Writing Your Story with Jim O'Brien

There is something very exciting going on at Westminster Church in a seminar led by celebrated author Jim O’Brien. Initially, Jim’s goal was simply to help people get past the fear of “putting pen to paper”. As he states in the introduction to the class, “There is some talent and skill involved, like how best to tell a story, but everybody has a story to tell.” 

About 20 people attended the first class, at which we introduced ourselves and explained our reasons for being there. Many of the people want to write a legacy for their children and grandchildren. Several others want to write technical journals and a couple of us want to try writing that book that’s been floating around in our heads for years.

After Jim’s 2-hour presentation, which included  engaging stories from his career, we were given the task of writing our own short story to share with our fellow students in the next class.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend the second class, which was also supposed to be the last, but luckily Jim said he would not “abandon us” so soon after having awakened our creativity.

On the third night, as they read their stories, some funny, others poignant, it was clear that each person had put a lot of thought into their writing assignment. I credit Jim with creating the non-judgmental atmosphere that encouraged each person to share their work with the group.

Jim is enthusiastic about the direction he envisions for the class, which he says has turned into an experience beyond his initial expectations. People who may never have put pen to paper without Jim’s encouragement, are now developing confidence in their abilities and writing wonderful stories.

The next class meets on June 11^th, in room 231 at Westminster Presbyterian Church from 6:30 – 8:30p.m.

Everyone is welcome to join us as we continue to unleash our inner writer!