Ever since I was a child I loved a pen, a pencil or a paint brush in my hand………
I always loved paper….. any kind of paper, any color, any canvas, and loved making it mine by either writing, drawing or painting images on it. I have kept several journals since childhood, not continually, but, as I felt I had to communicate something important that I did not want to share with anyone else. My journal was my closest friend many times in my life…..I could laugh, cry or be angry while I wrote words that satisfied my feelings and moods.
My live evolved through many phases and arrived to the point that I want to write more seriously. To explore my capabilities I decided to take some writing courses here in Baltimore. To my delight, it was a very positive experience, and encouraged me to take a writing seminar this year, in Portland, Oregon, before the International Association of Culinary Professionals Conference. The seminar was conducted by Crscent Dragonwagon with the title “Fearless Writing.” Crescent is a professional writer and author of many books and teaches writing with a passion that is contagious.
Portland is a beautiful city and it was a pleasure driving a distance from the hotel to the address I was given before I left Baltimore.
Ten ladies of all ages met our “Fearless” Writing Coach, Crescent Dragonwagon, at the entrance of a condominium building that was situated in a lovely neighborhood across the Willamette River. Her big smile and her warm hugs gave us the welcoming feeling and promise of a comfortable and enjoyable time with her.
We were escorted to a lovely apartment where we were not to tell each other anything about ourselves, but our names…….until all ten of us were assembled. This was a little difficult – especially for me, because, I love to talk…..as many of my friends know.I was not totally “fearless” sitting among the ladies who had writing experiences in their professions or had written most of their lives. When the first exercises were announced, I was totally “thoughtless.” My brain did not respond quickly, but as I kept concentrating on what was expected of me I managed to put a little paragraph together that I did not share reading it aloud.
The problem I had in these exercises was the fact that I write about things in my life, I do not write “fiction.” I can write about my travels, food, my cooking classes, my life as a child, my experiences with people, actual life that I have lived………but, fiction, imaginary lives of imaginary people and things???????????
After two days of being coaxed, encouraged, praised, helped, gently and warmly critiqued, made totally comfortable while learning about writing, I must say I enjoyed every moment being with Crescent and the other nine ladies. I have learned much, but the most important fact I learned is, that one needs to write every day to improve and get better with every sentence one puts on paper. To my total surprise, I truly love writing now more than ever, and am hoping that my style will improve as time goes on.
I highly recommend Crescent’s “Fearless Writing Seminars” and hope to join her again sometimes in the future!
My son took the photos of all of us!
Hi Melly……….it is good to hear from you! Hope you are having a great summer with your beautiful grandchildren, and have plenty of time to do your writing.
I have not seen the picture that your son took of us all…..
Maria, I enjoyed very much reading about your new venture in the world of writing. How exciting for you to pursue something more of interes to you. I look forward to hearing more about your progress.
Please have a great summer. This is my favorite time of year! Love and hugs, Linda
Hi Linda……what a nice note, thank you! I have always liked writing and have been working on my first manuscript for a couple of years now…..and am still doing some editing. Now I will start on the recipes and photography……
Thank you for your nice comment…….you are such a dear friend!