Deepam leads workshops and retreats in the Amherst Writers and Artists’ (AWA) method of writing workshop facilitation.

The AWA philosophy is a simple one: every person is a writer, and every writer deserves a safe environment in which to experiment, learn, and develop craft.

“Whether your purpose for writing is artistic expression, communication with friends and family, the healing of the inner life, or achieving public recognition for your art —the foundation is the same: the claiming of yourself as an artist/writer and the strengthening of your writing voice through practice, study, and helpful response from other writers.” ~Pat Schneider, founder of the AWA Method, in “Writing Alone and With Others”

The AWA Bedrock Principles are:

• Everyone has a strong, unique voice
• Everyone is born with creative genius
• Writing as an art form belongs to all people, regardless of economic class or educational level
• The teaching of craft can be done without damage to a writer’s original voice or artistic self-esteem
• A writer is someone who writes