Amherst Writers and Artists Workshop: Exploring Themes of Loss

As we move through life, we inevitably experience losses. Parents pass away, marriages end in divorce or death, children leave home, professional lives transition, and we face physical challenges as we age. Some losses can be a natural consequence of growing older, while others occur at a much earlier time in life than anticipated. Writing about these experiences can help us process them and put them in perspective. We’ll use the Amherst Writers and Artists method to explore themes of loss by writing poetry, prose, memoir, or other non-fiction. The writer will choose the form of expression. The instructor will use popular songs, poetry, and memoir prompts to inspire students’ writing. While the AWA method may be therapeutic, it is not a substitute for therapy or bereavement counseling. If you have experienced a major loss in the past 12 months, this class may not be a good fit for you.