The Workshop Experience by Chrystal Ash
My Bearing Witness: A Journey Into You Writing Workshop Experience
By Crystal T. Ash
Once the pandemic began in 2020, I found myself face to face with time to finally write the book I had been writing for 11 years. Over the years, I struggled with my writing being perfect before I published. I was referred to Ms. Johnson-Hodges workshop by a close friend who believed it would ignite me to finally finish if I learned from a seasoned author. She was right! Ms. Johnson-Hodges started the workshop with her own unique story into the world of writing with a quote that still sticks with me… "Just do it anyway with fear”. Ms. Johnson-Hodges created a virtual space that made each participant face the truth of their desire to write a book. She encouraged each of us to give ourselves permission to tell our story whether we succeed or fail. The workshop was very liberating in allowing me to let go of what others would think of my story and gave me courage to write what I wanted to write in my own unique voice.
During our time in the workshop, there were several engaging writing exercises and techniques I utilized while writing my first book. I was particularly drawn to one where each participant was guided into exploring their feelings in the written form. I was able to use this method to paint moments in my stories that capture readers with my level of vulnerability and ability to draw them into the scenes emotionally. I gained very practical tools that would pull readers in from the first sentence and leave them with questions with a desire to know more. Ms. Johnson-Hodges implored each writer to create using the power of their own truth and that insight made the world of difference in my writing. I am eternally grateful to her for the gracious impartation of transformative wisdom.
All the best,
Crystal T. Ash, Author of Lessons from My Grandma’s Table
Lessons from My Grandma's Table is available for purchase here https://www.crystaltashbooks.com/
By Crystal T. Ash
Once the pandemic began in 2020, I found myself face to face with time to finally write the book I had been writing for 11 years. Over the years, I struggled with my writing being perfect before I published. I was referred to Ms. Johnson-Hodges workshop by a close friend who believed it would ignite me to finally finish if I learned from a seasoned author. She was right! Ms. Johnson-Hodges started the workshop with her own unique story into the world of writing with a quote that still sticks with me… "Just do it anyway with fear”. Ms. Johnson-Hodges created a virtual space that made each participant face the truth of their desire to write a book. She encouraged each of us to give ourselves permission to tell our story whether we succeed or fail. The workshop was very liberating in allowing me to let go of what others would think of my story and gave me courage to write what I wanted to write in my own unique voice.
During our time in the workshop, there were several engaging writing exercises and techniques I utilized while writing my first book. I was particularly drawn to one where each participant was guided into exploring their feelings in the written form. I was able to use this method to paint moments in my stories that capture readers with my level of vulnerability and ability to draw them into the scenes emotionally. I gained very practical tools that would pull readers in from the first sentence and leave them with questions with a desire to know more. Ms. Johnson-Hodges implored each writer to create using the power of their own truth and that insight made the world of difference in my writing. I am eternally grateful to her for the gracious impartation of transformative wisdom.
All the best,
Crystal T. Ash, Author of Lessons from My Grandma’s Table
Lessons from My Grandma's Table is available for purchase here https://www.crystaltashbooks.com/