Going once, going twice...Adirondack Mountain Writers' Retreat Auction

I love efficiency, and when the chance came to help a good cause AND create an opportunity for an aspiring writer, the allure was irresistible. Yesterday a multi-year participant in the St. George Island Writers' Retreat contacted me to say that the Crown Leadership Academy, an independent, private, Christian school in Charleston, South Carolina is holding an online Ebay auction to raise funds for their program, I realized I could help two causes by donating one workshop registration for this summer's Adirondack Mountain Writers' Retreat. This means the school makes some money and one writer has a chance to participate in this summer's retreat at a bargain price. If you plan to attend this Fiction Among Friends event (July 22-24, 2011, at Wiawaka Holiday House, Lake George, NY) , be sure to check out the Crown Leadership Academy Ebay auction. Please note that the winner will still be responsible for fees payable to Wiawaka for lodging, meals and day use.

The retreat runs from Friday noon through Sunday lunch, and participants will enjoy workshops, blocks of writing time, feedback sessions, readings and private consultations with our retreat leader Irene Sherlock. Participation is limited to eleven writers. The auction runs just through February 14th, so get your bid in early.

Now Hear This: Jessica Kane's "Straining to Parallel Park in an Open Field"

Those of you who are acquainted with Jessica Kane and her varied artistic talents have been eagerly awaiting release of her four-disc CD of readings from her written works, "Straining to Parallel Park in an Open Field." The rest of you will want to find out what you're missing.

Jessica Kane seizes not only the day, she seizes each nanosecond of the day. And then she writes about it.

While most writers focus on the big things in life, like birth, death, war and peace, Jessica pulls out her rippled-glass magnifier and inspects and muses about life's odd and infinitesimally small happenings, such as the fortuitous finding of a parking space on a busy street; mundane conversations in an airport; a visit to an animal shelter; a chance encounter with the mom of a childhood friend; or the love/hate feelings toward a jelly-dribbling spouse. These seemingly trivial events, rendered in exquisite detail, serve as springboards into the inner workings of Jessica Kane. Her mind-meanderings about these events, about life and about her own place in life evoke reactions ranging from giggles to guffaws and misty eyes to tears.

Jessica's content is remarkable in its unremarkable-ness. Her style is inimitable, and her language, albeit earthy, is delightful. Sample a few bits of Jessica's readings at www.JessicaKane.com, where you may order the four-disc set. If you live in the Warrensburg, NY, area, you can catch her at Willows Bistro on Thursday, January 14th at 2 p.m. She'll be one of four readers, joining Doug Deneen, Pat Leonard and Susan Jefts. You'll have a great time.

I Remember

Writers and teachers of writing are divided in their opinion about use of writing prompts. Some like them, and some do not.

I do.

At the recent Adirondack Mountain Retreat, Irene Sherlock invited us to read a brief piece about remembering and then to write a bit on the subject of our own memories. I had said in an earlier conversation that I don't have a lot of memories, but, amazingly, a piece of writing appeared on my computer screen that seemed like the beginning of a memoir I had never intended to write, something that was better than I had thought I could write, on that topic, anyway.

Where do those words come from? What vein do writing prompts tap into that yields such rich ore? Yes, I like prompts; I may have to make up my own as I go prospecting for new material.

And yes, I do remember. I remember more than I thought.

This week my head is full of memories of the retreat and of the people who made the hours dance and the days sing. The camaraderie, the laughter, the tears--we shared so much, and virtual strangers at that. The instruction and gentle nudging from Irene as we tried our wings on new projects strengthened us and moved our work forward. It was a wonderful four days.

I remember, and I smile.

Adirondack Mountain Writers' Retreat - Time to turn off my monkey brain

The Adirondack Mountain Writers' Retreat, a break I've anticipated with immense pleasure, begins on Thursday. I'll have four days to visit with writers, soak up seminars and apply new techniques to the stalled old novel atrophying in my computer. It will be a joy to immerse myself in writing after the craziness of this summer. Tonight I should play with the neglected novel to warm up for the retreat and remind myself of the issues I'd like to address in my blocks of writing time.

But every time I start to pull up the file, my mind leaps to another topic, some must-do task that I convince myself should take priority. Frustration sends my mind racing to other times and places.

I remember running into Margaret, an old family friend, at a cocktail party. I hadn't seen her in decades, during which time I had attended college, married, held jobs and had children. For her the time had stood still. Just as I'd always known her, at age 92 she still sported closely cropped pure white hair, thick glasses, a ready smile that flashed over a slight overbite, and a spunky, irreverent attitude.

We exchanged pleasantries and chatted over canapes, and somehow the subject of yoga arose. "Meditation!" she snorted. "I don't have time for it. If I tried to sit still and meditate, I'd be mentally making lists: Prune the roses; weed the flower beds; pinch the suckers off the tomatoes; remember to buy milk--or some darned thing!" She gave a hearty laugh and I joined her, knowing that her self-description fit me perfectly, too. No meditation for either of us. Too busy.

Years later when I attended an Alzheimer's support group meeting, a yoga instructor invited attendees to try some relaxation techniques with her and to meditate. Uh-oh! There it was again. A voice in my head announced that this would be a useless endeavor, as my mind was busily engaged in rehashing a conversation I'd had earlier, rehearsing a talk I was to present later, assessing the group in attendance, wondering if I had dressed appropriately, thinking about finding my way out of the city after the program. The instructor's calm voice worked its way through my internal chatter. "Turn off your monkey brain."

Monkey brain? Wow, another perfect description of me--or of my fragmented attention, at least. Monkey brain--that compulsion to overwhelm myself with projects and concern myself about every detail, attacking the work with the precision of a scatter gun. That penchant for "multitasking" that I convince myself is so efficient, is just my old counterproductive friend, the monkey brain.

Somehow, at the instructor's urging, I suspended my disbelief in the power to change. I did it. I was amazed to discover that I could disengage from all that busy-ness, still the chatter and let the tension slip from my body. I remember well how refreshed I felt then, and how powerful.

This week it is time to experience the feeling again. I will enjoy the opportunity of the moment and focus on soaking up all that the retreat can offer to me as a writer. I believe I have a choice, and I choose to turn off my monkey brain. There will be time to handle all those nit-picky details next week--if the monkey persists in swinging into my tree.

Learn more about the Adirondack Mountain Writers' Retreat at www.PersisGranger.com. There's room for two more participants.

Poets & Writers, Inc., Supports Adirondack Mountain Writers' Retreat

It is with great pleasure and no small amount of pride that I share with you news received today from Poets & Writers, Inc. For the third year this great organization will grant funds for the Adirondack Mountain Writers' Retreat, supporting for the second time Irene Sherlock's workshop presentation. Those of you who know Irene will not be surprised. Her credentials are outstanding:

Irene Sherlock is associate director of publications and design at Western Connecticut State University and an adjunct lecturer in the Writing department where she teaches undergraduate and graduate writing classes. She holds an M.A. in English from WCSU, an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Goddard College and an M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Southern Connecticut State University. Her poems, essays and short stories have been published in Amaranth, Calyx, Chautauqua Literary Journal, Cloven Sphere, Cream City Review, Connecticut Review, Fairfield Review, Miranda Magazine, Poem-memoir-story, Poetry Motel, Primavera, Roux, Runes, Slipstream, Tar Wolf Review, The New York Times, White Pelican Review and in several anthologies, including “Single Woman of a Certain Age” (re-released by New World Library in May) and “Modern Love: 50 True and Extraordinary Tales of Desire, Deceit, and Devotion.” Her essays have aired on WSHU National Public Radio.

Irene Sherlock’s memoir workshop at last year's Adirondack Mountain Writers' Retreat was enthusiastically received by participants, one of whom wrote, “Irene created an environment that was firmly defined. Critiquing was honest, direct and heartfelt, but always offered with kindness and respect.” I can't wait for our session August 20 - 23, 2009. About half the participant slots have been filled, and already it promises to be an engaging and stimulating group. I need a little jump-start for my novel in progress, and this is guaranteed to do the trick. Check the website if it sounds good for you--PersisGranger.com. Email me from the site if you have questions.

Meanwhile, thanks to Poets & Writers, Inc, for the partial funding from The New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency, to help make this workshop available this summer.

Correction re Adirondack Mountain Writers' Retreat

This is a quick note to let you know that, upon further discussion with writer friends, I have decided not to add to the Adirondack Mountain Writers' Retreat a public reading at Willows Bistro. It really complicates many things at the retreat. So the announcement in my June 14th post that there would be an August 22nd reading at Willows is now incorrect.

Do know, though, that our second Thursday readings will continue as planned. Writers who would like to be readers for our future readings should stop in at Willows Bistro and ask Debbie to add their names (and contact information) to the list. Reading times will need to be kept short so the program does not last overly long and so several will have a chance to share their works. Once you've signed up, we can fill you in on the details. The list is set up in advance of the date so the readers' names and selections can be publicized. Don't be shy; stop in to sign up. (You know you want a cup of that coffee, maybe a wrap to go with it....)

The Wind in the Willows

Okay -- it wasn't "wind," it was reading, and good reading at that. Seven local writers laid it all on the line and read from their works (many were works in progress, not finished, published pieces) at Willows Bistro on Thursday evening.


We all were so gratified to find ourselves speaking to a full house! The audience was warm and friendly, clearly in tune with the readers, laughing in the right places, silent in the right places. It was a wonderful experience for us as writers reading our raw works and, in a manner of speaking, baring our souls.

Debbie Swan was wonderful, rearranging her furniture, dishing up scrumptious desserts and brewing bottomless carafes of rich coffee. Her adorable grandson (don't tell him I said that) served and bussed tables like a pro. If you missed us on Thursday evening, you'll have a second chance, and a third and more. Debbie has invited us to join her each month on the second Thursday. There will be openings for other writers, as well, and some have already signed up. Do forward this blog to those who might like to participate, either as readers or listeners.

In addition to the regular second Thursday readings, mark your calendars to attend a special August 22nd evening of readings presented by participants in the 2009 Adirondack Mountain Writers' Retreat, led by poet/writer/teacher Irene Sherlock. I'll remind you.

Keeping an Eye on the Star

In the midst of the small-town bustle that is life in our mountain town of Thurman, I sometimes have to stop, take a deep breath and reorient myself. The busy-ness can be all-consuming, and, like a hiker forging a path through woods and around lakes, swamps and mountains, I have to stop and let my eyes linger on the bright stars that define the route to the desired end point.

One of the gleaming beacons was has always been my interactions with other writers, that shared energy I get from reading with them, discussing (and/or commiserating with them about) plot problems, voice, point of view and so on. This past Thursday was a wonderful day to get my bearings, as I met with a small writers' group that has been congregating around the southern Adirondacks for the past few months. Thanks for helping to point the way, friends!

Another bright spot this summer will be the Adirondack Mountain Writers' Retreat that I host in late August, when Irene Sherlock will lead a small group of writers in a four-day workshop at Beaver Meadow Lodge. I love the retreats--the energy they generate and the renewed focus I feel. Today seemed an appropriate time to mention it here, as one retreat registration is now being auctioned off at www.WMHT.org. The price is very attractive this morning - $145. One day and fifteen hours remain before the end of the auction. If you are interested, it looks as though placing the winning bid could save you a good deal of money, but you shouldn't delay much longer. See details of the retreat at my site, PersisGranger.com, and see auction details at:

http://auction.wmht.org/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&Auction_uid1=1321049

This chilly Adirondack morning I wish all my writer friends the chance to think about that which will renew their focus, refresh their energy and send them back on the trail toward their respective goals. I'll be sitting quietly by the woodstove with my laptop, doing just that. And perhaps I'll write, too....

Best--
Perky

Adirondack Mountain Writers' Retreat Opportunity

The Adirondack Mountain Writers' Retreat is coming up, and I have good news for writers looking for a way to save money on the registration fee. One commuter registration to this summer's retreat will be auctioned off in the WMHT public TV spring fundraiser. Bidding opens April 21st and ends May 5th. Log on to http://www.wmht.org, get registered to bid, and try your luck. You might just get a great deal and benefit a good cause at the same time.

If you are not the successful bidder, remember that other discounts are available - the Friends' Discount (for two signing up together), the coupon discount for returning Beaver Meadow or St. George Island Retreat attendees, or, new this year, the coupon to be found with my retreat ad at Adk360.com. I hope all who wish to sign up will find a way to make attendance affordable. Because attendance is limited to ten writers, those seriously interested should inquire soon.

The retreat, August 20 - 23, will again be held at rustic Beaver Meadow Lodge in Thurman, with the gifted and intuitive writer Irene Sherlock, who knocked our socks off last summer. This year we offer a four-day creative writing workshop (fiction, memoir, personal essay) and invite writers to bring a work in progress to share in readings and critique groups, and for private consultation with Irene. Find details and registration forms on PersisGranger.com, and, as always, don't hesitate to email or phone (518-623-9305 after April 19) with questions. It will be wonderful to hear from you--or anyone with whom you care to share this message.

Sincerely,
Perky Granger

The Adirondack Mountain Writers' Retreat, August 20 - 23, 2009

Good news! Plans are set for the Adirondack Mountain Writers' Retreat, and it's time to share the details. I'm so pleased that Irene Sherlock will be back at Beaver Meadow Lodge with us again. This year her three-day workshop will focus on "Creative Writing ~ Fiction, Memoir & Personal Essay." If you are a writer with a work in progress in any of these genres, you are encouraged to consider whether this writing-intensive experience is the catalyst you need to push your work toward completion and make it more publishable. Our time will be divided between blocks of writing, seminars, sessions for workshopping our projects, reading from our work and consulting privately with Irene.

Our group will be limited to ten writers in order to ensure lots of individualized attention for all. Some writers are not "group" people. In fact, I always considered myself a "solo" writer until my first group experience, when I discovered myself leaping over longstanding boundaries, shedding old (bad) writing habits and exploring new territory. The retreat experience works well for me, and Irene is a wonderfully insightful guide. I've become a believer.

If you are the least bit curious about the retreat, visit my web site, www.persisgranger.com, check out the details and see what others have to say about Irene. Feel free to email me from the site if you have questions. And do pass along this information and the URL to other writers you think might be interested.