Dangerous Places

In 2003, upon recommendation of the talented and ubiquitous Kevin Sampsell, I enrolled in a workshop called "Dangerous Writers." This was to be an adventure that would take me deep into risk: learning to open up on the page, using whatever language was at hand in order to tell the truth. It was there I learned to stop using words as props, and instead allow my writing to unfold in the moment, present tense, first person, if necessary. The "dangerousness" I embraced led to many writing classes with my new teachers, Tom Spanbauer, Joanna Rose, and Stevan Allred.

I continue to marvel at how venturing into scary places helps me grow, transforms me, makes life a creative adventure.

My friend and inspiration Sage Cohen speaks of the value of moving through fear. I join with Sage in the invitation to "make 2011 the year that you start giving fear a friendly nod." Indeed, your encounter with danger may turn out to be the greatest story of your life.

1 comment:

  1. Loved this post. I, too, started at Tom's table, and learned more there than I can every possibly recount. I spent last year giving fear the distant nod (sooo freeing). This year, I plan to give myself a warm embrace fore everything I do, attempt, fail at and f-up. :)

    Happy writing!

    Best, s.

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