How to Write to Change the World, July 12

Jun 232014

change ahead How to Write to Change the World

Saturday, July 12, 2014, 11–5pm

Words can be the most powerful tools we have. With them, writers have saved lives–even their own–and taken lives as well. They have brought justice to their worlds, started and ended wars, and transformed our very thoughts.

James Baldwin once said, “You write in order to change the world . . . The world changes according to the way people see it, and if you alter, even by a millimeter, the way people look at reality, then you can change it.” But what does it take to write to change the world? And with all the crossroads and hardships we are faced with every day, how can a single person make the world a better place?

In this 6-hour workshop, students will explore:

* how to write from the heart, as opposed to the pulpit

* leading examples of writing that has changed the world

* the psychology behind creating change

* tips on how to construct a proposal

* how to approach media outlets with your idea

* how to use social media to build and promote your platform

Click below to sign up for Writing to Change the World, Saturday, July 12, 2014, 11–6pm

Instructor:

Christal Presley is the author of the best-selling book, Thirty Days with My Father: Finding Peace from Wartime PTSD, which has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning, NBC, NPR, Fox News and more. She is the founder of United Children of Veterans, a website for children of veterans with PTSD, and is a frequent speaker at universities, civic organizations, mental health conferences, and veterans’ organizations around the country. Christal is an instructional coach with Atlanta Public Schools, and an accomplished creative writing instructor. In her spare time, you can find her playing with her dogs, tending to her chickens, and gardening.

Testimonials:

“Christal’s gentle guidance and genuine approach to writing to get in touch with yourself, even if it hurts, has given me a place to always return to in my writing, a foundation upon which to build moments that are real and believable. Christal provided a safe place to explore those moments and gave us a clear structure with which to build our story.” –Barbara Seaton

‘If you want to be inspired to write about important issues, want sensitive and meaningful feedback on your writing, and want helpful lessons on improving your writing, take a writing class with Christal Presley. Her personal story and her warm, engaging manner will motivate you to “sit in the chair and write.” –Dr. Beverly Armento

“Christal gave us more than lessons on writing. She inspired us and left us students with a strong bond of support with each other and excited to follow our dreams.” –Theresa Mamah

Christal is a creative instructor who made an incredible impact in a short amount of time. She created a positive, joyful learning environment that brought out the best in all her students. Dr. Presley has a gift and is a gift! –Carolyn Lake

Praise for 30 Days with my Father:

“A harrowing portrait of the past’s ability to haunt the present.” –Publishers Weekly

“An incredible memoir…an important part of the still unhealed wounds of war.” –Nikki Giovanni

“Whether you are a professional who treats veterans and their loved ones, or person at risk for military PTSD, or anyone who cares, you will be profoundly moved by this eloquent, true memoir.” –Dr. Frank Ochberg

“A beautifully written, necessary book…heart-wrenching and affirming all at once.” –Lee Smith

Location:

The Shocking Real Life Academy is located in the Virginia Highlands neighborhood in Atlanta! Click HERE for directions to our building at 695 Pylant St., Atlanta, GA 30306.