Breathe: July thoughts on writing, reading, and the world

When I was in preschool, there was a calendar on the wall, a great big circle with January at the top and July at the bottom. I still think of time that way and see in my mind that ring of months, divided into days with little lines, like a clock with every minute marked. Here we are in the gully, in the hottest, slowest part of the year. Soon enough we will be lunging forward, but this time of year I try to be slow and steady, enjoy the long, hot days as best I can.

I spend my time in the pool working on plot points and counting my breaths. I'm thinking of I can't breathe, a statement for our time. Of the word inspire, which comes from the Latin inspirare, meaning to breathe or blow into. Sometimes I think I breathe story. I wish we could all breathe together, but sharing air is exactly what we can't do now. We are being challenged to live, survive, and thrive in new ways. I breathe when I can, filling my cup as I am able, breathing for those who can't. When I finish my 1,000 yards, I feel lighter, calmer, convinced that something better lies ahead.

Some things have already changed. More change, good and bad, lies ahead. If you want to join me for meaning making, I've got three classes starting soon, two memoir & one fiction. Till then, take good care and fill up as best you can.

J.

Reading and Writing Fiction starts July 23

There are still a few spots in Reading & Writing Fiction, where we’ll take a close look at short fiction and talk a lot about craft. There will be some writing exercises and critiques for those who want them. The emphasis will be on thorough exploration of the techniques and execution that sum to stellar fiction, with plenty of insight to take back to your own work. The class will meet Thursdays 6:00pm to 7:30pm from July 23rd to August 27th (6 sessions), by Zoom. Read the full description here and sign up now!