Creative Writing Workshop for blind and visually/reading impaired people - Q&A with workshop instructor, Lior Angelman

Questions

1. ​Who can participate in the workshop? 
2. When and where will the workshop take place? 
3. Writing encompasses many fields – is the workshop for poetry, fiction, non-fiction, documentary? 
4. Will the workshop help me with therapeutic writing? 
5. Is it possible to learn to write? Is it not an innate talent? 
6. I enjoy writing for pleasure, for myself, but I don’t plan to publish a book. Is the workshop relevant for me? 
7. What exactly does the workshop consist of? 
8. I’m a shy person and I’m not sure I’ll feel comfortable if my work is read aloud. Does it have to be read aloud? 
9. How do you make the workshop accessible to blind and visually or reading impaired people? 
10. How do we practice writing in the lessons? 
11. I’m blind, and I’ll come with a companion. Can my companion participate? 
12. Can visually or reading impaired people participate in other “Home Workshop” seminars?  
13. What is the cost of registration for the workshop? How do I pay?  What is the cancellation policy? 
14. How do I reach the Library? 
15. I have more questions – who can I speak to? 

Answers

1. Who can participate in the workshop?
   Answer: This workshop is intended for blind and visually or reading impaired people (whether learning or physically impaired) who are subscribed to The Central Library for Blind and Reading Impaired People. To clarify your eligibility contact the Library registration department on +972(0)98617874 ext 0 or email info@clfb.org.il. Click to return.
2. When and where will the workshop take place?
   Answer: the writing workshops are held in the Tel Aviv branch of the Library, 66, Moshe Dayan Street, Tel Aviv (corner of La Guardia 76). There are 10 meetings, each lasting 2½-3 hours.  For details about the next course contact us on +972(0)98617874 ext 0 or email info@clfb.org.il. Click to return.
3. Writing encompasses many fields – is the workshop for poetry, fiction, non-fiction or documentary?
   Answer: It is a story-writing prose workshop. Naturally those who are interested in poetry-writing might also find it relevant, but we focus on story writing. Click to return.
4. Will the workshop help me with therapeutic writing?
   Answer: This is an artistic workshop designed for people who wish to be creative. Therapeutic writing is a fascinating subject, but I am not a professional in the field, and participation in the workshop for therapeutic reasons is liable to harm rather than help the participant. Click to return. 
5. Is it possible to learn to write? Is it not an innate talent?
    Answer: Certainly it’s possible to learn to write. Of course, a natural basic talent is a great help, but talent also needs to be developed, and that’s what we try to do in the workshop – we’ll learn how to build fascinating characters, how to develop a plot, how to create relationships between the characters, we’ll see from which point of view it’s best to write the story, and so on. Click to return.​
6. I enjoy writing for pleasure, for myself, but I don’t plan to publish a book. Is the workshop relevant for me? 
   Answer: Writing is a wonderful gift, and in the workshop we’ll exercise using it in a special, meaningful way. The workshop is first and foremost an artistic and social experience that takes the participants on a journey to externalize their writing. You can take part for fun, to air your writings, and in the process you will gain tools that might lead you to publish one day. Click to return.
7. What exactly does the workshop consist of? 
   Answer: The workshop consists of ten meetings, each of which is divided into two parts. The first part is longer, where we learn about writing, and we write during the lesson and listen to some of it. In the second part we’ll  discuss the writing of one of the participants – so that each participant in turn receives feedback. The feedback gives a lot of food for thought both to the writer and to all the other participants. In one of the meetings we’ll host author, Eshkol Nevo, to talk about his writing and creative process, and in another meeting we’ll host a musical artist. This is what is planned, but what’s so special about the workshops is the unplanned content that never fails to surprise! It occurs as a result of the special dynamic between the participants and their creations. Click to return.​
8. I’m a shy person and I’m not sure I’ll feel comfortable if my work is read aloud. Does it have to be read aloud?
   Answer: We won’t make you do anything, but if your shyness concerns criticism or you’re worried about competitive comparisons, I can assure you that we do all we can to bring about a pleasant, non-competitive experiential atmosphere among the group. Click to return.
9. How do you make the workshop accessible to blind and visually or reading impaired people? 
   Answer: Firstly, each workshop is joined by a Library representative who helps those who need physical help within the Library, reading texts written during workshop exercises and so on. Beyond this, all the teaching will be suited to the participants, meaning that there won’t be writing exercises that demand sight or reading printed texts. For example, instead of drawing inspiration from a picture, we can use voice, touch, smell and more. Click to return​
10. How do we practice writing in the lessons? 
    Answer: Everyone must bring writing materials according to their needs – from a personal computer, tablet or other equipment to pen and paper. I must emphasize that if you use a speech engine, you must bring a personal headset, and if you wish to use noisy equipment (such as a Perkins machine) you might be asked to write in a different room so as not to disturb the rest of the class. Click to return. ​
11. I’m blind, and I’ll come with a companion. Can my companion participate? 
    Answer: No. The workshop is only for registered participants, but if necessary the Library representative accompanying the workshop will help you. Companions are welcome to wait for you in the Library. Click to return.
12. Can visually or reading impaired people participate in other “Home Workshop” seminars?  
    Answer: Yes, certainly. All the “Home Workshop” seminars are open to anyone answering the professional criteria, but it is possible that some of the activities will not be entirely accessible to visually or reading impaired participants, unlike these workshops. At the same time please note that Library subscribers who register for this workshop receive almost full financial support for their participation thanks to donors who support the activity. Click to return. 
13. What is the cost of registration for the workshop? How do I pay?  What is the cancellation policy? 
    Answer: The cost after the subsidy is NIS 300 per participant (NIS 30 per meeting).  Payment arrangements are made through the Library registration department, and the workshop must be paid for in full before the first lesson. Should you wish to cancel your registration before the workshop has begun, your fee will be returned in full. Should you wish to cancel after the workshop has started, none of the payment is returnable. The number of places is limited, so if you are not sure that you wish to participate, please try not to take the subsidized place that could be enjoyed by somebody else. Note that there must be a minimum number of participants in order for the workshop to open. Click to return.​
14. How do I reach the Library? 
    Answer: Buses to bus stop 75, Moshe Dayan:  9,11,43,239,279  (Dan) and 91 (Metropolin).
    Buses to bus stop 81, La Guardia:  23,31,34,49,52,104,331 (Dan);  36,37,168,475,476 (Kavim) and 93 (Metropolin). If you arrive by car, you can park in the adjoining commercial car-park (blue and white parking). Click to return.
15. I have more questions – who can I speak to? 
    Answer: Contact the Library on +972(0)98617874 ext 0 or email info@clfb.org.il and your request will be passed to the relevant person. Click to return.