Creative Chaos Workshop

Online writing workshop and exploration of the creative process.

In this workshop, we’ll write using prompts for creative writing and reflect on our creative interests, practices, and organizational techniques for creative work. Together, we’ll explore the mechanics behind creativity and the writing process through a variety of source texts and reflecting on our own creative practices. Our goal is to discover strategies, practices and the unique creative process that works for you, so you can confidently make progress toward your creative goals.
In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to practice the craft of writing in a supportive and encouraging community. The live virtual format provides dedicated writing time and immediate feedback. The workshop is open to writers of all genres, styles and experience levels; including people that may not consider themselves writers. You have a unique creative genius that deserves to be explored.

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What to Expect

Workshop details:

4-week virtual workshop meets once per week.
Meetings held on Zoom for one and a half to two hours (may vary depending on group size).
Short readings will be provided at least one week prior to meeting.
Each meeting consists of a discussion related to reading, focused writing time to a reflective prompt and a creative prompt.
The opportunity to share and receive feedback on writing done in workshop.
Sliding scale payment between $100-$50 for 4-week workshop.

Topics covered:

Reasons behind creative pursuits; your why.
The basic steps in completing a writing project or other creative work.
What living a creative life looks and feels like.
Organizing and planning for working on multiple projects or different types of work at once.
Creative obstacles including productivity guilt, split focus, etc.

Well worth carving the time out of my schedule.

“If you are looking for a jump-start in your writing life then the Creative Chaos workshop is for you. I have a split focus in my creative life (visual and literary art) and this workshop helped me understand why I enjoy creativity and offered suggestions for how to organize my creative life. The online format fit my schedule perfectly and allowed me to meet other creatives that I would have never met if it was an in-person workshop. The workshop leader, Alexis, allowed us ample time to discuss the day’s topic, get some actual writing time in, and discuss our writing in a positive group setting. Taking this workshop enhanced my creative life, gave me some valuable insights, and was well worth carving the time out of my schedule.
Michelle Stevensen

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Chaos Coordinator & Workshop Facilitator

Alexis M. Collazo is a Brooklyn born and raised writer, workshop facilitator, and crafty creator. She writes in a variety of styles, forms and genres which includes working as a freelance writer, website copywriter and content marketing blogger. In addition to her own writing ambitions, she enjoys sharing her passion for literature and helping others share their stories. Since moving to Pennsylvania in 2016, she worked at the local public library where she led a monthly writing workshop and facilitated other writing related programs.

She was introduced to the AWA method in workshops offered by The New York Writers Coalition; her work was recently included in their latest anthology, Common Unity. In August of 2021, she was certified as an Amherst Writers and Artists workshop facilitator and began offering online writing workshops. Previous workshops include Tarot Tuesdays, Poetry As Spiritual Practice, Halloween Horror, and Journaling Jumpstart offered through Eventbrite and Experimenting with Voice: Writing in your Mother Tongue in partnership with Writers Studio Corpus Christi. For more on Alexis and her writing visit www.alexismcollazo.com.

Alexis M. Collazo is an Amherst Writers & Artist affiliate, certified to lead workshops in the AWA method as described in Writing Alone and With Others by Pat Schneider, Oxford University Press

As leader, Alexis exudes such warmth, humor and acceptance. Pure pleasure.
Betsy Bowen Wrenn

“Thanks so much Alexis for a truly immersive writing course experience that was fun, interactive and insightful. I loved seeing and hearing how everyone blossomed and how you encouraged our creative flow.”

Sue Goode

FAQ

What is the AWA method?

The Amherst Writers & Artists method is an alternative to most traditional workshops focused on harsh critiques. Instead, craft skills are developed through encouraging and supportive feedback on writing strengths. AWA’s core belief is simple: every person is a writer, and every writer deserves a safe environment in which to experiment, learn, and develop craft. The method is outlined in Writing Alone and with Others by Pat Schneider, Oxford Press 2003; for more info visit www.amherstwriters.org

What if I can’t make all the meetings?

A major part of the creative process is showing up to do the work. One of the underlying benefits of these workshops is the built-in accountability of attending meetings, writing together and sharing your work. I do not recommend signing up if you can’t commit to showing up for all scheduled meetings. However, I understand that life happens and if you can’t help it, missing one isn’t a huge deal. If it’s more than one though, I don’t think it’s worth investing the time or money. The workshop cost is for the full session, I do not offer refunds for missed meetings.

Will workshops be recorded?

Workshops are not recorded for a couple reasons. Most importantly, I want participants to feel safe and comfortable instead of worrying about being on camera. Not everybody is comfortable being recorded and I don’t want to inhibit anybody from participating fully in discussions or sharing their work. These are live, interactive workshops that rely on group participation to make the most of it. The small intimate nature of the groups allows for a sense of safety and camaraderie, that may be lost in recordings. There’s also the accountability of having to show up without the backup of a recording that you may never watch.

How much participation is expected and are you required to share writing?

This is a voluntary workshop, there is no required amount of participation. However, the success of the workshop lies in participant engagement. The more active participants are, the more everybody gets out of the workshop. As a courtesy, I do ask that you have your camera on during discussions and the sharing/feedback portion. Reading your work is always voluntary. It is not required; you can always opt out with zero explanation or questions asked. I do hope in time all participants will feel comfortable enough to share some writing, offer feedback and participate in discussions. My goal is to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, no matter what their comfort level of engagement is.

Do you offer refunds?

Because these are live workshops with limited spacing, I do not offer refunds. I understand things come up, life happens and plans change. There are several steps to register for the workshop, last of which is payment. Be sure that you can commit to attending before the final step of payment.

What if I have other questions, concerns, etc.?

All questions, comments and concerns can be sent to info(at)creativechaosworkshop.com. Please allow at least 48 hours for a response.