THE WAY OF STORYsm
(The Craft & Soul of Writing)
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Catherine's book, The Way of Story: The Craft & Soul of Writing!
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The Way of Story offers an integrative approach to writing narrative, combining solid craft with experiential inner discovery. Craft alone is not enough. No other writing workshop offers the solid craft to guarantee a good story along with the intangible inner dimensions of writing. The transformation of good writing depends on making it one’s own from within.
- For writers of all levels & all narrative forms including
plays, screenplays, stories, novels, & memoir
- Seven Steps to Story Structure
- Create memorable characters & dialogue
- Balancing craft with intuitive skills
- Access and free your potential story
As C.G. Jung knew,
"Ultimately, everything depends on the quality of the individual..."
I teach not from theory but as a working writer. That is why I know
the hardest part is sitting down.
Catherine Ann Jones is in possession of a powerful talent... nothing is more rare in my opinion.
-Norman Mailer
Award-winning New York playwright and Hollywood screenwriter, Catherine Ann Jones, with over twenty years experience as a professor at major universities, offers unique writing workshops for all narrative forms of writing including plays, screenplays, memoir, novels, stories. (She is also available as an individual story & script consultant.)
Each story is unique if it comes from you. You are the most important ingredient. I encourage my clients not only to write what they know, but what they feel strongly about, either real or imagined. George Lucas never traveled in outer space but he lived the story that became Star Wars.
"We've become lopsided living only in our heads. Writing, in order to serve the soul, must integrate outer craft with the inner world of intuition and feeling."
- Catherine Ann Jones, New York Times interview
Learn the Seven Steps to Story Structure
Writing comes from within and the work begins there. But craft is essential. Craft and discipline result in freedom. Three things matter: structure, structure, and structure! Story structure is the architectural plan which provides a solid foundation for the story you wish to tell. Learning this aspect of craft is essential in manifesting a commercially successful story .
But craft alone is not enough:
"The purpose of the artist is humble, He is essentially only a channel."
"The best times are when I seem to disappear altogether and the story writes itself. It passes through me but is not really mine. A kind of visitation, if you will."
- Catherine Ann Jones, Pleiades Magazine
Awaken the inner eye as a lens to imaginary landscapes. Images both remembered and imagined. How to invite your story through visualization. The moments remembered in a great novel or film are usually visual moments, unspoken moments. Learn virtual reality without technology.
Other essential aspects of the craft of storytelling:
- Focusing, using intuition and felt sense
- Creating memorable characters
- Theme and tracking the story through-line
- Dialogue is not conversation
- Supportive group experience as a creative catalyst
- Writing the story outline as a successful marketing tool
- Techniques applicable for all levels and all story genres
"One thing is certain. You can never write a great story
or film until you sit down and write a story or film."
Read the (SCREENTALK magazine interview ) March-April 2003 HERE
Here is what former participants have said about the Way of Story Workshop:
An Author’s Note:
I am a journalist. A storyteller. I was attending one of Catherine Ann Jones’ way of story workshops. The Ojai, California writer was discussing a particular narrative technique. I began jotting down notes as writers are wont to do. But, as it turned out, the notes had little to do with Catherine’s explanation, although I kept listening. What was going on?
Is this what is called an epiphany? I can’t explain. Whatever, a page of scribble emerged, the beginning of a children’s fantasy, which resulted in this book, Abigayle’s Tale.
All the while, I heard Catherine talking about a writing exercise. I can even recall a line in her book, The Way of Story, touching on inner voices:
Why presume that something invisible is less real
Than what is physically perceived?
How mystical! But what do you expect from the other-worldly inhabitants of Ojai? Looking back, I realize that although I was listening to Catherine on one level, I was assembling notes to myself on another level. How subliminal! Thank you, Cathrine!
Ron Soble, Los Angeles
Thought you'd like to see my first book which is receiving great publicity.
I'll never forget your workshop here in Half Moon Bay. Thank you for helping me find my own 'way of story'.
- Jo Ann Semones, Shipwrecks, Scalawags, & Scavengers
Dear Catherine, It was truly wonderful to meet and talk with you at your workshop at the
East West Bookshop in Seattle last Saturday. What drew me there is your
connection between spirit and craft and the ways you've brought this into
the world, for the benefit of the world. When I read your book, I felt
hope. The entertainment industry in general seems pretty broken, and yet
there are artists like yourself making a difference and telling stories
that matter, stories that heal, stories that inspire. Thank you.
Nan Macy, documentary filmmaker, Seattle, WA.
A valuable experience for anyone and everyone! Just the right focus on story structure, giving us the necessary tools to delve into our individual truths.
- Bill H., Esalen Institute, Big Sur, CA.
Your structure gave my story wings. I’ve never been so clear on what I want to write.
- Linda L., Ann Arbor, MI.
Anyone taking this workshop with an interest in writing would benefit greatly. I simply want to express my gratitude to you. I will remember most your eyes, the way they light up when one of us had a breakthrough. This happened to each and everyone in the room. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
- David N.,Chicago, Ill.
This class is amazingly effective for its revelation of story structure & timing, the trajectory of characters, and most importantly how character drives plot. I wouldn’t change a thing!
- Helga S., Ojai, CA.
Very inspiring. Good knowledge of structure, a gentle process of learning pushing us forward, inviting creativity to flow. Thank you! -
- Lee S., Hollywood, FL
A wonderful workshop, Catherine! I learned about the craft of structure as well as accessing the soul of a story. A weekend well-spent. I am enriched.
- Maggi M., Newbury Park, CA.
By reminding us over and over about the basics, you help us stay the course, giving us tools easy to remember and use.
- Helga S., Ojai, CA.
I loved this! Most useful was the freedom of structure. Your ideas were clear, concise, easily understood. Appreciated, too, your gentle supportive approach. I’m encouraged to continue writing.
- Amanda M, award-winningsongwriter (The Rose), Ojai, CA.
A very worthwhile weekend. I take with me ways of working with story from a new perspective. Thanks so much.
- Ellie N., Springville, CA.
Catherine, you’re definitely a master of your craft. It’s intriguing to see how you draw from the world. I’ll seek your advice in future!
- David S., Ojai, CA.
This has been great the second time. I got another jump start which is what I came for. Thank you.
- Phyllis S., Palm Springs, CA.
Thank you for providing the understanding that the power of writing comes from the things not said. You are a knowledgeable & a wonderful teacher!
- Jeff H., Ojai, CA.
You make everything seem possible!
– Doreen H.,Selling to Hollywood Conference, Los Angeles, CA.
From The Way of Story workshop in Santa Fe, N.M:
A safe place to discover oneself as a writer. Exercises to open up the process and to learn the essential steps of story structure.
– Linda Leonard, Jungian analyst and author of Wounded Woman (Healing Father-Daughter Relationship)
Catherine Jones’s focus, clarity, and gentle but spot-on reactions help identify the weak or lazy spots in your writing. Thank God! She is the elevator of purpose.
– Joan B, journalist & novelist
It’s uplifting to see someone who’s had a successful career in Hollywood be dedicated to helping others bring heart and soul into writing.
– Kate B., WGA screenwriter
A safe, sweet, well thought out presentation, more than worth the money! Inspirational! Just right! I greatly thank you.
- Richard R., writer-producer of The Night of the Living Dead.
Thank you so much, Catherine. I was at first intimidated by the very experienced writers in the room but found it was an opening up process for me, especially at this time in my life.
- Kai, actress, singer, songwriter
Catherine Jones makes writing accessible. Her approach encourages deep honesty in storytelling. Thank you for showing how to write a good story!
– Leana M, psychologist and writer
The Way of Story - Ojai, CA:
Your direction of the group helped me awaken to the connection with my experience and the words. I am inspired to continue the journey.
– Thom L.
An amazing journey and now I know I can sit down and start writing. You are a wonderful teacher as well as kind and compassionate. Thank you!
– Fern B.
The Way of Story is the beginning of a journey to the stories within me. With Catherine Ann, we are in safe hands. She teaches us how to drive the bumpy terrain.
– Julie C., singer-songwriter
Catherine Ann has an uncanny ability to hear the kernel of truth and play it back as new and refreshing. She has opened a door for me to begin my journey, awakening my sleeping self.
- Carol L.
The Way of Story de-mystified the writing process and has given me a comfort with my own writing, allowing me to come out in full. Your personal stories are wonderful!
– Vonder G.
A comfortable and safe place to risk the territory of writing. Her non-judgmental support provided great technique and fun exploration at the same time.
– Nadia N.
INDIA QUOTES 2007
(From graduates of National School of Drama, New Delhi)
It was like diving into the deep ocean without knowing how to swim,
It was like playing piano without knowing the notes.
Yet it brings me up with happiness and hope,
Enhances my knowledge and nourishes my thoughts.
–Dr. Dinesh Yadav, Rajasthan
I gained full confidence in writing. There were many beautiful and important
tips on writing gained from the workshop. The time was too short!
–Durga Sharma, Rajasthan
It has been refreshing and great! I feel this workshop a necessity for young writers.
Tough things are made easier due to this experience.
–Meeta Mishra, Karnataka
The workshop is a key which opened a door in some corner of my mind, which I never thought existed. This workshop is a lamp to light my way with writing. Many thanks for the key and the lamp!
–Madhurkankana Roy, Assam
It was indeed a privilege to attend Catherine Ann Jones workshop here in Delhi. Though out the workshop, I have learned so much!
–N. Munish, Manipur
This workshop was like a silence between the lines – so many feelings which could be implied with less words.
–Babita Pandey, Uttar Pradesh
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