This Writing Life

I love writing. I love the swirl and swing of words 
as they tangle with human emotions. 

~ James A. Michener

Two months ago I joined seven other women at Jill Kelly’s “Writing With Intention” workshop. Jill combined writing prompts and visualization with collaging. A very innovative combo!

I first met Jill 13 years ago when I timorously attended one of her a day-long writing classes. I say “timorously” because, while I’ve always used the written word as a way to work through life’s problems as well as chronicle its joys, up until that one-day class my writing had never had another’s eyes look upon it, another’s ears hear the words.

I knew writing could be cathartic for me; however, I never thought anything I wrote might have meaning for anyone else—might verbalize what another was going through—might be of interest to others. As it turns out, I was wrong. I did have something to say and others wanted to hear it.

Jill’s calm demeanor and coaching ability, her very apparent knowledge of the craft of writing as well and her talent to see within another, to prod that bud of creativity and urge it to bloom and grow, served to make the day worthwhile and memorable.

The years ran, stumbled and scurried past. I continued to journal and write essays and poetry—for myself. I attended a term-long writing class at Marylhurst, two separate two day classes at the coast and one or two other six-hour classes. Along the way, I learned something more about the basics of writing. I didn’t learn a lot about myself. Something was lacking. I assumed I was lacking…something.

And then, the “…two months ago…” I spoke of at the beginning of this piece. I had just finished a memoir for my two sons and felt the need of another project. I wanted something more than simply going back to my journaling. I wanted to delve deeper into this writing art. Where to turn, what class or classes to take? They all entail an outlay of funds, of course, and my discretionary income is from low to none.

However, a few extra days at my part-time job spurred me to think I might just be able to find a workshop where my semi-reluctant muse and I would feel at home. The one-day class two months ago fit perfectly into what I needed at that time. It’s an over-used word, however, those brief six hours were empowering.

Just the other day, after a cursory search of local offerings, I landed on a six month, once a month workshop hosted by…Jill! I’m looking forward to the first class in April. No expectations; I’m open to the journey.

Here is Jill's website where you’ll also see examples of her visual artistry.