Perspectives: Seeing New, Writing New
Writing
Are you too caught up with your daily routines? Do you regard the world with a jaded eye? Have you wondered where your creativity has disappeared to? Are you bored with your writing style?
Fret no more! Perspectives can help! This workshop will use physical-based techniques that will challenge you to perceive the world differently as well as give new impetus to your writing. Whether you are a new or seasoned writer, you will definitely benefit from gaining fresh Perspectives on life. Be prepared to move and be moved!
Pre-Workshop Preparation
For Participants
Please bring pen/pencil and paper or laptop/tablet for the writing exercises.
For Organisers
Please provide:
- a quiet, fair-sized room that allows all participants to sit (with writing surfaces), preferably in a large circle or U-shape formation
- pens/pencils & paper for participants (if they require)
- a large whiteboard/flipchart and pens.
Feedback
Participants' Feedback
What aspects of this workshop benefitted you the most?
“Seeing things around me from a different angle to trigger ideas. Great course for overcoming the writer’s block.”
Janice Wee
“The insights to seeing things in new perspective. What to do when you face a writer’s block. It is good. I enjoyed the class.”
Vivian Lin
“The technique for stopping, looking and sensing differently was great for those times where creativity is non-existent. I enjoyed the workshop very much. Thanks, Verena!”
Sibylle Brautigam
“Interactive. Making me see with my eyes closed. Think it's perfect!”
Diggy
“I liked the combination of movement with close/intense ‘looking’ & the creative offshoots that came from that. Thanks!”
Hilary Hewitt
“New ways of seeing familiar domestic & outdoor environments. Very enjoyable. Relaxed atmosphere.”
Julie Chevalier
“Limiting and randomizing stimuli narrows down or shifts writing focus to specific points; which you can then use to write about anything that comes to mind. Refreshing and enjoyable. Thanks Verena!”
Andrew Chow
“The walking around and looking around the environment. It was useful.”
Priya de Langen
“Sharing our stories with other writers. Thanks for organizing the workshop. I think someone needs to galvanize the writing community of Singapore — maybe these workshops would be a good starting point.”
Raymond Angelo
“The exploring, which encouraged me to use the sense I usually take for granted.”
Natalie Goh
“The writing.”
Yen Feng
“Hearing other’s stories. Yes, it was really fascinating.”
ME
“The freeing of ideas.”
Nicole Ang
“Getting to see things in different perspective — jogged creativity.”
Stephanie Stella
“I liked the idea of framing a random and limited view and taking an aspect of that, (on taking that aspect) as a stepping off point. I also liked the process of taking adjectives you have attached to objects and using them to build character. If it was longer!”
Tracey Sullivan
“We get to sit down and really start writing! Peer pressure is good.”
Seow Joo Chuan
“The use of the environment as stimuli was extremely inspiring. It taught me that imagination can be found anywhere.”
Rani
“Reminder to use all 5 senses — separately! It was good fun as it was!”
Amy Tan
“Seeing things in a different angle. Creating characters out of things. Great one!”
Sharon Tan
“To let go & look from another direction at times when you are stuck.”
Alex Lim
“The time to write a range of writing exercises — especially the last exercise as I have never done this type of exercise before. This was such a treat! To take time out from a busy schedule just to be creative and write… in such a calm & welcoming space as well made for a wonderfully fulfilling evening.”
Jacyntha England
About the Facilitator
A Singaporean writer, editor, storyteller and theatre practitioner, Verena Tay has published a short story collection, Spectre: Stories from Dark to Light (2012), and three play collections, and edited various fiction anthologies, including the bestselling Balik Kampung series of short stories published by Math Paper Press. She possesses three Masters: English Literature (National University of Singapore, 1993); Voice Studies (Central School of Speech and Drama, London, 2005); and Creative Writing (City University of Hong Kong, 2015). Since 2005, she has been helping people to improve their communication skills and has taught voice, speech and presentation skills, storytelling and creative writing.