Teaching
I’m available to lead writing workshops for writers, school groups, and women’s groups in the Denver metro area and Colorado’s front range. I’m happy to consider any writing-related topic. If you don’t see what you want here, please just ask.
Writing workshops for schools
I bring a variety of fun writing games and prompts to the classroom. I offer positive feedback to children and help them channel the amazing creative energy that they possess. Available for 3rd through 5th grade.
Here’s what one teacher says about my classroom-based workshops:
“Laura Deal inspires children to enjoy the journey of writing. Her understanding of children helps them to feel comfortable so that they embrace the art of putting their ideas on paper with great passion.” Devira Chartrand, Mesa Elementary
Inklings -- Creative Writing for Young Authors
I offer writing classes periodically for middle school kids and grades 3-5. We cover a variety of topics using fun games and exercises. Classes are generally limited to 6 participants. For more information, contact me here. For samples of students’ writings from Inklings and Indigo Ink camps, click here.
Here’s what students say about my Inklings classes:
“I don’t know how many times I could take this class without getting bored. (Probably a lot.)” M.R., age 11
"This class is wonderfully creative and humorous!" K.M., age 11
“This class is the bomb! You should join.” N.S., age 9
“It’s really fun, you learn a lot of things, you get to share and write stories.” M.S., age 11
“I would really recommend it.” E.D., age 11
"The rules are set in Playdough, not in stone." K.W., age 12
"I wish I could take this class everyday. You really should take it." B.R., age 8
"I really enjoy this class. Every time I take it, it opens my brain up to the wonders of writing." A.K., age 12
"It's a great way to have fun and show the writing side of you at the same time." M.A.S., age 11
"I thought the class was excellent. I thought everything we did was fun. There weren't very many rules and it was so much fun." C.C., age 8
"I like the writing class. It was fun." C.R., age 8
I also teach camps called Indigo Ink with Debra Bond of Indigo Blue Arts. Here are comments from students about writing and art camp:
"This is the awesomest camp ever!" J.M., age 11
"It was extremely fun and I learned a lot." M.S., age 12
"I really like this camp and hope to come next year." C.R.G., age 11
"The teachers are really nice and the camp has lots of fun activities." B.A., age 11
"I loved having both art and writing together. It was so awesome." L.B., age 10
"It was really fun putting art and writing together to make one finished product!" M.A.S., age 11
Word Worthy --Writing Workshops for Women’s Groups and Writing Classes for Women
I lead a writing workshop focused on either journal writing or fiction writing using games, prompts, and exercises. Even women who think they can’t write find themselves creating scenes and characters, or recording memories in ways that surprise them. I foster a safe environment for sharing work. If your women’s group is looking for something fun and different to try for a meeting, please contact me. Suggested minimum meeting time is 90 minutes.
I am also available if you have a group of friends in the north Denver/Boulder/Louisville area, and would like an on-going class of 4-6 sessions in journaling or fiction.
For samples of writing from my Word Worthy classes, click here.
Here’s what women say about my writing class:
“This was so much fun. The exercises were creative and stimulating. Laura established a safe haven for sharing our work with one another. I was surprised at how much depth I could get out of a simple exercise.” Kim Hansen
“I’ve never considered myself a writer—this was fun and Laura’s activities and prompts made ideas flow easily. Great class to do with friends!” Rita
“Laura offers a good class, the space is warm and open, the exercises were fun and safe. I felt the feedback was encouraging and the group of us all enjoyed ourselves.” Roz S.
“I loved the variety of exercises and the ‘just-do-it’ part of writing, something I rarely do unless I just can’t sleep and have to put my thoughts on paper. I liked all the exercises. I like thinking differently.” Kathy
“My hidden writer finally had a focused, fun environment in which to raise her head. Laura’s exercises pull the words from your mind. Great fun and the most I’ve laughed in a long time.” Anne Schardt
Please contact me for further information.
The earliest dream I remember is of a black silhouette of a witch rising over the mountains, as viewed from my bedroom window. I had recurring nightmares as a child, and starting in my twenties, I kept a detailed and mostly faithful record of my dreams.
I began my formal exploration into the meaning of dreams in March of 2000, when I attended a weekend workshop offered by Jeremy Taylor through Naropa University . After several more workshops and several years of participation in dream groups, I enrolled in the Marin Institute for Projective Dream Work
What I learned is that dreams offer us insights into our non-conscious understandings of our lives. Through the exploration of the meanings of their dreams, people can bring those understandings into conscious awareness, allowing them to lead fuller, more aware lives.
I now offer one-on-one sessions for exploring the meaning of dreams, as well as facilitating groups using Group Projective Dream Work. If you’re interested in finding out more, contact me.
Here's what dreamers say about my dream work:
"I've had the privilege of working with Laura in several dream circles and I've always been impressed with her ability to work with the metaphor and language of the dreams, as well as her respect and compassion for each dreamer. Her dedication and commitment to the work is quite inspiring."Billie Ortiz, Certified Dreamworker and Workshop Facilitator
“Laura is not a dream drama queen. She is sensitive and provides a space that allows for juicy and rich discoveries of multiple levels of the dream.” C.S."Laura Deal sees the world within and the physical world we share with very clear, kind eyes. She is an incomparable guide and companion for dreamers who wish to explore the deeper meanings and implications of their own dreams more clearly and kindly. Working with her guidance is an experience not to be missed!" Rev. Jeremy Taylor, D. Min., S.Th.D. (Hon.)
For more information, go to Resources for Dream Exploration.
