ONLINE Crafting Insight From the Ordinary: a 6-week generative writing workshop
6 Weeks | Thursdays | Begins April 16, 2026
5pm-7pm PT | 6pm-8pm MT | 7pm-9pm CT | 8pm-10pm ET | 9pm-11pm AT
Instructor: Leanne Shirtliffe
MEMBER PRICE: $240.00
NON-MEMBER PRICE: $325.00
"The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper." —W.B. Yeats
In a world full of distractions, it’s easy to overlook the magic in the mundane. Crafting Insight from the Ordinary is a 6-week generative writing workshop designed to help you uncover the hidden richness in everyday life.
Using the Amherst Writers & Artists (AWA) Method, this workshop invites writers of all levels to explore the beauty in life’s simplest moments—whether it's the smell of fresh bread, the sound of rain, or the quiet hum of daily routines.
Each week, we’ll explore a new theme—place, food, work, science, occasions, and objects—through thoughtfully crafted prompts that spark creativity and reflection. With timed writing exercises and a supportive space to share, you’ll discover how the ordinary can be transformed into something extraordinary.
What to expect:
● Generative writing sessions with thought-provoking prompts to ignite your creativity
● A safe and encouraging space to write, share, and grow as a writer
● Uplifting feedback that honours your unique voice and ideas
● No pressure—just the joy of exploring the world around you through writing
Whether you’re an experienced writer seeking fresh inspiration or someone who’s always wanted to write but didn’t know where to begin, Crafting Insight from the Ordinary will help you discover the extraordinary in the things you thought you knew.
This class takes place online using Zoom.
Leanne Shirtliffe is a certified Amherst Writers & Artists (AWA) facilitator and an experienced presenter. She has published across many genres—including middle-grade fiction, picture books, and memoir—but her primary passions are writing poetry and teaching. Her poems have appeared in The Kenyon Review, The Baltimore Review, CV2, Freefall, and Carousel. Originally from Manitoba, Leanne has taught in Ontario, Alberta, Bahrain, and Thailand. She now lives in Calgary with her family and far too many books. Learn more at LeanneShirtliffe.com.
~~~
We are a community that thrives on support and encouragement. Based on the philosophy of "no writer left behind", the J. Michael Fay Subsidy Program is available to anyone who finds themselves in financial need but really wants or needs to participate in one our programs are classes. Click link above for more details and to apply.
