Quest(ion)(able)
Journey with me (incl. TWO CREATIVE WRITING CLASSES THIS JUNE!)
“You don’t need the answers, you just need to live the questions... The answer is a never ending horizon.”
-Deepak Chopra
What I love most about writing seems to be pondering— the contemplation. Far more than outcomes, which can be elusive, under- or over-whelming, undesired, even alienating, writing itself (the practice) is full of wonder… of hiding places where we come upon ourselves, and surprising perspectives that reorient us, our creations and our realities. Sound like therapy? It can be. Sound like a quest? It is. Writing is self-validating and world-affirming. Is that not needed? Creativity as one of the soundest refuges, imagination for reframing what’s possible? (That’s not a question, no threat. That’s the work.)
I just returned from that amazing month far away. Storyknife Retreat and Homer, Alaska were incredible. The views and landscape moved me and, as they weren't reflected on the residency website, surprised me. (Love that.) The place also made me think of the mountains, lakes and writers of home. Lake Kivu was on my mind. Mount Kilimanjaro came into view on my walks. As I shared in my last missive, I almost didn’t go. The ongoing conflicts of this continent (looking at you, North America) and personal constraints made me long hesitate. But I’m glad I went. It turned out to be exactly what I needed, the adventure, community and destination, all medicinal. We were generously supported, and our cohort of 6 learned at the tail end of our stay that there had been 843 applicants for 50 spots this year. (That’s how competitive reputable residencies can get... I in fact found out this weekend I didn’t get into a residency that saw 215 applications for 8 spots. The lesson? Win some, lose more, detach from it all.) But we can all use the reminder of just how many people long for the kind of time, space or support we enjoy—the peace.
If you are still rooting for time, space and support for your writing, consider joining me this June in Iowa City. This isn’t a competitive opportunity, but there are LIMITED SPOTS, so register soon. It’ll be my first time visiting the famed college town. I’m excited to see friends and to teach these two courses:
Writing Homeward: Locating your Fiction and Nonfiction (June 15-20)
This course is designed for writers of all levels, whether you have work in mind or in progress or prefer to generate new ideas and writing in class.
After Poems and Afterthoughts: The Art of Response in Poetry and Prose (June 21-22)
Has a piece of fiction or nonfiction stayed with you? An author’s daring conceit or choice of subject inspired or infuriated you? Do you wish to write back, or forward? Let’s—in praise, imitation, and/or criticism.
Fear is always there. But we are more able together. Write through the fear. Question it and everything that holds your imagination and spirit hostage.
I’ll see you out there, maybe? I’ll leave you with a poem en attendant, written (and read here) by Wendell Berry.
Wishing you rest, grace, and the peace of wild things.
The Peace of Wild Things
Written and read by Wendell Berry
When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
