ONLINE & IN-PERSON IN TORONTO

Writing Classes & Workshops

Exploring aspects of your imagination, experience, memory, and feelings, pen to paper, helps to ground and grow self-esteem.

Everybody can write.

We communicate with words all the time.

The only difference is in learning to send the words down our arms through the pen, instead of doing what we may be more accustomed to doing— giving free rein to our mouths.

Putting thoughts to ink on the page and then giving voice to the raw unedited writing, is a marvellously transformative experience. The ink becomes a mirror letting us see (and hear) ourselves in profound, sometimes humourous, new ways.

I hope you’ll join me.

Welcome, I’m Sharon.

storyteller | poet | editor 

I have a passion for writing discovery, and for supporting others with clarity and an ability to articulate and inspire both reflection and creativity. 

The moving pen is based in Toronto, though currently all workshops take place on Zoom.

Explore this page to learn more about my writing classes. If you are curious and would like to join, let’s connect!

WHAT TO EXPECT

Writing as Practice

Our classes are rooted in ‘writing practice’—a method designed to quiet the inner critic and allow creative impulses to emerge, be explored, and take shape.

A safe and supportive space

Class groups are small, conducive to experiences of safety, comfort, and intimacy within the process.

Who the classes are for

'The moving pen writing groups attract adults of all ages, from different cultures and varying backgrounds. Perhaps the individual has been wanting to write for some time but has not yet carved out the time to do so. Often a transition point in one's life is a wake up, and brings both a desire to explore the new edges that are appearing, and a willingness to meet one's evolving self on the page.

The rhythm of a session

Each session includes multiple opportunities to write and share, with participants typically writing and reading at least four times.

Writing from within

We write from memories, pictures and feelings that we all carry inside. And we write from how these experiences ignite our imagination.

Exploring different forms

Exercises are given that develop narrative skills using dialogue, point of view, memoir, fantasy and so on. If you predominantly write memoir, you may grow more willing to experiment with dialogue, fiction, and personal process when you hear others foray into spirited banter, character, or the interior realms, and vice versa.  A variety of content in a writing group kindles a playful fertility for all the participants.

The most important criteria for acceptance into a class are a genuine desire and willingness to write and to be a thoughtful member of the group, along with a readiness to be vulnerable and an inclination for a good belly laugh.

If you are curious or would like to join, let’s connect. A phone conversation is an important requirement before registering.

Class Guidelines

We respect confidentiality within the group.

Each person reads their writing aloud. This helps displace the harsh judge who interferes with the freedom to express oneself.

Only positive responses are offered…

…something that lingers in memory, a phrase that stood out, the spot where energy increased.
This uncensored stream-of-consciousness writing deserves to be met with kindness and encouragement. 

Writing first, refining later.

Feedback and critiques come later in the writing journey. The facilitator participates fully, writing and reading with the other participants.

The Power of Writing Practice

Writing practice and the energies of the group help to:

  • initiate or revive an organic relationship to the written word

  • separate the resourceful self from the internal critic

  • welcome writing into our daily/weekly life

  • further mindfulness through the meeting of our thoughts

  • overcome procrastination and creative ‘blocks’

Class Schedule

  • TUESDAYS

    1:00 to 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time

    Six sessions, ongoing enrollment

    $220

  • WEDNESDAYS

    9:30 am to Noon Eastern Time

    Six sessions, ongoing enrollment

    $220

  • THURSDAYS

    7:00 to 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time

    Six sessions, ongoing enrollment

    $220

CONTACT ME

Kind Words

  • The Moving Pen’ experience has been positive and fruitful in many ways. Sharon is the most encouraging mentor, and has the ability to ease one’s anxiety about the writing process. I have gained a new confidence. I had the honor of Sharon’s expertise while working on an article, that was later published in The Globe and Mail. The collaboration was inspiring, educational and emotionally fulfilling. It is a privilege to be with such a compassionate and giving teacher.

    — Janet Goldblatt Holmes, dancer, artist, teacher

  • The sessions are full of friendship and laughter... I’ve learned that I can make up characters and describe distant settings, or dive into my own life where even the mundane moments hold stories. I’ve come to trust my instincts.

    -Hele Montagna, radio producer

  • Sharon Singer was a Godsend at a time when I was trying to embody a new creative voice that really needed some expression, some freeing up. I had been writing my first play and, in her class, I found story threads, voices and an embodied confidence that became key to my process. Her sensitivity, non-judgmental attitude and ways of giving helpful feedback were so beneficial.

    -Jerry Brodey, educator, writer, performer

  • Sharon creates a space that allows us to write (and read our words aloud) without fear. During a session we take turns performing the endless dance of reveal/conceal with our words. Sharon’s calm acceptance of everything we write gives us the courage to continue putting ourselves on the line.

    Ann Tudor, writer and storyteller

  • Maybe there are two kinds of people in the world: the ones who write and the ones who want to write. ‘The Moving Pen’ is one of the best ways I have ever found to be the first kind of person. As a practice it keeps me writing and as a writer it helps me to focus on what I really want to write. I have recommended it to lots of people

    Julie Simmons, astrologer, writer, teacher

 FAQs

  • If you are curious about the classes or would like to join, let’s connect. A phone conversation is an important requirement before registering.

    Contact me.

  • Please understand that credits for workshop and class fees are not possible unless a substitute is available to fill the spot, in which case the credit is valid for a 2 month period.

  • Creative writing workshops are sometimes offered on a weekend afternoon, and occasionally on a particular theme such as editing or poetry (see Events).

  • Workshops geared to specific groups or, in locations other than Toronto (the moving pen travels!) are designed upon request.