CATCA 2025

Participants will learn how to use creative writing in two important ways. First, as an introspective, self-care tool to mend, strengthen and restore joy to the writer’s heart. See how words can foster a renewed sense of peace, passion, and purpose. Secondly, how to craft stronger writing, tell captivating stories, and communicate powerfully to move the hearts of readers. Writing styles of focus include: free writing, memoir, poetry, and fiction.



Learning Objectives:
Literacy
Health and wellness
Cross curricular learning


Participants should come prepared to write alongside presenter and award-winning author and artist Alexis Marie Chute. She will teach participants how to approach any artistic endeavor with mindfulness and freedom.

The writing styles presented—free writing, memoir, poetry, and fiction—will be discussed for their potential for personal expression, self-discovery, reflection, and as vehicles to share experiences with others and tell meaningful stories. Chute will introduce each style and outline how-to’s to ensure a positive writing experience. She will share how she used writing in her own personal journey, her struggle with depression, and the loss of her son, Zachary—as well as the breakthroughs that she experienced.

Target audience:
This workshop is for those looking for personal breakthrough, those with a story to share, and individuals responsible for facilitating creative writing with others.

3 Learning Objectives:
Describe how creativity, and specifically writing, can help them and others express themselves in a healthy and healing way, including left brain and right brain processes, for example.
Define writing styles, genres, techniques, and methods of implementation that empower writers to craft their words for optimal impact on their readers, prompting understanding, allowing new perspectives and engagement.
Identify which writing exercises are best suited for desired outcomes with the language to facilitate these creative explorations, including exercises and resource lists to support the writing.

Additional info relevant that will assist the reviewing of program:
This program provides a way for educators to replenish their own reserves, while also learning and exploring with storytelling formats that they may not have tried before. The education on how to share personal stories is an invaluable skill that can encourage and inspire communities. It places current tools in individuals and groups hands so that they can better themselves and their communities.

Behavioral outcomes, learning outcomes, instructional outcomes, and performance outcomes.
The opportunity to slow down and take time for personal and professional reflection in a safe and nurturing space.
The ability to discuss the biology behind creativity as an outlet for personal self-care and healing.
Ability to discuss the cultural relevance for creativity as a barrier-breaking community outreach tool.
A working knowledge of multiple writing styles and their creative characteristics.
Ability to describe these writing styles and how each can be used for personal expression, discovery, reflection, and transformation.
First-hand understanding of the exercises from trying them.
The ability to lead others through the writing exercises.