Focus on Fluency with Eric Witchey

By Bridget Good

Master Class: Focus on Fluency

“Rule #1 is: Affect the emotions of the reader. There is no rule 2.”

We all love that feeling when a book pulls us in. We want to root for the characters and feel as though we are taking the journey right there beside them. We want to smell what they smell. We want our hearts to race. We want to feel. Every time we do, it’s like receiving an emotional gift from the author. And we’re greedy! We want more gifts. 

For Eric Witchey, producing these emotional responses in a reader is a matter of practice and understanding.

What is Fluency?

For nearly 30 years, Eric Witchey has found major success in both writing and writing education despite having—in his own words—a lack of natural talent. In his framework, readers create and manage meaning from the black squiggles they see on a page through pattern recognition both conscious and subconscious.

Writers, therefore are benefited by recognizing and internalizing these patterns that readers use. Doing so gives the writer the understanding, sense and fluency necessary to “enter the country of composition.

According to Witchey, “once a writer understands how to recognize the patterns readers need, the writer can practice those patterns in ways that change how the writer’s subconscious delivers story through the hands. Fluency means the ability to compose as fast as physically possible and express emotion through theme as story.”

In essence, a writer can learn and internalize these patterns to better communicate the emotional content of their stories.

Join fellow writers as we learn how to Focus on Fluency!

Eric Witchey says, “A few people are born with perfect pitch for prose and story, but most of us are not. Luckily, practice can develop personal pattern sensitivity.” 

If fluency is a skill you want to develop or expand, then you don’t want to miss the opportunity to take this Master Class! 

The seminar will combine lecture, graphics, discussion, interactive exercises in creativity, and actual hands-on composition. The seminar itself is a small group, and we will collaborate on the development of story elements that demonstrate the patterns discussed and practiced.

The class will take place on August 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the 55th annual Willamette Writers Conference. It will be held in Windsor A, at the Crowne Plaza in downtown Portland. 

Take your writing craft to the next level and maximize the gifts you give to your readers. We can’t wait to see you there!

Meet the instructor

Eric Witchey headshot

For nearly 30 years, Eric Witchey has worked as an independent consultant, teacher, and writer. A graduate of Clarion West and Colorado State University, he holds degrees in Interdisciplinary English and English and has a passion for helping new and experienced writers expand their craft. 

He has produced hundreds of technical documents, has received creative recognition from multiple organizations, and his fiction has sold nationally and internationally. 

Upcoming events and publications by Eric Witchey

  • New short story: “Give a Man a Fish, Feed Him for Eternity” 
  • Release: Timberline Review during the conference. 
  • Year-long Fiction Fluency program begins in September.
  • 2024 Samhain Ghost Writing Weekend: October 31st to November 3rd. 
  • New short novel, Falling from Grace Again: Release: this fall

Get in Touch with Eric