New sessions starting in September and January!
Contact Kelly for days, dates, location, and times.
Individual coaching & consultation also available.

Current offerings for ongoing workshops:

Dip a Toe In:
an ongoing writing workout for new or shy writers who want to stimulate their creative waters and experiment with sharing their drafts in a supportive and encouraging circle. Sessions include: prompts/stretches to get your writing going; guidelines for developing a writing practice; and opportunities for gentle feedback on your work. No prior writing or workshop experience necessary.

Two-hour sessions, every other week.
Six-session commitment required.
Cost: $150
Participants bring a notebook.

Out of the Pool and Into the Pond:
an ongoing writing workout for the intermediate writer (serious, with some experience in a workshop setting) who wants to get into the muddy water and stir things up! If you’d like to go to deeper, darker depths in your writing, and are willing to go home with some silt in your suit, this workshop is for you. Sessions will include: writing prompts / plunges to stretch you comfort zone, clear feedback to coach, challenge, and critique your work, and supportive opportunities to revisit, rework, and revise drafts.

Two-hour sessions, every other week.
Six-session commitment required.
Cost: $150
Participants bring notebook.

The Skinny Dip:
a weekly workshop for the advanced writer seeking pointed critique, craft discussion, editing assistance, and preparation for publishing. Kelly will coach participants in lifting-up, analyzing, and dissecting their writing, always striving for excellence. Be ready to strip down and be vulnerable, in order to push your work to its final draft.
**Facilitator’s approval required before admitted to course.**

Two-hour sessions, every other week.
Six-session commitment required.
Cost: $150
Participants bring a notebook.

The Creative Healer:
an ongoing series for anyone in a healing career who would like to use writing as a self-supervision and burnout-prevention tool. For counselors, health care professionals, teachers, bodywork and massage therapists, even parents, or others who expend their energy healing others. Explore what drains and fuels you; knead the knots of challenging clients; manage counter-transference; celebrate successes; and test and redefine the roles you play in your work. A lively and inspiring jolt for both your job and your spirit! No prior writing or workshop experience required.

Friday mornings, 8:30 – 10:30 am, every other week.
Six-session commitment required.
Cost:: $210
Participants bring a notebook.

One-Day Intensive Workshop offerings:

Dip a Toe In, One-Day Intensive:
Get in the water and write, write, write!
This is a stimulating day of writing and camaraderie for the new or shy writer. Immerse yourself in an artistic pool for a luxurious day of creation and experimentation. Opportunities for gentle and supportive feedback help you go deeper and take writing risks. No need to fear, lifeguard on duty!

One Saturday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: $125 Bring a notebook, water bottle, & sack lunch.

The Deep Dive, One-day Intensive:
Plunge in head first!
This workshop for intermediate and advanced writers submerges participants in the pools, ponds, and swamps of writing. Through a mix of exercise and improvisation participants will stretch, play, and dive down deep into underworld writing. Writers will go home invigorated and inspired, with a bag full of new ideas and first drafts. Feedback and critique offered at your comfort level.

One Saturday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: $125 Bring notebook, water bottle & sack lunch.

The Creative Healer, One Day Intensive:
Revive, Refuel, Rejuvenate!
This one-day workshop for those in healing careers will replenish body, mind, and spirit. Through movement, meditation, and mostly writing, participants will re-envision their work, explore new avenues for problem solving, and rekindle that creative spark. This investment in yourself is sure to increase productivity and assist in stress management. Give your work a lift and yourself a gift!

One Saturday, 9 am – 4 pm.
Cost: $125 Bring notebook, water bottle & sack lunch.

What participants say about Kelly’s Swim With Words Writing Workshops:

“This workshop was phenomenal. In just three sessions we accomplished more in writing than in an entire semester course (and I studied Literature at Columbia University!) It went far beyond my expectations.”

“Kelly is an excellent facilitator, always encouraging. She has a gentle touch.”

“Kelly’s greatest strength is understanding the experimenting writer’s mind.”

“This workshop was better than I expected. I loved diving beyond my conscious self and finding the story within.”

“I like the way Kelly didn’t let any one person monopolize, instead allowing everyone an opportunity to participate. I also appreciated not being pressured to read my writing aloud.”

“Kelly’s style of leading and editing is honest, safe, constructive and smart. She encouraged everyone, no matter what level. She taught me a lot about how to talk about other people’s creative output, as well.”

“I looked forward to our sessions every time we met and loved the writing prompts, feedback, and reading everyone else’s work. Working with other thoughtful writers was very energizing. This has been a wonderful experience.”

“Kelly is a very knowledgeable and supportive instructor; this class was definitely worth the money!”

“I particularly loved the impromptu writing assignments. It was during those that I discovered all kinds of new things about myself.”

“The group process was very positive and supportive. I gained confidence in my writing, and Kelly’s leadership set the tone for a good experience.”

“I enjoyed the inspiration and camaraderie of the group. I learned a lot from hearing others’ work, and Kelly’s handouts, articles, and resources were very helpful.”

“This workshop helped me complete a plan for my writing that I have thought about for a long time.”

“This class was excellent.”