Photo by Cricket Desmarais
Notes on a Writing life 42
October 14 2022
Dear all,
Years ago, at the end of the last century, I began teaching yearly classes based on Julia Cameron’s very successful and well-loved book, The Artist’s Way. Many of Key West’s artists and writers got to know each other better through these classes, which became ongoing support groups in many cases, and lasting friendships were formed. A small island town lends itself to such groups, as we meet each other easily, but these ideas can – and have – spread throughout many other places and led to ongoing groups, as Julia Cameron generously suggested at the end of her book.
Now, twenty years or more later, I have the idea of updating the theory and practice outlined in the book for the 21st century. So much has changed in our world, and the times we live in are uncertain, the planet we live on is threatened, and the ideal of the artist’s life can seem outmoded, irrelevant, even selfish. People who felt isolated during Covid and its aftermath have a need to get together, talk about their lives and how they create, and get sustenance from others. We do need each other in order to keep going. The myth of the solitary struggling artist has long been out of date.
So, I’m starting our meetings at the Studios of Key West on December 5 in the early evenings and they will continue for twelve weeks. If you are in Key West during that time – join us at the Studios of Key West! If not, I will be posting a weekly summary on Substack.com of what we discussed, what came out of it, what insights and connections were made.
Thinking of support for artists and writers, my friend and genius website creator, Kimberly Narenkivicius, is offering the opportunity for 3-week winter writing retreats for single or pairs of writers/ artists in her cottage in Rabanal, Spain. It’s on the Camino, the pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela. Contact her at The Stone Boat if you are interested.
It’s time for artists and writers to come out of our hiding-places and get together to create our new worlds….
Thanks for reading,
Affectionately, Ros
My novella “Elena, Leo, Rose” is still being sold at its introductory price of $3.99 on Amazon,
I would love for anyone who enjoys it to post a review…