Class Title: "Finding Joy in the Details: Using the 'Small' Stories to Tell the Large Stories of Your Life" Instructor: Erin D. Philbin Class Term: enroll in this class Class Description We all have wonderful stories that are unique and important, but we may feel overwhelmed when we try to write. We want to tell the "big" stories but are uncertain about where to begin. In this class, we will generate several stories built from chosen themes—the little stories, gathered together, that tell the "big" story of our lives. This class will be conducted as an e-group using Yahoo Groups. I will post assignments using our e-group.You will send your stories to me via Word attachments. I will provide feedback to you via your e-mail. Feedback will be provided within 48 hours so that you may utilize any suggestions for your next story. You may post your stories on the Yahoo group for the other participants to read, but this is not required. Class Outline The class will begin May 11, 2009, and consist of six weekly writing lessons. Stories will have a 1200 word limit. Unit 1. Road Trips: Whether describing a trip to the end of the world, to the end of your street, or to the beginning of a new spiritual path, the stories of our road trips tell the adventures of our lives. Unit 2. Keys: From our first diary key, to the key to our first home, the stories of keys unlock the stories of our lives. Unit 3. Animal Encounters: Remembering a beloved family pet or a chance encounter in the wild, the stories of our relationships with the animal kingdom remind us of what it is to be truly human. Unit 4. Traditions: Sharing the stories of your family traditions will create a legacy of stories and add an interesting chapter to the stories of our lives. Unit 5. Lost and Found: From losing a childhood toy, a friendship or job, to finding the perfect pair of shoes or soul mate, you will find a treasure in these stories of lost and found. Unit 6. Sanctuary: Whether we find peace and safety in a hidden room, in nature, or in our own hearts, we will find peace and contentment in our sanctuary stories. Student Skills, Equipment required Students should have a basic proficiency in Word, be able to send Word attachments and to use email. This class is meant for the beginning writer. Suggestions for grammar and organization will be provided, but emphasis will be placed in encouraging the creation of your stories. Tuition/Fees for this course SCN members: $0. Non-SCN members: $. Instructor Bio Erin Philbin has been a member of Story Circle Network for 10 years, contributing regularly to the Story Circle Journal. She has been a member of Story Circle Internet Chapter since its inception, and has been the facilitator for one of its writing circles for the past year. In her professional capacity, she is responsible for the supervision of graduate students learning to write professional documentation. She believes in using story telling to connect with others and is passionate about encouraging others to write their own stories. Praise for Erin's Classes I found Erin Philbin to be charming, kind and encouraging. Her assignments achieved what they were designed to do—get me writing my stories and enjoying the process. Thank you Erin. —Julie D., Bunkers Hill, Victoria Australia It is amazing to me that when you begin to write, write, write that it is like a archelogical "dig". The treasures that I discovered within me were incredible. Erin Philbin responded with such compassion and energy, that it insprired me to dig even deeper. This was a very reflective and contemplative experience and provided me with more knowledge of who I am becoming. Thank you to all of you. —Rosalie M., Webster NY