Stock photo:  Not Calvin’s Writing Group

Some of you have asked about the difference between the Salon group and the writing group.

I think more than anything, the Writing Group is more immediately engaging and interactive. The Salon process had participants read a book and then meet, which could be a month-long process between book and interaction within the group. The Writing Group, on the other hand, meets weekly, it is an “in the moment visceral experience,” it is spontaneous, no one knows what we are to write until just moments before, and the process contains the elements of both internal reflection to draw out their creativity, and also gives the immediate engage with others to share their creations.

One Writing Group member jokingly said he felt it more satisfy than sex and everybody laughed and I said you may want to consider it, as just another form of sex, and then everybody laughed.   Another participant said It is one of the few things that on my day off  I will get up and do and not be paid for it.  Laughter again, I know the insights that members of the group have gained about themselves only comes about in a supportive atmosphere using the group dynamics structural design model.

One group member decided to ride his bicycle to the Long Beach area to attend the group from Culver City (I think about 20 miles), yeah, but he is in Firefighter training. He did it the day before the group, but that evening found himself in mischief that went on late into the night but he showed up next day, producing writing of the highest caliber.  I know even for the hardcore partiers in the group, that people will get their butts up and participate. Because unlike a bar or in any other kind of sexual activity, that main muscle, call it a sex organ known as the brain, seeks human engagement and the chance for their unique creativity to be express.

Aloha

Calvin