AWA stands for Amherst Writers & Artists, a writing group format designed for “people who write:” that is anyone who uses writing, whether personally or professionally. Writing is one of the best ways to process experience and to express oneself and writing groups have popped up all over the country to encourage writing and share written work. Typically, a small group of gather together to write, either from prompts, from personal inspiration, or from past work. Participants are then given chance to share their writing, although this is optional. The AWA method provides a safe and encouraging format for sharing written work; it is NOT a critique workshop and is not intended as a place to give writing advice or to pass judgment on written work.

Here are guidelines:

  • Confidentiality: what’s shared in group stays in group;

  • Exercises are suggestions: if someone end up writing something that seems to have no apparent connection to the exercise offered, they’ve still “done it right;” what’s most important is that each person do the writing that they feel most strongly drawn to do;

  • All writing is responded to the way we respond to fiction: the best way to maintain this is to refer to the “narrator,” or “poet,” or “main character,” etc.;

  • Feedback focuses on the strengths: 1. what was strong about the work, 2. what you liked, 3. what stood out or stayed with you; or to share specific lines or phrases that touched or moved you

Below is an excerpt from the AWA website describing the philosophy and practices of the method.

Philosophy

The AWA method is based in the following philosophy. These affirmations rest on a definition of personhood based in equality, and a definition of writing as an art form available to all persons.

  1. Everyone has a strong, unique voice.

  2. Everyone is born with creative genius.

  3. Writing as an art form belongs to all people, regardless of economic class or educational level.

  4. A writer is someone who writes.

Essential Practices

The following practices establish a safe environment where everyone is free to explore within their own writing and listen to each other with respect.

1. Everyone’s writing, including the leader’s, is treated with equal respect and value.
2. Writing is kept confidential and treated as fiction.
3. Writers can refrain from reading their work aloud.
4. Responses to written work reflect what is strong and successful.

For more information, see: Amherst Writers & Artists