After our June Writers Read at BREWD, I kind of floated home. People had signed up to hear about the next event, folks were smiling, and there was a really nice buzz of conversation. I got hugs from new friends (always welcome) and positive comments that reaffirmed we offered a program that connected people and entertained in a positive, enjoyable, and thought-provoking way.
Words inspire people. I was really pleased when colleague and mystery writer Kathy McIntosh said she was inspired by my memoir, Thinking of Miller Place, to “jot down a memory from my oh-so-sizzling youth.” Her “jotting” morphed into “The Hottest Little Wagon in Southern California which she shared at Writers Read. Afterwards, she also got feedback which reaffirmed her writing.
Kathy says, “I had such a wonderful time at last night’s Writers Read! Thanks for inviting me. Writing and reading that little snippet encouraged me that I might indeed have a few more memories tucked inside to share. And several folks at the reading mentioned that parts of it resonated with them. It was fun!”
Being in the company of writers IS motivating. This from Barbara Chapman: “Just want to thank you for inviting me to the writer’s event at BREWD last evening. I enjoyed being a part of an inclusive and supportive group of individuals who appreciate good writing. I left inspired and a perhaps a little more focused on my writing goals…
Winding my way down Sabino Canyon a fragile seed of an idea began germinating among the cluttered tumbleweeds in my brain and I stopped to write it down. I need to think it through a little more, but it’s a start. My initial intention – exploration of transition seems – like “navel gazing” and while it may be therapeutic, I don’t think it’s all that interesting. We all go through transitions because that’s what life is about; we move from one stage of life to another…But in quiet moments…I’ll feed and water the seed so it will bloom.”
Beautiful writing, eh?
These thoughts about connections and motivation dovetail perfectly with what I hope will happen when writers and wordsmiths gather to share.
What happens in your writing group? How have you been motivated to take action with your writing? I’m curious, interested, and am always looking for new readers for Writers Read. Next one is October 26. 
Re ‘navel gazing,’ other than representing the central point, the middle of a body, the area of ‘transition’ between the upper and lower parts, which is pierced, tattooed, and who knows what else in today’s culture, can also represent the first major transition, the separation of the fetus from the mother, that happens to each of us and essentially continues throughout life. The interesting thing about transitions is that, as we grow older and wiser, more experienced, we anticipate the periods of adjustment, which can be wrought with tension, and learn to deal with them. Conversely, young people, especially teens, may experience emotional turmoil if they are not mentally prepared, guided, enlightened by their parents/teachers/caregivers. The tension that arises when adults try to teach and advise young people is a topic that has always interested me, as I ask myself why, in some cultures, do children heed the advice of their parents, and in others, they don’t? This can also apply to different families within the same cultures. Does it have to do with ego, the self? Or are some youths more able to understand the wisdom in their parents/teachers words? Studying the relationship between any adult/youth and exploring the gray areas, the underlying reasons why some accept and learn, and others deny and rebel, would be an interesting topic to research and develop. (And thanks for the new idiom, Ethel; in the cold northeast, other than a few months at the beach every summer, ‘navel gazing’ just wouldn’t fly!)