In 2003, upon recommendation of the talented and ubiquitous Kevin Sampsell, I enrolled in a workshop called "Dangerous Writers." This was to be an adventure that would take me deep into risk: learning to open up on the page, using whatever language was at hand in order to tell the truth. It was there I learned to stop using words as props, and instead allow my writing to unfold in the moment, present tense, first person, if necessary. The "dangerousness" I embraced led to many writing classes with my new teachers, Tom Spanbauer, Joanna Rose, and Stevan Allred.I continue to marvel at how venturing into scary places helps me grow, transforms me, makes life a creative adventure.
My friend and inspiration Sage Cohen speaks of the value of moving through fear. I join with Sage in the invitation to "make 2011 the year that you start giving fear a friendly nod." Indeed, your encounter with danger may turn out to be the greatest story of your life.
Loved this post. I, too, started at Tom's table, and learned more there than I can every possibly recount. I spent last year giving fear the distant nod (sooo freeing). This year, I plan to give myself a warm embrace fore everything I do, attempt, fail at and f-up. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy writing!
Best, s.