More on writing
A time for reflection, creating and planning.
You may recall in a newsletter earlier this summer we talked about making time for your own writing. I bumped into a business acquaintance shortly thereafter and was asked if I was the person pictured in that communication. The photo was of a person seated on the ground writing in a journal, but the image was cropped so that you could not see the person’s face. When I said it was not I, they seemed surprised and, maybe, a little disappointed. As I reflected on the exchange, I thought about the picture and how it was, perhaps, somehow Freudian. Was I speaking to myself as much as to all of you? Should I make time to do some writing this summer?
Many years ago, I took a memoir writing workshop through the NH Writers Project. Curiously enough, that was where I first met my predecessor. The group setting allowed some of the participants time to read their work aloud. When the people around my table selected me to share, I was both honored and nervous. The memoir genre can be deeply personal and while I felt compelled to write down my story, sharing it publicly was putting myself in a vulnerable position. Speaking my truth in a supportive environment turned out to be less scary than I thought and, in some way, empowering.
Following my conversation with the email subscriber I mentioned earlier made me think about that experience. It also reminded me of the non-fiction creative writing workshop I took with author Joni B. Cole years later. I decided that I should revisit my stack of notebooks filled with fragments of stories. Serendipitously, I recently received an email from Lisa Burk-McCoy at the NH State Council on the Arts promoting a writing opportunity via Our Story NH.
The project “seeks to create, share and collect stories across New Hampshire via multiple media and from multiple sectors of life, experience, feelings, hopes and thoughts of life during, before and in anticipation of a post-pandemic reality. In particular, their Concentric Stories initiative is a way for people to tell their stories by responding to several prompts. Individuals can also submit on their own or attend one of the story stations or events.”
If you are not necessarily interested in authoring a piece, there are many people who have submitted their work for your interest and enjoyment. Check it out here. Who knows, hearing from others may inspire you to tell your own story.
In general, I find summer is a time that allows for creative thinking, reflecting, connecting and planning for the year ahead. (The NHBCA’s fiscal year runs May 1 - April 30.) Perhaps it is the rhythm of life having lived with a teacher for so many years, but looking toward the start of the school year always gives me a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm for what’s to come. In addition to taking stock of our activities this past year and working on our Annual Report, we have several ideas taking shape for the fall and winter, including our in-person Artful Networking events and some special virtual programs. Believe it or not, I am also thinking about our next awards event in May 2024. We will be celebrating a major milestone with our 40th Annual Arts Awards Gala!
While I’m not sure that I’ll be putting my personal creative endeavors “out there” anytime soon, you can count on us letting you know about our upcoming projects, programs and events. Stay tuned!