Tish and Patrick have created the Mom & Pop of Writing Workshops– they are my mentors, chief cheer-leaders and my writing gurus. Kelly Fermoyle, Hartford, CT

About Storytelling in Westport Patch

About the Writers’ Revival

From author and Revival teacher Mary-Lou Weisman: “Thanks Tish and Patrick for inviting me to teach the most talented, disciplined and happy band of writers I’ve ever encountered. Together we created the optimum environment for learning – good fellowship, high standards and non-judgmental critiques. A beautiful seaside setting and catered meals added a welcome hedonism to the work ethic.”

On Patrick McCord

"I joined Patrick's regular writing workshop about a year ago. I had a vague idea for a book, but since it was vague, I began by just writing personal essay pieces. The combination of Patrick's illuminating and educational exercises that begin each class, and his insightful, often brilliant, positive critique of my writing, moved me to create an altogether different book. A year later, I have the rough draft of a memoir which I am looking forward to revising and editing with his help. During this past year, Patrick also worked with me individually. I have never met a more dedicated teacher. In my opinion, there is no finer teacher and editor than Patrick. And the range of classes Write Yourself Free offers means there's something for everyone, no matter where you are in your process." Susie Bedsow Horgan, Life Coach at getalifewithsusie.com and Emmy-winning TV Producer & Writer

"I had just finished writing the first draft of my super-abundant novel and I thought, "okay, now what?" Luckily for me I had enrolled in Patrick's Revision/Editing Class that very same day. And after completing this class, I now have the tools to edit and revise my work. We covered a wide range from punctuation-understanding the Independent Clause and the correct use of the comma-to the larger picture such as the strategy of the writer and themes and motifs to help embody the reader's experience; with a little Shakespeare added for good measure. We worked as individuals and with partners and as a group to see our own writing in a different light. This class taught me that we write intellectually, yet we read emotionally and thus begins the paradox of the writer. But after Patrick's Revision/Editing Class there is no longer a paradox!" Keith Whalley 25 Feb 2011, Australian International Student

On Patrick’s Writing for the Screen

Before coming to Write Yourself Free(SM), I had taken several courses at Gotham in NYC and even spent a very long weekend with the screenwriting guru, Robert McKee at his famous “Story” seminar.  It wasn’t until I met Dr. McCord that I was able to get out of my own way and actually draft and finish  my first screenplay! Patrick McCord is a unique and brilliant teacher who demystified the art of screenwriting.  His classes are inspirational! I can’t rave about the enough.                      Sally VanDevanter   -Metropolitan Museum of Art

Patrick’s screenwriting classes are brilliant at illuminating the bones of story-telling no matter what kind of writing you do.  All those slippery issues like genre, character, dialog, story-arc, etc. are infinitely clearer in the movies.  In fact, even non-writers curious about the gears and levers behind screen-magic would love these Saturday morning sessions. Wendy Kann, Casting with a Fragile Thread: A Story of Sisters and Africa, (Henry Holt and Co, 2006)

I was very fortunate to have attended Patrick McCord film-writing workshop. It is better than NYU! His unique method activated my imagination and boosted my creativity. Dr. McCord’s range of reference is impressively wide, and he is a compassionate, witty, and supportive teacher. I watch films differently now and can see that this analysis is helping me to think more about structure in my own work. Whether you are working on a screen play or think it might be something you want to do, Patrick McCord’s techniques and understanding of the mind and its creative process will get your ideas onto paper and who knows? Perhaps onto the screen. Janice Papolos, co-author The Bi-Polar Child and author of The Virgin Homeowner.”

About Tish

Tish is collaborative in her coaching approach.  She is helping me edit a very long “short story” and  I had no idea what I was going to do and how I was going to accomplish this without butchering the piece or losing my “voice”. Tish helped me tease out my central themes and most importantly, pointed out what she loved, what worked, and what stayed within the boundaries of these themes. I must say, this made the process of editing a dramatic piece much more palatable and even exciting.  Now I feel like I am shaping something to reach a certain set of goal – much less nebulous and overwhelming – all this from her one-on-one feedback. Nathalie Laitmon (WYF II group)

About Victoria Sherrow

Having attended the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators in Los Angles last August, I felt a blast of enthusiasm and new motivation to complete my children's picture book, but the Conference really didn't give me all the tools I needed. Victoria’s workshop provides the perfect setting of intimacy and direct contact with other serious writers, all of whom have different talents and struggles. The format Victoria has organized is highly professional, with examples of character development, plot, dialog and action, to inspire and enable the ability to actualize our goals of writing and going about getting published.

Victoria is a consummate professional, an astute observer and critic, and an engaging, charismatic teacher. I feel incredibly fortunate to have found her and have a new confidence that I will find a niche in the world of Children’s literature. Dianne Warner .

About The Writers’ Room from Jane Green

Sometimes, I realise, you need a change of scene. Sometimes something as simple as choosing to write in a different place can give you a shot of creativity and inspiration, a shot you may not have realised you needed until you make that change, which was why I moved from cafe to cafe towards the end of the last couple of books.

Recently I was contacted by a couple who were opening a writers’ room. For a small subscription you can go to this beautiful, bright room, in a converted old carriage house in the center of town, and write. There are other writers there, all of whom appreciate the importance of quiet, there is wifi, and most importantly, there is fresh coffee.

This week, for the first time, I have found myself writing there, and I am loving it. There are some changes to be made in my writing career – more of that to come soon – and for now a change of scenery feels refreshing and inspiring. It also helps that The Writers’ Room is next to one of my most favorite restaurants in town, and I am looking forward to spending the rest of the summer tapping out the new book.

From Pam Muir about what has happened to her writing process.

Patrick once said, and I’m paraphrasing, “Creativity comes from a willingness to make a mess.” This has impacted me the most. To me it means it’s ok to turn a crappy draft because each stroke of the shit pen will ultimately unlock your creativity and turn you into a better writer. I practice Transcendental Meditation and within the practice we talk about clearing out webs of badness to let in light; I see making a creative mess in a similar way, in that the more mess I make, the more room I’m making for some real beauty to spill out. Hope that makes sense.

Your workshops have equipped me with a toolbox of techniques to conquer my writing demons. Here are a few examples:

1. The Rules
   1. Before: I second-guessed every word and agonized over grammar and writing rules. I’d spend twenty minutes on one sentence & at the end of an hour, have three new sentences and no recollection of the story ideas dancing in my head when I first sat down.
   2. Now: I write forward for 30 minute stretches. No looking back or stopping. Also, you had me write down each “rule” that concerned me; I did this and continue to; getting each one out of my mind and on paper has helped tremendously.
2. Validation
   1. Before: I worried no one would like my writing. I’d change story ideas and rethink characters in the spirit of making the overall story more likeable (publishable? probably). This essentially stopped my pen; there was little forward momentum.
   2. Now: I write for me. I write for the characters – I let their experience tell the story. It’s easier to do this given the tone you set in your workshops; I have a safe place to bring drafts.
3. Self-Doubt
   1. Before: I constantly worried that I’d never finish a story & that I wouldn’t be able to pull off a story arc & the ending would suck (if there even was one).
   2. Now: I write outside the story (a lot); this is the most liberating technique you taught me. This gets me through tough dialogue, turning points, understanding perspective, everything. Plus – Prime/Define/Complicate/Reveal. This runs through my head constantly; it’s so straight-forward and logical. It’s like a compass for me. I check it from time to time to stay on course.
4. Characters = Strangers
   1. Before: I didn’t feel close to my characters. I honestly had no idea how they’d act in some cases. This pissed me off as I was the one who created them in the first place, even if they were one dimensional and terminal.
   2. Now: Writing outside the story is amazing. I get to know my characters by putting them in situations (not part of the story) and seeing them through the eyes of other characters (some part of the story, some not). But also, drawing on my understanding of human perception (characters as goal seekers like us), as you discuss often. The line between a real person and a character used to be pretty heavy and dark for me – now, not so much.
5. Revision is a Four Letter Word
   1. Before: I feared revision. The “r” word loomed in the back of every drafting session.
   2. Now: Just knowing I’m not alone in the process has taken this one off my worry list. Plus, you provided a three or four step model to follow which again is logical an simple to understand; it’s takes this mammoth thing and breaks it down into manageable parts.

A letter to Tish and Patrick from Khristee Rich

I have some big news for you that is hard to share.  I will be moving soon.  I will be moving to San Francisco, California.   My business and social life have been struggling in Connecticut.  It is with mixed emotions that I tell you this. I am very excited to move to California, but the one thing I will miss most about this area is Write Yourself Free and the two of you.  I love Write Yourself Free.  I feel like it is my second home.  I recommend it to everyone and I love going to all of your events and workshops. You have built a wonderful community. Plus you have so many exciting events and programs happening now.  I am sorry I will miss them.  But I am so happy for you that you are growing and blossoming.

I am so grateful that I met Tish and that I signed up for my first workshop with Patrick a year ago.  My writing has greatly improved, my imagination has been ignited and my confidence has soared.  I will write you a juicy testimonial before I leave. I hope not to say goodbye but to keep in touch. It is my goal to become bi-coastal.  I would love to return and teach a workshop at Write Yourself Free or share some of my writing or do some storytelling or acting etc.

Thank you for everything!  It has been a wonderful ride! Khristee, President, The Dancing Curtain LLC