Greenfire® Writing Workshops

Greenfire® Interpretive Writing Workshops: Creating Stories that Make a Difference

In 2004, I created and presented the first Greenfire Creative Interpretive Writing Intensive workshops, followed not longer after by the first Advanced Interpretive Writing workshop—4-day writing workshops for new and experienced interpretive writers to immerse themselves in this challenging and important work. I expanded (or contracted, depending on your point of view) those interpretive writing workshops to several 1- and 2-day interp writing workshops, as well as many shorter, topic-specific presentations. At this time, I’m offering these workshops by request only. You can read more about them [here].

Wish for the workshop but know hosting one at your site or institution isn’t an option? Don’t despair! There’s plenty of good stuff in my award-winning book, Electric Lemons: Interpretation and the Art of Writing, available from Skysinger Press.

Do you want to weave what you know into writing and stories that inspire, intrigue, provoke, surprise, delight, and educate? Turn information into writing that is powerful, passionate, and persuasive? Create stories that open hearts and minds to natural wonders…that explore the complexities of culture, science, and research…that foster change for a better world? That’s what the field of interpretation is all about.

Interpreters are people who work or volunteer at places such as parks, museums, historical and cultural sites, zoos and aquariums, and nature centers. Through a wide variety of methods—programs, tours, exhibits, and more—interpreters help visitors connect to the science, history, culture, and resources of these important places.

Interpretive stories come in all shapes, sizes, and formats—written and spoken, casual chats and formal presentations, any and all types of media—but they all have certain core elements that make them distinct from other types of writing and storytelling. The best interpretation paints memorable images and ideas that connect on profound and emotional levels with the audience, precipitating changes in beliefs and behavior.

Whether you’re an interpreter who writes, a writer or storyteller who wants to be an interpreter, or are new to it all, our highly interactive workshops are designed for you!

During the workshops, we explore and practice the art and craft of interpretive writing. Each day includes writing exercises to experiment with and practice different approaches to writing. We push our creative envelopes, court the muse, and uncover new talents and skills.

Greenfire interpretive writing programs range from 2-hour specialty-focus training sessions to the 4-day Interpretive Writing Intensive and Advanced Interpretive Writing workshops. Four-day workshops include time devoted to reviewing and critiquing participants’ works-in-progress, both in group sessions and one-on-one with Judy.

All interpretive writing workshops, including customized workshops, are offered in these formats:

  • open, no-host: open to anyone interested; not sponsored by an agency or organization; held at various locations
  • open, hosted: open to anyone interested, hosted (or sponsored) by a specific agency or organization, meeting space provided by host
  • closed, hosted: open only to site employees, staff, volunteers, and/or others specified by the hosting organization or agency; meeting space provided by host
  • closed, conference: open only to conference (or pre-conference) attendees; hosted or sponsored by conference organization

If you’d like to host or sponsor a workshop, please contact Judy.

Workshop details

1 day workshop: Words to Change the World: A Day of Interpretive Writing 2 day workshop: Inside the Inside Story: Creating Stories that Make a Difference 4 day workshop: Interpretive Writing Intensive

Interpretive Writing Intensive

Length: 4 day (6 hours per day plus lunch; one evening event; writing and informal gathering time each evening)

Group size: minimum 5, maximum 12

Who Should Attend? Interpreters of all experience levels who are involved or plan to be involved in interpretive writing or editing

Learn how to create powerful, effective interpretive writing, from theme development to finding exactly the right words for the right place, whether it’s a sign, script, label, or web site.

Read more