Workshops
Cindy on February 27th, 2007
I’m passionate about creativity and discovering beauty in everyday moments. I believe sharing our stories can be a tool for healing and self-discovery. My workshops provide a safe space in which students can rediscover their creative passions, record their own life stories, and learn how to get published. My mission is to celebrate the writer in everyone. — Cindy La Ferle
*********** FALL 2010 ************
Please watch this space for announcements on two October events for writers in southeast Michigan. I’ll be presenting a writing workshop again this year at the Rochester Writers Conference on October 2nd, and hosting a special authors event at the Royal Oak Public Library on October 9th. Details to follow later this summer. Questions? Please e-mail: cindy@laferle.com
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A brief bio on my writing and teaching experience
After earning my degree in English from Michigan State University in 1977, I tried on several editorial and literary hats. I worked as a research assistant for a reference book publisher, traveled miles of back roads as editor of a country inn magazine, reviewed books and plays, reported on everything from hamburger joints to circus performers for my local newspaper, and even published haiku in The Christian Science Monitor.
A freelance journalist since 1984, I’ve published award-winning essays and columns in more than 60 national magazines, newspapers, and anthologies, from The Detroit Free Press to Reader’s Digest. My essay collection, Writing Home, won several awards for creative nonfiction and is distributed to bookstores by Wayne State University Press. Writing Home includes 93 personal essays, many of which were previously published in national magazines, newspapers, and popular anthologies.
I’ve been a writing teacher nearly as long as I’ve been a writer. And I’m often invited to speak about the importance of writing our life experiences and sharing family stories. These talks can be tailored to a group of any size, and typically include readings from my book as well as “mini workshops” on writing memoirs and personal essays.
I’m also available to coach private writing workshops for small groups. (I do not list private events or appearances on this site.)
My teaching and speaking experience includes a variety of programs and lectures for William Beaumont Hospital, Meininger Senior Community Center (Royal Oak), the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, Wayne State University, Detroit Working Writers, Royal Oak Continuing Education, the Oakland University and Rochester Writers’ Conferences, and numerous churches throughout Oakland County. As the first Writer-in-Residence for the Royal Oak Public Library, I developed many creative writing programs and events for Oakland County writers and journalists.
I’m currently on the faculty of the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, where I teach creative writing classes and occasionally show my artwork. I am a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, Detroit Working Writers, and the American Society of Journalists and Authors.
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For more articles and blogs on writing-related topics, please visit the Just for Writers section of this Website. (Look under “Categories” on the main page.)



June 22nd, 2010 at 6:04 pm
Cindy,
Were you at the Chamber of Commerce meeting at ZMC Pharmacy in Royal Oak last Friday? I’m needing to find the person who has a writing group with whom I spoke.
Thank you,
Barb
June 26th, 2010 at 9:04 am
Barb, No I wasn’t there. I wish I could be of help — Cindy