The AWA Method
AWA
Amherst Writers & Artists Method
Pat Schneider–poet, playwright, author–developed the Amherst Writers & Artists (AWA) method more than 30 years ago, after she received her MFA. She discovered that existing methods for leading writing groups were fraught with tension and competition, and that the resulting work was stiff and unnatural. She knew there was a way for people to express themselves freely and to take joy in writing, and the method she developed has received worldwide acclaim!
Philosophy
Amherst Writers & Artists’ philosophy is a simple one: every person is a writer, and every writer deserves a safe environment in which to experiment, learn, and develop craft. The AWA method, which is fully described in founder Pat Schneider’s book Writing Alone and With Others (Oxford University Press, 2003, and available at www.patschneider.com), provides just such an environment.
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.
- Everyone has a strong, unique voice.
- Everyone is born with creative genius.
- Writing as an art form belongs to all people, regardless of economic class or educational level.
- The teaching of craft can be done without damage to a writers original voice or artistic self-esteem.
- A writer is someone who writes.
Whether your purpose for writing is artistic expression, communication with friends and family, the healing of the inner life, or achieving public recognition for your art – the foundation is the same: the claiming of yourself as an artist/writer and the strengthening of your writing voice through practice, study, and helpful response from other writers.”