In all of these contexts, these reading and writing communities, the writer's voice is heard, either audibly or in the reader's head, and this is hugely important in an environment where many feel that they have been silenced. Another related local initiative, Words Aloud, has taken this further by providing an open-mic forum in which women can read their work to a wider audience. The atmosphere at the first of these events, held last Christmas, was unforgettable as the women egged one another on, read poems for writers too nervous to read aloud and applauded each other's performances with unbridled enthusiasm. It felt unpredictable, risky even, but therein lay its value: it was spontaneous, organic and wholly democratic. Further afield, some have also had their writing recognised in national competitions, which has not only increased their confidence and motivation, but also fostered links with the world to which they will eventually return.
Illustration: Eleanor Shakespeare
http://eleanorshakespeare.com/
The learners' urge to pass on what they have written is often very strong and drives the text- sharing process which can play such a vital role in building and maintaining relationships, both within the prison and with those outside. I have often been asked for 'an extra copy' for a relative or friend, most poignantly perhaps by a young woman who had bravely written for the
So how might creative writing help to secure a better future for prisoners, as well as improving their present experience? When one learner asked if the creative writing qualification would get her a job as a writer, I had to admit that it wouldn't. What I went on to explain, however, was that the skills she would develop through the course could enhance her wider
employability prospects. This particular learner found it very difficult to consider others' views and perspectives; her need for affirmation and approval prevented her from accepting any feedback that was not altogether favourable. I suspect the issues underlying this were many
first time about the fatal stabbing of her younger and complex, certainly far more than any one brother several years before and then requested a copy to send home to her mother. But there is also the sharing of writing which goes on in the classroom as women evaluate one another's work and provide essential encouragement and validation. An asylum seeker who, during her first class, wrote tearfully about her horrendous experiences of war clearly derived great strength, as well as the confidence to continue writing, from the positive response of other learners.
indicator of job performance as hard skills.” In terms of personal and social development, the
shows that they can be just as important an 2
Interestingly, this sharing process also occurs on the wings and elsewhere in the prison, where poems and stories are handed to other prisoners and even officers and civilian staff for comment. Meanwhile, in the writers' group we set up to provide progression for those completing the
higher level course, a small group of women meet fortnightly and work together
autonomously discussing ideas, critiquing first drafts and collaborating on writing projects.
2.
http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2009/01/26/top-10-soft-skills-for-job-hunters/ (accessed 13 April 2013)
15
process of writing and sharing writing with others can, I suggest, heighten sensitivity, develop emotional literacy and increase the capacity to empathise. It can be a potent force in changing our perception, both of ourselves and of whatever world we find ourselves in.
Network, an organisation formerly funded by the Arts Council to place professional writers
In their evaluation of the Writers in Prison 3
3.
http://www.writersinprisonnetwork.org/
course could resolve, but responding positively to constructive criticism is one of the criteria learners must demonstrate in their portfolio and, surely, an essential requirement for any employee. Interestingly, one American jobs website highlights the need for this type of skill, stating that, “Companies value soft skills because research suggests and experience
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