Exhibit & Reception
Special Events 7:00 pm—Art Chair Project: Pet scenes painted on chairs will be auctioned off—50% realized from sale will go to artist and 50% will be donated to Catman2 & ARF 7:30 pm—Catman2 Quilt Raffle Drawing
