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University of Winnipeg, Continuing Education Newsletter, August 2000

By Lynne Church

A Write of Passage

Two years of pioneering a new approach to writing is paying off for Joanne Klassen, founder of Heartspace Writing School. Joanne, in partnership with the University of Winnipeg Continuing Education Division, is launching a new 8-month program this September that focuses on the inner process of writing.

"It is not about writing the great Canadian novel," advises Joanne. "The purpose of this program is about bringing writing back into the mainstream of peoples lives."

The Transformative Writing™ Process is intended for anyone: 18 or 80, educated or not, man or woman. The purpose of this program is not to create a final product of writing, nor is it to turn budding writers into professional writers, although it may help to do both. Transformative Writing™ is about enhancing and growing your writing and the role it plays in your life whether it is writing in your job, whatever job you do, or writing for personal interest or healing.

"At the heart of all writing is the need to connect," explains Joanne. "That's why we write, to connect and convey information, ideas, emotions, and stories."

The University of Winnipeg is the first university in North America to offer this program. Several other universities in the U.S. and Canada have expressed interest in this timely program which consists of four 25-hour courses and small informal class settings. The skills students learn are transferable to any form of writing and address three major reasons people don't write: fear, not knowing what to say or how to say it, and lack of time or space. The Transformative Writing Process provides students with tools to overcome all three barriers for a lifetime of enjoyment with writing, regardless of the topic or context.

Joanne's program is structured to be as flexible and accommodating as possible. Classes, called writing councils, are interchangeable so students never have to miss a week. A policy of no homework helps those with busy schedules make room in their life for learning this very personal writing process. A unique feedback process called "Power Points" ensures that abundant, meaningful help is received instead of criticism. This fosters a supportive environment of encouragement, and helps highlight strengths.

At the end of the program, students leave with confidence, clarity and a sense of competence in their writing ability. They have a tool kit of writing skills and a portfolio of writing samples to showcase what they've mastered.

"Writing is about tapping into that deep well of creativity we all have, holding it in our hands and offering it to the world," concludes Joanne. "The Transformative Writing™ Process is the time and space for people to come together and learn how to tap into their own well of creativity and begin, or carry-on, a lifelong journey of writing."

The time is now

Two events catapulted Joanne Klassen's life onto a journey of joy she claims was the "best thing that's ever happened to her."

As a counsellor, professional speaker, writer, and entrepreneur for more than 25 years, Joanne was ready for something different. Although raising five children with her husband Ted was one of her greatest achievements, the author of Learning to Live, Learning to Love, Jalmar Press, Los Angeles, 1985, was searching for something meaningful to do with the second half of her life.

A fund-raising concert where Anne Mortifee, a Canadian performer, posed the question: "what can you do for 18 hours, completely lose yourself and yet return whole?" and the sudden loss of a close friend sent a message loud and clear to Joanne.

"The time to write is now. If we don't, our stories leave this world with us and are lost," says Joanne.

Now Joanne is turning her energies to the most exciting and satisfying venture in her life; launching Transformative Writing™. In her own words she is sizzling with excitement and overflowing with energy about this program and is delighted to be a part of introducing others to the joy she has found in writing. .