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Quotables: Hide and write, study and think.

cover image for Black Ink, edited by Stephanie Stokes Oliver

“One writes out of one thing only–one’s own experience. Everything depends on how relentlessly one forces from this experience the last drop, sweet or bitter, it can possibly give. This is the only real concern of the artist, to recreate out of the disorder of life that order which is art.“

~ James Baldwin as quoted in “The Business of the Writer” Black Ink.

“Do not let any lionizers stampede you. Hide and write and study and think. I know what factions do. Beware of them. I know what flatterers do. Beware of them. I know what lionizers do. Beware of them.“

~Vachel Lindsay in a letter to Langston Hughes as quoted in “Poetry is Practical” in Black Ink.

Grant yourself time to hide and write, to study and think, to create that order which is art.
Join us for Principles & Prompts Nov. 2-Dec. 14 online.
Read more info and register HERE.

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Quotables: The Path to Success…Showing Up for Your Work

success >> cover image of Lisa Congdon's new book, Finding Your Artistic Voice: drawing of tiger with mouth open and roaring.

…showing up to work at my own drawing table was an equally valuable ingredient in the formula for artistic growth and success. If I spent most of my time looking at the work of other artists and hanging out at gallery openings, but not consistently making my own work, I might be inspired and make friends, but I’d never make progress in my own creative path. . . . Your voice develops as a result of showing up and making stuff, not once or twice, but over and over and over again.

~ Lisa Congdon in Find Your Artistic Voice

Congdon may be talking about art and drawing, but the same can be said for writing.

If commitment and camaraderie helps you show up for your own creativity, here are two fun opportunities to put #PenToPaper, learn about craft, create or find-tune your work, and build your community of writers:

Principles & Prompts:

success >> photo of red fall leaf on pile of leaves

A 6-week online course on creativity and story, a low-stakes fun course with weekly inspiration and prompts. November 2-December 14, 2019. Registration is open and seats are filling up!

Read more about the course and sign up HERE.

VERITAS Writing Retreat for Women

success >> photo of Milwaukee skyline from the south shore of Lake Michigan

Join me and Margaret Noodin for 4 days in Bay View, Wisconsin to study Place, Permission, and Productivity. Immerse yourself in the mix of other writers, enjoy a taste of the Milwaukee Literary Community, and take advantage of plenty of time to write. July 23-27, 2020. Registration is open but lodging is limited!

Read more about the retreat and sign up HERE.

Your story matters. I hope to see you online or in person!