An online mini-course in four two-hour sessions:
Building up our Sensory Writing Muscles, with Sandra Phinney!
Location
Online via Zoom.
We've all heard how important it is to include the senses in our writing. We also know it's important for our readers to see what we see. But how often are we actually in the moment? How much time do we give to absorbing details? Famed poet and essayist, Marjory Oliver once wrote that she learned from her partner, Molly Malone Cook, how "Attention without feeling [...] is only a report." An openness and empathy were required for experiences to resonate. Oliver added, "Then M. instilled in me this deeper level of looking and working, of seeing through the heavenly visibles to the heavenly invisibles."
This is what this course is about. Tuning into those heavenly invisibles--in our surroundings, other people, and our community. Each week we'll do some simple writing exercises to "pay attention with feeling." In the process, not only will we discover fodder for stories, but also our stories will become enriched.
For a limit of ten participants.
Online workshop dates and times: Four Saturdays, January 9, 16, 23 and 30, from 9 - 11 am,.
About Sandra
(photo credit: Sue Hutchins)
Sandra Phinney’s stories and photographs have been published in over 70 publications including Nature Canada, Canadian Geographic, and the Toronto Star.
Her latest book (27 essays) titled BUSTED! Confessions of an 80-Year-Old Tree Hugger ~ And other true tales of life in Nova Scotia, was published in September 2026 with Pottersfield Press. When asked what the book is about, she laughs, saying: “It’s about coming of age at age eighty.”
Sandra delivers writing workshops across Canada related to memoir and creative nonfiction. She’s had three stints as Writer-In-Residence in her home province, and has mentored many writers at various stages of their writing lives. For the past 11 years, the author has hosted a Writers Retreat at Birchdale Lake in NS.
Sandra lives off-grid with her husband on the Tusket River outside of Yarmouth, NS. In her spare time, you’ll find her paddling a canoe.
We gratefully acknowledge the sponsorship of:
