Redeeming Words is dedicated to the belief that writing can instigate personal growth and is an invaluable tool for self-care. The connection between art and psychology is a relatively new field. In 1945, Division 10 was created as a new chartered division of the American Psychological Association. 

Historically, journal keeping is not a new endeavor. Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln all used writing to improve the quality of their lives. (I use the term "writing" to refer to journal keeping, poetry writing, or other forms of writing.) Writing can help organize a life, keep a record of a life unfolding, help deal with life issues, and identify feelings and thoughts. Another historical figure is Anne Frank. By writing in her dairy, she recovered a bit of her freedom taken away during her confinement.

Also, there is a physical benefit connected with writing. Scientific studies have shown that writing actually reduces your blood pressure which relieves tension and reduces stress. In a stress-filled world, writing can be an invaluable tool. 

In 1985, Kathleen Adams began teaching workshops on how to keep a journal. Then in 1990, her book, Journal to the Self: Twenty-Two Paths to Personal Growth, was published. This book grew out of her experiences as a workshop leader. She established the Center for Journal Therapy. She is a psychologist, a registered poetry therapist, and a registered mentor/supervisor approved by the National Federation of Biblio/Poetry Therapy. This Federation sets high standards for the certification process of facilitators and therapists using books and poetry for therapeutic purposes.

Kathleen Adams teaches an online course called "Journal to the Self Instructor Certification Training." It is my immediate goal is to take this course. It is a 90-day course. Upon certification, I will be qualified to teach the Journal to the Self Workshop. The curriculum is designed to fit a 12-hour workshop. However, the Workshop is very flexible. It can be modified to fit the needs of a particular group. For example, it may be taught in six 2-hour sessions or four 1-hour sessions. It uses directed questions to help people identify their feelings or thoughts. It allows time for people to talk about their decisions in life. Then they may use this information to consider which decisions are appropriate for their lives. 


My Background:

My approach to writing was from an artistic standpoint, primarily as a poet. I have a bachelor's degree in English literature. More than four dozen pieces of writing have been published in various popular and literary magazines--see my publications list on my Bio page. Click here to read a sample poem, sample devotion, or sample essay.

I have been a minister's wife for more than 20 years. I have been honored to get to know many people from different walks of life. I have taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and value the life experiences of people of all ages.

I have always been interested in how and why people make the choices they do in their lives. Also, I've kept a journal since I was seven years old. So this connection between writing and therapy seems quite natural to me. 

I hope to teach the Journal to the Self Workshop to various populations including, but not limited to, women's shelters, college women, senior citizens, and those dealing with illness or chronic illness.

                                            
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Poetry Critiques



Are you a poet looking for feedback on your poetry?

I offer poetry critiques. I am a poet and writer with more than 15 years of publishing experience. More than 56 of my poems have been published in various literary journals, popular and children's magazines. I work with beginning and intermediate poets. I provide encouragement as well as suggestions for improving your work. 

                                             
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What are the benefits of a critique?

~  Encouragement and recognition of your work as a poet

    Many people write in isolation without receiving any feedback on
    their efforts. A regular, periodic critique lets you know how you are
    progressing. It can provide you with a feeling of validation.

~ Avoid common errors 

    A poetry critique can help you avoid common errors like: clichés,
    confusing word choices, or extra words which do not contribute 
    to the poem. Removing these errors before submitting your poetry
    to an editor puts you a step ahead of other poets. 
 
~ Hone your craft

    A critique helps you to find ways to improve your poetry, so you can
    apply that information to future poems, saving you time and money.

~ Proofreading 

    To make a positive first impression on an editor, submit a manuscript
    free of basic errors in punctuation, spelling, grammar, and usage. It
    is easy to miss errors after reading a poem over and over. A critique
    lends you a fresh pair of eyes for your project. 

 ~ Find out what you are doing right. 

    People who are drawn to poetry by the sounds, the rhythms, the     
    words, or the stories of poems. Often their strengths lie in the same
    areas as their initial attraction to poetry. A critique allows you to     
    find out about your strengths.  

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What types of poetry do you critique?

    I am comfortable working with any type of poetry: fixed forms or     
    free verse. The poem may be written for children or adults. The 
    subject matter can be about anything—except erotica, excessive 
    violence or profanity, or hate poetry against any group of people.

What is your approach to a critique? 

    My approach to a critique is one of encouragement and an     
    interest in substance. Merriam-Webster defines the word "critique"  
    as "the act of criticizing.” However, I prefer to emphasize the     
    aspects of paying attention and thinking deeply about the poem. 

What are the benefits of writing poetry besides publication?

    
    Although I do not guarantee publication of your poem, there are     
    other benefits to the practice of writing poetry.

It can help: 

• you become a serious poet
• clarify your thoughts and feelings 
• improve the quality of life 
• teach songwriters other techniques for writing songs

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Qualifications:

I have more than 15 years of publication experience. More than 56 of my poems have appeared in various literary journals and popular magazines including Lilliput, Northwest Literary Journal, Highlights High Five (forthcoming June 2008), KidVisions, Modern Haiku, and many more journals. I graduated summa cum laude with a BS in English literature. I have taught poetry workshops in college and elementary school settings. I have completed more than 50 poetry critiques.

To learn more about Laura, please click on Bio.

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