Feedback from the writers of the collective underground!
"Before I began participating in Ivy’s Method Writing class, I thought I knew what “creative writing” was. However, now that I’ve gone through several rounds with her, I can honestly say that I had no idea what creative writing even meant. Unlike traditional writing techniques which rely on structure and formulas, Method Writing is an organic approach to the creative process and Ivy’s unique way of teaching helps each participant find his or her own authentic, deep voice. Her class is an intense roller-coaster ride that is both disciplined and exhilarating. You will laugh, you will cry, you will eat your heart out (and tear your hair out), you will curse the world in general and wonder how you ever wrote anything before studying with her. Seriously, this is the course to take if you are interested in exploring, not only, the depths of your creativity but also, the depths of your soul. Ivy teaches with humor and insight and, after just my first 4-week class, I learned techniques that I will be able to use for the rest of my life. Whether you are a seasoned writer looking to hone your craft, a beginner interested in learning to write or simply someone who is interested in exploring your authentic self, I highly recommend either Ivy’s in-person class or (my current preference) her online version which provides the exact same profound teachings but from the comfort of your own living room." - Gabby
"Learning from Ivy and the Collective Underground online is a gift. Working with Ivy will tap into a line of creativity within yourself that you didn’t know existed. Ivy gets you out of your comfort zone by challenging you to look at your writing and creative life in a whole new way. Learning from her is exhilarating and exciting and will take your writing and self expression to a new level. I’m so grateful that she offers Zoom classes so this East Coast Jersey Girl can experience her Hawaiian Method Writing magic!" - Jamie
"Ivy rocks and she rocks your boat and she rocks your soul and she rocks your being. Well, she doesn’t actually rock anything, you do, she just gives you little (BIG) nudges and then you go on Rocking. It’s epic. The class, the people, the process. The discoveries… I learn something new about myself every time I sit down to do an assignment. And sometimes its the things I feel but can’t articulate and what a relief when I can! I studied with Ivy in her living room for years and was reluctant to do it via zoom at first, but I wanted to do the class more than I wanted to be reluctant, so I tried, and it’s just as great. Different, feels a little more incognito or something, but just as great. And most important, it’s just as potent. Do it do it do it - it's worth your soul pennies..." - Masha
"I came to Ivy by way of a close friend. She described to me what her group was doing and it sounded fascinating. I went to her site thecollectiveunderground.com and learned a little. Bought the book, learned more. It's not about prepositions, punctuation and proper nouns. Ivy asks, ‘What lies beneath the surface?’ Direct hits on the deeper heart, is what you’ll realize. It was when joining the on-line group that the exercises became part of my life. The format is ideal. I live 5000 miles away. The beauty of Zoom is the ability to sit in a virtual living room with Ivy. Seeing her facial expressions, hearing her verbal feedback, ohs, ahs, laughter. It's invaluable. This is how you find your deeper voice. This is where you learn what hides. This is authentic expression." - April (Asheville, NC)
Aloha
"I have finally been able to join Ivy and The Collective Underground, in writing, via the online Zoom class. I LOVE it! Since I travel and have an unpredictable schedule it’s hard to commit to sit in her living room. So sadly for years I have wanted to join. Now I am IN! And loving it. It’s inspired me in countless ways. I love the zoom class and being able to see the writers read their pieces and to read mine. The ONLY thing I miss is Ivy’s crazy laugh during some pieces. I just hear it in my head. This is such a great way to stay connected to writing while letting my life’s flow be unpredictable as it is.
So grateful to you Ivy. Mahalo" -Jenn
"The Collective Underground online workshop allowed me to find my true voice in writing.
Ivy's method writing exercises and insightful critiques stretched my creative practice
and helped me tap into an internal generative source that I hadn't been aware of.
The online writing group inspired, supported, and kept me accountable
in developing a consistent writing practice.
I am a more courageous and effective writer thanks to this workshop.
sante from Lyon!" -adam
"Ivy’s class is about truth. Your truth. Remembering. Unraveling. Breaking through. Creating.
The cathartic process of naming the unnamed
and how just by doing that one can reclaim their own identity
and power piece by piece.
It's about bringing out the parts of yourself that may be hiding.
It's about finding your deepest voice, your creative unapologetic self. I
t’s a good time.
Hell, you may even become a better writer." -Lindsey Seigel