The written word is incredibly powerful. Whether you are reading a book, a self-help social media post, an interesting newspaper article or a blog on your favourite hobby, the written word is a potent force. But there is something that can be even more compelling than reading, and that’s writing.
The therapy inherent in writing is immense. The clarity that comes with putting your words down is hugely satisfying. That feeling of successfully expressing yourself is like a big warm hug to our inner selves. Writing your feelings sorts you out, gives you a way to cope. As one scholar puts it, “writing codifies speaking and turns words into objects of conscious reflection”. In other words, writing ideas makes them more concrete to us, and by mulling written words, we are better able to internalize and understand words, then allow them to affect our behavior.
When I moved to Italy, married an Italian and left Australia for good it was writing that got me through some terrible periods of homesickness. Living in a foreign land, speaking a foreign language, and having my babies in a foreign hospital, sometimes it was all too much. A feeling of loss would wash through me. It was as though I’d left a part of myself in Australia and couldn’t find it in Italy. Nothing was familiar. Everything was strange and different and new. So, I taught myself to write my way through my mourning of Australia. Writing helped me analyse and interpret my feelings. It improved how I articulated and tackled my feelings. I had already been a journalist with Channel 10 news, 2 GB, and Hits FM (and many other news sources) so was able to morph my short-form writing skills into the longer texts and themes required for writing books. But more importantly, I found a way to share my story with others and hopefully help other girls who had left their homes for a faraway land.
The writing strategy worked. The Promise reached the national top 10 Best Sellers list. Death in the Mountains was on the best sellers list (especially Queensland!). Naples, A Way of Love won the Australian Illustrated Book of the Year. I won the Victorian Premiers Award for Writing About Italy. I sold movie and audio deals. But I also found peace and purpose. Because writing works.
Being able to communicate your story, your message…your voice is something you can learn. And it’s something I adore teaching.
I started the Art of Writing in Florence ten years ago because I truly believe writing builds resilience. The Art of Writing is about fully understanding how to tell a story, with your own special voice. What makes a good story? How do I make my characters, feelings, and reflections sharper? How do I transmit what I feel? The Art of Writing is absolutely a transformative experience. After three or four days with me and my team, you will have a better grasp on yourself. As well as a total grip on character, plot, memoir, structure, pace and dialogue.
Join me in Brisbane for this very special writing experience. Even if you’ve simply been thinking of a story idea. Let’s write it. Even if you’ve never put pen to paper. Let’s do it.
The Art of Writing is for everyone.
The Essentials of Story:
February 9-12, 2023
West End,
Brisbane.
Check out the program here. Or write to me at lisacliffordwriter@gmail.com
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Or let’s write in Florence, Italy.
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If you’d like to share any comments or thoughts, I’d be happy to hear from you. Email me directly at lisacliffordwriter@gmail.com.