From the newsletter: Three Days at Highlights

Stand before the people you fear and speak your mind – even if your voice shakes. -Maggie Kuhn

Dear Writers,

After all these months of working from home, searching for creativity from my living room, waiting for hugs, I did it! I spent a few great days at The Highlights Foundation, and now–WHOAH. I am feeling inspired.

I had three days to put my writing first.
Three days to talk with writing friends.
Three days with time to imagine and grow, to take chances, and listen for my voice. I went there with a number of projects and I now have some plans and stories to write.

There is magic there!

Also: I got solid evidence that a change of scenery, good food, and community is good for the creative heart.

My favorite moment came near the end of my visit. Writers and friends from Highlight’s Career, Craft, and Community workshop joined together to share our stories and read aloud.

I always find it so inspiring to hear writers reading their stories–not just because it is an act of bravery and trust (although that’s a big part of it). In every story, I heard heart. I felt yearning. I could imagine the days and weeks and months and maybe even years of those three I’s: Inspiration, Intuition, and Intellect. I laughed and dabbed my eye and thought deeply about what everyone wanted to say to young readers. Hearing other writers read also lets me hear great words that spark my imagination. It helps me tap into my own hopes, dreams, and characters.

Are you ready to reach? Stretch? Groan? Embrace the power of play?

This week, find a poem.
Read it aloud.
(You don’t need an audience.)
Make a list of the words that are the most fun to say, the ones that linger, the words that made you love reading.

Then take it to the journal: Weave those words into your story. Your ears have something to add to your draft. See what happens!