I am leading a writing workshop for Story Circle Network, and after a productive evening session last night, today started at 9 and ended at 7, with a 1 1/2-hour lunch break and a couple of coffee breaks in between. Today, we did a deeper dive into what constitutes voice in writing and also learned how to break down the essentials of a scene, create memorable characters, and write dialogue with subtext. In addition, the participants practiced these concepts by doing timed writing and then sharing what they wrote. It was a day of learning, writing, and serious bonding. By this evening, I think we all felt as if we’d been friends for a long time instead of just gathering for the first time last night.

We will resume at 8:30 in the morning and discuss how to structure a novel and memoir. We will also explore ways to set writing goals for the next six months before ending at noon and heading back to our homes across the United States.

I am so happy to have this opportunity to present information on a topic I love with others who share that love. I looked at intentive faces all day, nodding and smiling as they applied what they had just learned while doing their timed writing.

Having a shared passion forges a natural kinship, which is heartening and soul-affirming.

I am grateful and happy.