How do we grow and refine the practice of editing our own words?

Much of my writing work is rooted in deepening the practice of tuning into what any given piece is wanting to say, and shaping and sharpening the writing to meet that call. So how do I know what is and isn’t working? How do I push forward into a piece of writing whose call is eluding me? How do I deal with endings, beginnings, titles, line breaks, narratives, and other elements of a piece of writing so that it can “sing”? And, beyond this, what are ways that I can become a better listener to what my own writing is try to tell me?

“Listening for Revision” is for writers interested in moving their work toward completion. Each week, I will begin by sharing a piece of unedited writing of my own and will walk through my process of revising and shaping that piece, as well as offering ideas, methods, and practices for “tuning in” to our writing for the purposes of revising, refining, and improving it.

In a roundtable format, each participant will be then invited to share an excerpt of in-process work, reflecting on any challenges or questions they are having. We will have a loose, informal conversation around all of our shared reflections, and I will then set a timer and we will each dive back into our own pieces and practice applying closer attention to where our work is asking to go. Participants can bring new material to each session, or continue working on one piece throughout all 4 sessions. Session series is limited to 8 participants.