Pesha Joyce Gertler -- Previously Offered Classes

Previous Classes and Workshops: Some of Pesha's previous classes and workshops are described below. Descriptions of current and upcoming classes and workshops can be viewed on the Classes page.

Women's Self Discovery Through Creative Writing

Women's Self Discovery through Creative Writing is an ongoing series at North Seattle Community College through Continuing Education. Become part of a supportive circle of women where facets of the self and others can be discovered through writing. Each quarter opens a new gateway or theme: ancient and contemporary myth, personal history, child as creative source, relationships (with self, with others, with our bodies), healing, aging, joy, anger and conflict, etc. The forms vary and include free writing, poetry, journal writing, short fiction, novel excerpts, and visual art. Samples of published writers are shared and discussed followed by guided writing sessions. The guidelines are optional as well as the opportunity to share all or part (or none!) of your writing. New and experienced writers are welcome. The class is designed to generate writing though critiquing is considered on an individual basis, if requested. The instructor is a Reed graduate with a Masters degree in Creative Writing (with a special focus on women's poetry) from the University of Washington. She is a widely published award winning poet and writer.

Women's Self Discovery Through Creative Writing -- Previous Themes
Winter 2008: Forms and Themes in Poetry and Prose. Please join us for a short winter interlude in which we’ll explore a few forms of poetry (i.e. the sonnet, etc.). You’ll be guided in the writing of each form and will have an opportunity to read samples of the forms written by professional poets. As in my previous classes, themes will also be included so that you will have the option of writing in your “own” form on that particular theme (or wherever your Muse leads you). Although contemporary poetry has moved away from form, numerous poets are returning to the old forms, and adding unique, contemporary touches. Many poets (self included) find that structure, paradoxically, gives the poet greater freedom. Our last class will consist of a Brigid ritual in which we’ll make written vows to our creativity in the year ahead. Brigid is the Celtic goddess of poetry, healing, and smithcraft.

If you’re in the mood to experiment with something besides the weather, please join us!

Autumn 2007: The Myth of Psyche. In the myth of Psyche, we learn of the hero’s journey through the experiences of a woman. The way she is perceived by others, the way she perceives herself, the challenges she faces, her gains and losses, weaknesses and strengths are all part of her journey to self-discovery and wholeness. Each event will be delved into for its deeper, symbolic meaning and translated into contemporary terms. Through discussion, reading women’s writing on the subject, and guided in-class writing, we’ll explore our own heroic journeys. Sharing your writing is encouraged but remains optional.

Spring 2007: Fairy Tales. Fairy tales -- are they merely nonsense from the past--or do these ancient tales speak to us, as contemporary women? Do they intersect and sometimes shape our lives through their deeper and often hidden meaning? Is it true that many are waiting to be understood and many are waiting to be revised? Do your favorite tales of childhood hold keys to your own growing identity?. During these 8 weeks, in a safe yet stimulating environment, we'll attempt to answer these questions and others while we explore, discuss, share and write about a variety of fairy tales, both pre-patriarchal and patriarchal versions, including Disney, and discover our relationship with the stories and the women or girl children who inhabit the world of the fairy tale.

Autumn 2006: Themes in Women's Lives. We will examine our relationship with our bodies, our age, games from childhood, our interconnectedness with women throughout the ages, etc. Poems and prose sketches by published poets and writers will be shared each week, followed by discussion and guidelines for writing about how that theme manifests in our own lives.

Spring 2006: The Demeter/Persephone Myth. The ancient Mother/Daughter religion held sway in the ancient world for 2000 years and still speaks to all of us who are daughters if not mothers. The approach will be mythic, archetypal, contemporary. Through reading and discussion of the work of women poets and writers of prose, and through guided writing sessions, we will look at our relationships as mothers and daughters and discover how that intersects with the myth. We will also explore the inner dimension of the mother and daughter that exists within each of us. During Fall Quarter., 2005, the focus was on Demeter, the mother. In Spring 2006, the focus will be on Persephone, the daughter.

Autumn 2005: The Demeter/Persephone Myth. See the description above.

Spring 2005: The Divine Feminine in World Culture, Part II. This will be a continuation of the Fall '04 class (focus on Divine Feminine of American Indian, East Indian, and Ancient Greek Culture). During this quarter, we'll focus on deities and archetypes from African and Aztec/Chicana cultures. Each class will include discussion about an individual deity/archetype and the culture from which she emerges, sacred story and poetry on the subject, guided writing and (optional) sharing. Please join us for an experience that will enrich our awareness of these cultures and the universal connections we share.

Independently Offered Classes and Workshops:

Summer 2008: Finding Meaning in Growing Older. At one time, 40 was the expected lifespan. Now we have many additional years and we are among the first to explore what this can mean. Through sharing myths and legends about this part of our journey, and writing our own stories (or notes for a story), we'll explore a Jungian approach to discovering the teachings of the second half of our lives, and beyond. What are the hurdles, the challenges, the gifts? If transformation is possible, what needs to be transformed, and how, and when, and why? Come join a circle of women as we dig deeper into the mystery of our lives and share our journeys.

Summer 2007: Transforming the Inner Critic. This workshop is designed for the creative woman who is besieged by an Inner Critic who gives messages of the following nature:

You are too stupid /and/or You are too smart
You are too young /and/or/ You are too old
You are too frivolous /and/or/ You are too serious
You are too lazy /and/or/ You are too ambitious
It’s too late now /and/or/ You should have ____(fill in the blank).

The list could go on and on (and sadly, usually does)! In this workshop, you will be helped to identify the voice of your Inner Critic (often lurking underground, like a Trickster). You will then be helped to transform that voice so that the Critic becomes your ally instead of the enemy of your creative force. This will be accomplished in a non-critical (of course), supportive environment where you will be led through writing sessions, discussion, and (optional) sharing, designed to evoke discovery and empowerment.

ALL WOMEN, ON ALL LEVELS OF CREATIVITY, ARE WELCOME!

Classes and Workshops Offered Through the UW Women's Center

Autumn 2006: "The Short," in Creative Non-Fiction. Shorter forms, in fiction and non-fiction, are growing in popularity. The short personal essay (one paragraph-2 pages) is literary rather than informational and challenges you to develop a keen eye for detail, and aliveness of the senses. Like the haiku, you can create a whole world in just a few strokes. In this class, we'll read and discuss "shorts" by Joy Harjo, Naomi Shihab Nye, August Wilson, and others. We'll look at different themes and approaches to this fascinating form. The instructor will then provide guidelines to help you to write your own "short." Optional sharing will follow.

Summer 2006: Introduction to writing the Short Story. If you want to expand, develop, "flesh out" a mini-story (or fragment, paragraph, possibly an idea that hasn't made it to the page), this class is designed for you. We'll focus on three cornerstones in the craft of fiction: character, scene and dialogue. Through discussion, guided writing, and (optional) sharing, you'll discover how all three interact through reinforcement or juxtaposition. At the end of the series, your story will be taking shape, and either completed or on its way to completion. Bring a snack if you'd like; tea will be provided. Also please bring paper and pencil or pen for writing. Come prepared for a stimulating, challenging yet safe environment where your creativity will be nutured and respected.

Spring 2006: Introduction to the Short-Short Story. Due to requests, a second version (with new sample stories) will be presented. This class is designed for the person who has always wanted to experiment with writing stories, and will find here a gentle yet challenging entry. We will read professional short-shorts (one to three page stories), also known as Sudden Fiction that will reveal the many sub-genres within this form: the richness of imagery, the power of imagination, the drama of daily life, the integrity of voice, etc. Discussion will follow the reading of each story followed by suggested guidelines for your own writing based on the stories we will have read and discussed. In a supportive environment, you will be invited (but never coerced) to share your writing (or a portion of your writing). Please join us for three stimulating afternoons in which you will probably be amazed and exhilarated by the simple yet complex layers of this form. Please wear comfortable clothing in case you want to go outside during writing sessions (weather permitting). Also, please bring pen or pencil and lots of writing paper and a bite to eat so that we can utilize all of this time for writing and sharing. Tea will be provided.

Autumn 2005: A Time of Closure. As summer memories recede and we move further into Fall, and Winter approaches, the earth’s time of closing down, you may also want to pause for a time of reflection on the past weeks, months (perhaps years). Whether you’re looking back on a time of sadness or joy or both, there are probably gifts for you to glean from the past that may accompany you in your ongoing journey. Usually we move too quickly to gather the gifts of our lives. This class is intended to help us to slow down so that we have the opportunity to savor the teachings and gifts of our lives. A series of guided writing sessions (utilizing creative techniques) will be followed by writing time and optional sharing. Please bring one or two pictures of a time you want to focus on, in the recent or distant past (personal snapshots or pictures in magazines that are reminiscent of your experience). Also bring several sheets of writing paper, a pen or pencil, and a snack so that we can maximize our writing time. Tea will be provided.

Other Workshops at the UW Women's Center:

Entering the World of Imagery
Divine Feminine in Aztec and Chicana Culture
Introduction to the Creative Journal

Classes Offered Through Cancer Lifeline

Autumn 2005: Healing Journeys. Four Thursday nights, 6:45-8:45 p.m. on the following dates, November 3, 10, 17 and December 8. Each night will be based on a different aspect of healing: emotional, spiritual, physical and cultural (in relation to the winter holidays). Reading and discussion of a poem, then guidelines for writing (prompts), writing and optional sharing. New and experienced writers welcome. The classes are free, and created for women (and men) who have had a cancer diagnosis now or in the past, or have a loved one with the diagnosis, now or in the past. I guess that includes all of us.

Summer-Autumn 2005: The Creative Journal. Introducing haiku and related forms of Japanese poetry. Enjoy the last days of summer and early Fall while writing haiku and other forms of Japanese poetry. The rich colors of Fall especially lend themselves to this nature poetry. We will explore other forms too and celebrate the Equinox together as that holiday falls on one of our meeting nights. We will meet for 5 Thursdays, beginning Thurs. Sept 8th through Thurs. Oct 6th. 6:45-8:45 p.m. at Cancer Life Line, 6522 Fremont Av. N. To register, call 297-2100. There is no fee for the course which is open to people with a cancer diagnosis, now or in the past, or the person who knows someone with a cancer diagnosis, now or in the past. Since we have all been touched by cancer, in a way, the class is actually open to everyone, for it seems we are all in this together.

Spring 2005: Introduction to the Creative Journal. Beginning May 12, 2005 at Cancer Lifeline Please consider joining a class, "Intro to the Creative Journal," designed for those who want to add a creative dimension to their journals. The location is the Cancer Lifeline at 6522 Fremont Av.N.. The class is held on Thursday night, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and there will be a total of 6 sessions. To register, call 297-2100. The class is free and is still open for those who might want to participate (altho' the first session was held on May 12th). Bring a journal or pen and paper and be prepared for a stimulating yet comfortable evening with an amazing group of women. Cancer Lifeline is designed to offer support in numerous forms to people who have a cancer diagnosis or are close to someone with the diagnosis, either now or in the past. The healing process includes but is not limited to cancer.

Credit Classes Offered at North Seattle Community College

Spring 2008: Rockin' with the Muses (Creative Writing). (Tues and Thurs. 6 p.m.-8:20 p.m. April 1-June 13 ) Creative Writing Eng. 151, 152, 153. See p.38 in "Advance," NSCC catalog. Registration info in catalog, p 12-19. Registrar: 527-3663. Reduced tuition rates for students 60+. We'll focus on poetry and short fiction through reading professional writers and discussing their work. In-class writing prompts will help you to practice various aspect of the craft. Assignments will then be shared in class with feedback from peers and instructor. In poetry, we'll focus on the poem's music, the relationship between rhythm and meaning, the page as a field of action (how line breaks and spacing enhance meaning), imagery, the language of poetry. In short fiction, we'll explore different approaches: lush description of place that conveys meaning, minimalist language where action is the primary form of communication, myth or mythic characters as a way of describing the larger story, dialogue as a means of bringing characters to life on the page. Also, we'll devote at least one class for the art of reading out loud, how to be present in your story or poem when you appear before an audience. A guest poet (one of the Poet Populist finalists 2007-'08) will share some of his writing and how he reads to an audience. Come to this class to learn, have fun in a validating yet challenging environment. The instructor is a widely published, prize-winning poet, Seattle's former Poet Populist '05-'06.

Winter 2006: Rockin' with the Muses (Creative Writing). In this 5-credit college class, the focus will be on the various aspects of the craft of the poem and the story. The art of oral presentation will also be included. Weekly writing assignments will be be given and returned with comments. Class assignments will also include reading, discussion, workshopping, and revision. Although the class is designed for the new writer, the experienced writer will also benefit from the supportive yet stimulating environment.

Text: Poetry 180, an anthology of Contemporary Poetry. Ed. Billy Collins, former Poet Laureate. Fiction handouts will be provided.
Instructor: Pesha Gertler, widely published poet, writer and instructor for 25 years.
To register, call Anita Bruner, Registrar: 526-7712
Prospective students aged 60+ may attend classes for $5 with instructor permission.

Workshop offered at Living with Intention and Imagination in the Second Half of Life: A participatory event for women.

Keynote speaker: poet and performing artist Gloria Burgess. Interactive special interest sessions will focus on ways to live intentionally and envision ways to build meaning and balance into adult life and to celebrate and embrace the challenges of life transitions. Experiential workshops will include creative writing, movement, storytelling and more. Among the presenters are Seattle's Poet Populist for 2005/06 Pesha Gertler and executive director of WomanSpirit Center Evelyn Wemhoff. The event is co-sponsored by Antioch University Seattle's Center for Creative Change and WomanSpirit Center. Additional sponsoring organizations: Intergen Retreats, Aging With Wisdom and American Assoc. of University Women, Seattle Chapter.

Self Discovery through Creative Writing. Creative writing is a path to self discovery, a way to weave the colorful threads of your life into a fabric that is you, ever changing, ever growing. All levels welcome; come one, come all. This will be one of the afternoon workshops, 2:55-3:55 p.m., designed to assist you in processing, through creativity, what you have absorbed throughout the daylong workshops and talks. Facilitator: Pesha Joyce Gertler, Seattle's Poet Populist, 2005-2006. Her poetry and teaching are grounded in her belief in the ongoing need for women's voices, the healing power of writing and the magic of sitting in a circle of women and writing together.

Sunday, Feb. 12, 2006
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Antioch University Seattle
2326 6th Ave

$85 includes program fee and lunch. A limited number of scholarships are available
Registration and further info: contact Debra Alderman, 206-268-4118, dalderman@antiochsea.edu