I think some writers—and I don’t think it’s just me—feel like they’d write even if nobody ever read their work. (Disclaimer: I LOVE when you read my work.) The urge and the desire to write comes not from a need to tell a story, but maybe to understand our own. I write a lot—these newsletters, essays, books of essays, lesson plans and pages and pages of words that are only for me. And those are the words that help me try to make meaning of my existence as a human. Because who can figure that out all alone? Rarely me.
But writing is accessible to everyone to give it a try. I mean, I say that all the time, don’t I? Even when writing for publication, sometimes there is some writing that is done that is only meant to inform further writing—all the words won’t go into the book. But the meaningful ones will. So, keep it up…write your words, your life, your heart. Maybe no one else will ever read it, but you’ll know in your heart that they were written and that they’ll stay with you.
May Workshops & Events
You can always check out my website—I am pretty good at updating it ;)
http://cindyeastman.com/writual.html
Coming up this month on May 11th are two workshops on Writing Through Grief. I’m holding them in conjunction with my Everyday Grief project—an anthology collecting and sharing the many different voices of grief. There is one in the morning and one in the evening, so you can choose one or both! Registration is below.
The ongoing Saturday morning writing group will start back up on May 13th. We go for 3 weeks, take a break, then start back up. It’s a great group to get some inspiration or company, seek accountability, or run a writing problem past the group for feedback. Give it a try—sign up for the whole session or for the dates that work for you. (Same registration button below.)
I am honored to join Donna Stoneham, PhD. in the launch of her new book, Catch Me When I Fall. In addition to launching her book, she is hosting an interactive conversation on the transformative power of grief. It is a free, virtual event and I hope you can attend. More info and registration can be found here:
https://donnastoneham.com/catch-me-when-i-fall-virtual-book-launch/
I’ll also be participating in the Arts Alliance of Woodbury Arts Walk on May 20th at Studio Hill in Woodbury, CT. It’s an afternoon of visual arts and spoken word held once a month during the summer months. I hope you’ll join me there!
Other Writing Opportunities
If you’ve ever asked me for any resources for writing or publishing, I’ve probably mentioned Brooke Warner, publisher of She Writes Press. Ever since SWP published my first book, Flip-Flops After 50, I’ve been a big fan. So much so that my next book is being published by SWP next year. (More on that next newsletter.)
Please check out Brooke’s site for information on coaching, memoir and hybrid publishing. https://brookewarner.com/events/
Another name for you is Gabi Coatsworth. I recently attended the launch for her new book, A Beginner’s Guide to Starting Over, hosted by Byrd’s Books in Bethel. She offers writers resources through her own site and newsletter and is just a really great person to get to know. Check out her website—and buy her book—here! https://gabicoatsworth.com/my-books/
And now for your bi-weekly inspiration: