It all began with a podium and a microphone (drawing to the right courtesy of my daughter)–an empty space charged with nothing less than excitement, nerves, and tiny prayers. The same kind of energy from which each new story begins if you’re a writer.
This time, though, the stories were already written and anthologized and ready to be shared.
As a writer myself, there’s something to be said about preparing the place for others to read their work aloud. I didn’t have much to do other than ensure the room was set up, the cookies were on their way, the sound system worked. I won’t say I felt relieved of any anxiety, though. I was nervous all the way through to the end of the event.
But, some of that nervousness slipped away as the room filled up with an audience. And again when I saw one writer’s face light up the moment his daughter and her family arrived.
But the sure sign that each moment of work and worry was worth it came when, afterwards, the crowd stayed. Someone asked each writer to autograph his copy of the anthology. A woman stopped me, complimented the spirit of the group, and reminded me that this work was important.
Facilitating a writing class, working with others–especially this group at Harwood Place–is a constant exercise in discovery for me and the members of the group. We uncover the talent within each of us and pave the way to bring a memory or experience back to life. Later at an event like this, we reveal to ourselves and those around us the power in listening, in writing, and in sharing.
That (and the smiling faces below) are what keep me going back.
It’s important work you’re doing, Christi. I love to see those smiling faces. 🙂
Thank you, Jan. That’s definitely one of my favorite pictures!
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! You will never know how much I wish I could have been there. Brava to you and the delightful folks who made the anthology possible. I know that each and every one of you made a memory to cherish.
Thank you, Beth. Yes, the books are a big part of this project and well worth the time. They share so much in their stories, it’s nice to have something tangible to give back to them.
Christi,
Just perfectly delightful.
I wish I could be part of this group-they are blessed to have you guiding their creative spirits.
And I equally so! Thanks Cathy!
I love this work that you do. It’s one of the first things that drew me to you. This is a big, dedicated, sincere effort on your part, and I love your commitment to it.
Thank you, Alexandra. I gain so much from being with this group. It makes the work easy.