"I’ve realized that one of the biggest things we do for one another is bear witness. With the lighting of the candle at the beginning of the Circle, we bring our full attention and presence to our writing and each other. Each reader’s voice is heard and honored. For some of us, it may be the first time anyone has taken our stories seriously. Maybe it’s the first time we have taken our writing seriously. Our time together is a tremendous gift. The Women’s Writing Circle is truly a writer’s sacred space."
***
"If
we are lucky, at some point in our lives we find a place where we feel accepted
unconditionally. If we are exceptionally fortunate, we might land among kindred
spirits. From the very first read-around of the Women’s Writing Circle at Wellington Square, I felt
at home.
Not only had I discovered a group of women who dedicated themselves to
the rigor of the writing craft, but I also encountered a wellspring of
encouragement and generosity where each person read, listened and offered
genuine responses to one another’s work.
As the months went by and we each
delved into our life experiences for the raw material from which to create our
stories, subjects closest to our hearts began to emerge and develop.
Until
I discovered this community of writers, however, my attempts at writing about
emotionally loaded experiences were fragmented and feeble at best. It was
much easier to crank out the press releases, grant proposals and newsletter
stories that were a familiar staple of my professional life. When it came
down to reckoning with the heartbreak, loss and utter grief of my own stories,
I felt like I was in very lonely - even hostile - territory.
Oddly enough, as
painful as writing could be, I also had an instinct it acted as a ground
wire for me. The restless energy of my emotions constantly circulated. Writing gave it a place to go. Words gave form to the energy in my
memories and I could begin to reflect on them, finding meaning especially in
the responses of my fellow writers. Their acceptance and empathy were
reassuring. I was not alone. I watched as others in the Circle courageously wrote
and struggled with the right words for their own potent, bewildering and
painful experiences."
4 comments:
Ginger, your words inspire me. Thanks for sharing your authentic self. I'm honored to be a part of your circle of writers.
Today's celebrity culture too often portrays life as a big party...I wish it were so. Ginger's words speak about struggle, difficult relationships, a coming to terms. No party there...lots of reality. Her words speak truth to power. Thank you, Ginger, for sharing your unique life with us.
Ginger-
After our celebration tonight, I was left wanting a little more so I revisited the blog. I'm so glad I did. Your take on our writing circle is spot on. It's so very special how each woman's voice has a moment to shine during our read arounds. I look forward to seeing everyone this upcoming Saturday. Hope you have a wonderful week.
Candice
Candice -
Thanks for your comments. I am grateful for how we encourage each other in our writing. The "big world out there" has so little time. And that is exactly the gift we give each other!
See you Saturday, Ginger
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