“Abre Tu Boca is a very supportive place for us to express and explore our creativity through writing. Amanda has created an incredible container and space for us to gather and be inspired in ways I could and would not do by myself. And the magic and brilliance that comes through each person is phenomenal. Amanda's feedback is also always incredibly deep, wise, insightful and brilliant. She sees things in the writing that we do not see ourselves, which adds another thoughtful dimension that allows us to see even deeper meaning.

“I came to the writing circle for the social aspect, to meet people. Then with the actual writing process, I found that there was this unexpressed part of me that I would not have discovered otherwise. There is a writer in me that can create unexpected stories, ideas, imaginings that also surprise and delight me.  

“This has been a truly joyful discovery and one I hope to keep nurturing under Amanda's guidance. I would not have discovered this innate gift if not for the writing circle. I am forever grateful to her and this project for opening up a dimension in myself that feels fertile and ready to be explored and expressed.”

Shirley Liu

“Abre Tu Boca is an amazing, eclectic group of people sharing their creativity with a fearless leader, in a completely comfortable laid back environment. Sharing and listening to the work of others in Abre tu Boca groups has inspired me to be more open and fearless in my creativity and encouraged me to have more confidence in sharing my work, and I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the interesting people that join the circles.”

Marie Blessing

“Personally, the project made me surprise myself. I always thought writing wasn’t my strong suit—I used to feel very insecure whenever I wrote. I started going to the workshop because I had to finish a work report that I just couldn’t move forward with, and I struggled so much to sit down and write it because of the belief that writing wasn’t my strength. But in the few sessions I attended, I gradually started to believe in myself more, feel more confident when I write, and get to know myself better overall. It was truly very healing.”

Ellie Dambolena

“Abre Tu Boca gave the opportunity to read in public one of my creations for the first time.”

Anna Castillo

“Hearing others’ inner thoughts shared at events expands me personally, and also causes me to see these people in a bigger, more profound way.

“I love how Abre Tu Boca brings different people together in the community, to share from within. Not only is it creating future writers, but the psychological benefit to each individual is transformative. Amanda is great at steering this group to bettering their writing skills while digging into themselves deeply. She has quite the toolbox full of ways to stimulate writing, and most of all, it's fun.  And that is the best way to grow yourself — having fun.”

Isabel Smyth

“Abre Tu Boca creates spaces for expression that feel close, intimate, and nourishing to me. It has allowed me to deepen my writing practice. I love the exercise of sharing and having others share their texts because it’s always done with active listening, respect, and genuine curiosity. Participating in Abre Tu Boca has allowed me to gain confidence in myself when sharing my writing with others. It has also helped me explore my imagination and vulnerable parts of myself through writing.”

Ana Isabel Suarez

“The project has introduced me to so many people in the area and created amazing touch points. It's also revealed how much our language shapes our perception, our reality. The words we use. The way we structure sentences. The punctuation. The tense. The frame of view. Through writing we shape our own reality.” 

Lane Brugman

“Abre Tu Boca has changed my life as a writer! Meeting this amazing community of humans, guided by Amanda, has sparked my creativity. I have been inspired by her and so many incredible writers coming together to share their heart work. My writing has gone to the next level.

Amanda is a word wizard and life force. The way she is able to work her magic, bringing creativity, connection and collaboration to the community is thing of beauty. She is a true heARTist — always authentic, lovely, funny and kind. Her feedback and support to writers on all levels is so spot on, helpful and always enlightening. I could listen to her voice memo notes on my writing all day. Her voice in every sense of the word is a gift to us all…as writers, as women, as humans in love with words. Thank you for creating and holding this space for us!”

Christine Armand

“My creative and personal lives have been impacted by Abre Tu Boca more than I can express in words! The connection, encouragement and support have been invaluable. It’s priceless to have an opportunity to play with other bilingual artists!! I love listening and learning from other writers. This is the very best platform and gathering for me to do this. It makes me take risks with my writing.Amanda encourages taking risks and our group is a safe container.”

Charlotte Eulette

“I love that Abre Tu Boca is a place for writing, listening, reading, getting to know how others think about life, texts, books, stories and even personal experiences. Abre Tu Boca pushes me to keep writing, thinking and sharing. “

Elias Holtz

“Abre Tu Boca has given me so much life. I feel it has expanded me creatively and spiritually. You learn so much about writing but you also get a lot of support emotionally. The community and the space we all hold for each other is invaluable.”

Jacinta Lanz

“Abre Tu Boca is such a beautiful container for expression, creation and community. I have genuinely enjoyed allowing my vulnerable side to shine through in my writing. It has also given me a beautiful brain nudge of inspiration to begin writing again and hone in on finding my voice.”

Emmanuella Kalliangas

“It’s made me enjoy the process of writing and love, also, everyone else’s writing. It’s inspiring, and the community is so supportive and fun! It’s truly impressive what Amanda has accomplished and how many people she has got writing. I’m in awe.”

Andrea Germanis

“This program has been a wonderful way to express creativity and think differently. It has helped me gain more confidence in my creative mind and spirit. It’s also been a great way to meet other creatives in town. Amanda is absolutely lovely and ensures everyone feels welcome and supported. It’s a great time!”

Nicole Eversgerd

“I love the way you nurture your writers to bring the best out in them. I love your inclusivity of all people: ages, ethnicities, sexes.”

anyonymous

“This is the most consistent commitment I have. The encouragement to type and publish my work has been invaluable. Amanda is a great teacher with excellent feedback on writing. And it’s a safe intimate space for sharing.”

Sandra Peterson

“Abre Tu Boca is a friendly safe place where one can express in words what is hiding under the mundane, where the sensory Self has a creative outlet and a place to share, to communicate personal perceptions of the inner and outer environment. 

“For me, it has revealed many voices living inside and that I can write in a unique style that is appreciated. It’s shown me that reality can be expressed metaphorically, fictionally, poetically. It has brought out more sensitivity and refinement in my perceptions.”

Chantal Asselin

“I love the safe space that Abre Tu Boca provides and the ability to unwind in a way that I normally would not give the time to. I have mostly been impacted by what people share. I have learned a ton about how brains work and write and how people express themselves. One prompt allows for so many different thought processes and paths on the paper. How truly inspiring.”

Emily Balfour