Sunday, July 12
Cherry Season in the Pacific Northwest
Stumbled on this back-of-the-truck cherry operation. A few snaps....
Saturday, July 11
A Place at the Table
Summers in the Midwest, we'd make the annual trip to Michigan. My parents met and married there, but moved after their first child was born. (My parent's first child, Tracy, died just weeks after he was born. My dad woke up, checked on the baby...and he was blue. He passed from a little understood phenomenon called crib death. The subsequent scrutiny and family pressure drove my young parents to seek a new life...elsewhere. In case you were wondering...my name, Traca, is a derivative of his name, Tracy.)
Memories of summer vacations in Michigan, are followed by a wave of nostalgia and visits with Grandma Derby. We weren't related, but she was the woman who nurtured my mom and provided a respite during her younger days. No trip was complete without a visit to Grandma Derby.
Like my mom, I learned a lot from this woman. The adults would gather around her table--the round one in the kitchen with a plastic table cloth. Flesh slightly damp from the hot, humid air, you learned not to move your arms around much, being forced to peel the tablecloth from your arms first.
As the adults caught up on family gossip, Grandma Derby always left a seat for me. She'd fix my cup with milk, coloring it with the barest hint of coffee. Feet swinging from my seat, I'd sit and listen for hours, silent as could be. I learned quickly. The moment I made a sound...my father would send me out to play.
Happy with my place at the table, I practiced being invisible.
im⋅print⋅ing
rapid learning that occurs during a brief receptive period, typically soon after birth or hatching, and establishes a long-lasting behavioral response to a specific individual or object, as attachment to parent, offspring, or site.
- To impart a strong or vivid impression of: "We imprint our own ideas onto acts" (Ellen Goodman).
- A distinguishing influence or effect: Spanish architecture that shows the imprint of Islamic rule.
Since my early years, I have been imprinted by my place at Grandma Derby's table. I dream of experiences like TED, where the brightest minds come together over food and discuss ideas. I read about artist salons and daydream about conversations with writers, artists, poets, chefs, farmers, architects, politicians, activists....
The film "A Partner to Genius" was another influence. Architect Frank Llyod Wright and his wife Olgivanna built their home, Taliesin West in the Arizona desert. There, apprentices would live and work on the property. Olgivanna was intrigued by the idea of developing young architects both in their work and the arts. Saturday nights, the most influential minds of their time came for dinner. Later, they built a theater to include performances.
Those influences have stuck with me, and provide the driving force behind everything I do.
People ask me, "When do you sleep?"
Answer? When I'm too exhausted to go on.
I have the good fortune of knowing some of the brightest minds of our time. And if you knew me, you'd know...I have fantasises about bringing everyone together for dinner and a sharing of the minds. There are many opposing forces: geography, money, schedules, venues, blah, blah, blah.
But I chip away at my dream, one event at a time. Whether it's a food blogger conference, an Americana potluck in the roasting facilities at Stumptown Coffee, a trek to an artisan butcher for a demonstration in beef cutting, or I grab "America's Disciple of Flavor" for an umami lesson in the middle of a strawberry field, the important thing is...what did you learn? And I constantly ask myself: how can I bring people together for a shared experience?
For me, that's a life well-lived.
And I wouldn't have it any other way.
Memories of summer vacations in Michigan, are followed by a wave of nostalgia and visits with Grandma Derby. We weren't related, but she was the woman who nurtured my mom and provided a respite during her younger days. No trip was complete without a visit to Grandma Derby.
Like my mom, I learned a lot from this woman. The adults would gather around her table--the round one in the kitchen with a plastic table cloth. Flesh slightly damp from the hot, humid air, you learned not to move your arms around much, being forced to peel the tablecloth from your arms first.
As the adults caught up on family gossip, Grandma Derby always left a seat for me. She'd fix my cup with milk, coloring it with the barest hint of coffee. Feet swinging from my seat, I'd sit and listen for hours, silent as could be. I learned quickly. The moment I made a sound...my father would send me out to play.
Happy with my place at the table, I practiced being invisible.
im⋅print⋅ing
rapid learning that occurs during a brief receptive period, typically soon after birth or hatching, and establishes a long-lasting behavioral response to a specific individual or object, as attachment to parent, offspring, or site.
- To impart a strong or vivid impression of: "We imprint our own ideas onto acts" (Ellen Goodman).
- A distinguishing influence or effect: Spanish architecture that shows the imprint of Islamic rule.
Since my early years, I have been imprinted by my place at Grandma Derby's table. I dream of experiences like TED, where the brightest minds come together over food and discuss ideas. I read about artist salons and daydream about conversations with writers, artists, poets, chefs, farmers, architects, politicians, activists....
The film "A Partner to Genius" was another influence. Architect Frank Llyod Wright and his wife Olgivanna built their home, Taliesin West in the Arizona desert. There, apprentices would live and work on the property. Olgivanna was intrigued by the idea of developing young architects both in their work and the arts. Saturday nights, the most influential minds of their time came for dinner. Later, they built a theater to include performances.
Those influences have stuck with me, and provide the driving force behind everything I do.
People ask me, "When do you sleep?"
Answer? When I'm too exhausted to go on.
I have the good fortune of knowing some of the brightest minds of our time. And if you knew me, you'd know...I have fantasises about bringing everyone together for dinner and a sharing of the minds. There are many opposing forces: geography, money, schedules, venues, blah, blah, blah.
But I chip away at my dream, one event at a time. Whether it's a food blogger conference, an Americana potluck in the roasting facilities at Stumptown Coffee, a trek to an artisan butcher for a demonstration in beef cutting, or I grab "America's Disciple of Flavor" for an umami lesson in the middle of a strawberry field, the important thing is...what did you learn? And I constantly ask myself: how can I bring people together for a shared experience?
For me, that's a life well-lived.
And I wouldn't have it any other way.
Thursday, July 9
Hot Ticket: End of the Line Screening
For one night only...an exclusive screening in Seattle...and you're invited!
The directors have given us permission for a one night only screening of the film "End of the Line" (dubbed fishing's "Inconvenient Truth"). Following the film, I've gathered a panel of all stars to discuss sustainable seafood.
The event is sponsored by the W Hotel with food and a no-host cocktails before the film. Expect a bevy of outstanding, sustainably harvested seafood!
Note: Due to a limited number of seats, RSVP is required. Details below.
DOCUMENTARY SCREENING
END OF THE LINE-www.endoftheline.com
WHAT: Seattle screening of "End of the Line", the first major feature documentary film about the impact of overfishing our oceans, followed by a panel discussion on sustainable seafood issues from regional experts.
WHEN: Tuesday, July 14th 6:30-10pm
WHERE: W Hotel, Studio 7 & 8, 3rd floor
1112 4th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
COST: $10 cash at the door- includes seafood appetizers prepared by Executive Chef Adam Stevenson.
RSVP: wseattle.rsvpevents@whotels.com
TIME: No-host cocktails begin at 6:30 pm.
PANELISTS:
Casson Trenor - Author of the Sustainable Sushi Guide. Casson is a sustainable seafood advocate and restauranteur (San Francisco and soon to be Seattle)
Jon Rowley - A legend in the seafood world. Jon is a James Beard Who's Who of Food and Beverage in America recipient for his work improving seafood quality. He spearheaded the marketing of Copper River and Yukon River salmon and has worked closely with Taylor Shellfish for 20 years. Jon was among Saveur magazine's Top 100 list of influences in American food, dubbed "America's Disciple of Flavor" and serves as Contributing Editor to Gourmet magazine.
Becky Selengut - Chef, author, cooking instructor and founder of Seasonal Cornucopia. Becky is a writer for Edible Seattle and is currently working on a sustainable seafood book.
Shauna MacKinnon - Living Oceans Society, British Columbia. Her areas of specialty include: open net-cage aquaculture and implementation of sustainable seafood programs (for retailers & food service operations).
The directors have given us permission for a one night only screening of the film "End of the Line" (dubbed fishing's "Inconvenient Truth"). Following the film, I've gathered a panel of all stars to discuss sustainable seafood.
The event is sponsored by the W Hotel with food and a no-host cocktails before the film. Expect a bevy of outstanding, sustainably harvested seafood!
Note: Due to a limited number of seats, RSVP is required. Details below.
DOCUMENTARY SCREENING
END OF THE LINE-www.endoftheline.com
WHAT: Seattle screening of "End of the Line", the first major feature documentary film about the impact of overfishing our oceans, followed by a panel discussion on sustainable seafood issues from regional experts.
WHEN: Tuesday, July 14th 6:30-10pm
WHERE: W Hotel, Studio 7 & 8, 3rd floor
1112 4th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
COST: $10 cash at the door- includes seafood appetizers prepared by Executive Chef Adam Stevenson.
RSVP: wseattle.rsvpevents@whotels.com
TIME: No-host cocktails begin at 6:30 pm.
PANELISTS:
Casson Trenor - Author of the Sustainable Sushi Guide. Casson is a sustainable seafood advocate and restauranteur (San Francisco and soon to be Seattle)
Jon Rowley - A legend in the seafood world. Jon is a James Beard Who's Who of Food and Beverage in America recipient for his work improving seafood quality. He spearheaded the marketing of Copper River and Yukon River salmon and has worked closely with Taylor Shellfish for 20 years. Jon was among Saveur magazine's Top 100 list of influences in American food, dubbed "America's Disciple of Flavor" and serves as Contributing Editor to Gourmet magazine.
Becky Selengut - Chef, author, cooking instructor and founder of Seasonal Cornucopia. Becky is a writer for Edible Seattle and is currently working on a sustainable seafood book.
Shauna MacKinnon - Living Oceans Society, British Columbia. Her areas of specialty include: open net-cage aquaculture and implementation of sustainable seafood programs (for retailers & food service operations).
Wednesday, July 8
Burning Beast at Smoke Farm
This weekend on a farm north of Seattle, chefs will be slow-roasting barn yard beasts...pigs, goats, ducks...you name it. It's a fabulous day out on the farm and I can't wait!
Here's the official blurb:
Description
Burning Beast returns to Smoke Farm for its second, sure to be celebrated, culinary firestorm. The Stranger Slog called it "the worlds funnest and most delicious feast in a field cooked by Seattle's best chefs." Eleven star-studded cooking teams gather to prepare and master an assigned animal, vegetable and/or sea creature, whole or in parts, using fire, earth, steel and little else. The jaw-dropping list of participating chefs includes; Dylan Giordan (Serafina), Angie Roberts (Boka), Matt Dillon (Sitka and Spruce & The Corson Building), Garret Abel (DeLaurenti's), Dustin Ronspies (Art of the Table), Gabriel Claycamp (The Swinery), Ron Jones (Jones Glassworks), Tyson Danilson (Le Pichet), Jonathan Sundstrom (Lark), Zephyr Paquette (Elliott Bay Cafe), Jennifer Alphonsine (Circa Alehouse), Seth Caswell (emmer & rye) - and more!
Entertainment included! Featuring aerial thrills provided by the amazing Zita, the incredible Dyno and Tamara the Trapeze Lady! Plus, music by 'The Hallways'.
Atmosphere - outdoor casual. We encourage guests to THINK GREEN carpool, and bring along reusable plates, cups and cutlery (if you can). Plus - it's a lovely place! Bring picnic blankets, swimsuits, comfy footwear, and healthy appetites. No dogs please. Event takes place rain or shine.
Children are welcome, but must be supervised at all times. Under 10 get in free!
Burning Beast is a benefit event for Smoke Farm; a project of the Rubicon Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non profit organization.
Limit of Liability Notice: Smoke Farm is a farm. Man made and natural hazards exist on the property. Services are primitive. Dress appropriately. Uneven ground, open flame, sharp and heavy objects, trip hazards, noxious plants, wildlife, and many other hazards may be encountered. The property owners and event producers assume no liability for any injuries or losses. Be safe and have fun!
Wednesday, June 24
Four Seasons' Fete
The summer season is in full swing and for Seattleites, it's time celebrate! Summer in the Pacific Northwest is a jaw-dropping sensory overload experience--and a swift reminder why we endure months of rain. Sunset over the water with a backdrop of purple mountains, really, does it get any better?
Last night, the Four Seasons Hotel rolled out the red carpet for an incredible evening of nibbles & sips. Billed as a wine & cheese event, they gilded the lily with a major assortment of cheeses, passed h'orderves (lobster pizza and sushi!), blushing pink rosé, and a cocktail dubbed "The Big Dill."
Entering the room, we were greeted with two options: rosé or my favorite, the "Big Dill" cocktail (recipe below).
Food as art: mushrooms illuminated in a case at the sushi bar. In the foreground, ART at the Four Seasons' happy hour menu ($5 food & drink specials). Valet parking, a water view and happy hour? What's not to love?
Smoked chicken on polenta.
Heirloom tomato salad. Notice those mini tomatoes have been peeled?
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From the moment I walked in the door, there was a crush of people surrounding the cheese table. In luxe Four Seasons-style, notice the amazing array of cheeses, paired with an assortment of fruits and jams. I counted 5 kinds of bread (pretzel rolls!)
Wall 'o wine. Did we make a dent in their collection?
Ahem....
A peek in the kitchen. Notice the giant tweezers? He's topping each dish with a nest of microgreens.
Seattleites, want to join the next Four Seasonss party? Jump on their mailing list: http://www.artrestaurantseattle.com/ (Click "Events")
***
And now, without further ado...my new favorite summertime cocktail:
BIG DILL
Courtesy of: Art Restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel
Seattle, WA
Muddle in glass:
Fresh dill
Fresh cucumber
Add:
1.5 oz. Square One Organic Vodka
1.0 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice
5 oz simple syrup or agave nectar
Shake vigorously with ice and strain into chilled martini glass.
Garnish with a cucumber wedge.
Sunday, June 21
White Lightning Wanderings
Map Quest says the trip can be done in 90 minutes. En route? For me, double that...at least. In my family, we call that: The Wander Factor...
As a kid, my dad would load us into the family car and drive. Destination: Anywhere. On an old school version of Twitter, the CB radio chattered most of the way. My dad would jump on the CB and ask for advice: Where to eat? Points of interest along the way? Inevitably the trucking community would heed the call, providing us with the regional highlights.
Growing up, my dad and I were on opposite ends of the spectrum. His handle was "White Lightning," a moniker earned by a love of speed and his giant white convertible with red leather seats. I, on the other hand, leaned toward a slower pace, observing countless details along the way. From my earliest memory, I was dubbed "Penelope Pit Stop."
Destination Anywhere trips were the best. We'd pull off for lunch at a roadside stand or truck stop. Dawdler that I am, I was always fascinated by the comforts of home in the middle of a semi-truck oasis: showers, phones, music and apple pie.
Sliding into a booth at the diner, my brother and I were endlessly amused by tableside jukeboxes and wooden peg games. My ritual order: a juicy patty melt, no fries, and a rootbeer with a side of cream. Those squat amber glasses were perfect for "black cows" ...a poor man's version of a rootbeer float.
Although White Lightning and Penelope Pit Stop rarely saw eye-to-eye, we both developed a love of exploring. Driving through the Midwest farmland, we'd pack a stash of sugar-glazed carrots. I'd spy a horse farm and if the timing was right, dad would slow, and pull up the gravel drive. He'd say a few words to the farmer, then call me out of the car with the "all clear" signal. I'd step up to the fence and lure horses with those sweetened carrots. Laying my palm flat, the first cautious horse would approach, and eventually muzzle the carrot from my hand. As a horse nut, this was my idea of heaven!
Over the years, my brother and I have collected hundreds of similar stories. This was a classic experience: On a trip to Disney World, my dad befriended a trucker (via CB radio). Before long, we both approached a designated mile-marker and pulled off the road. I watched, incredulously, as my brother was lifted into the cab of an 18-wheeler. Following the truck for several miles, we chatted with my brother on the CB, Smokey and the Bandit-style. We passed the truck and gave the classic tug gesture, laughing in surprise as the horn blared "Dixie."
Heading out on one of my dad's classic road trips, and the kids would cry, "Where are we g-o-i-n-g?"
Dad would respond, nonchalantly, "To see what we can see..."
Highways, back roads...roads to nowhere, getting lost was half the fun. Dad was quick to reassure us, "You're never really lost, as long as you've got gas."
It was always an adventure.
The other day, I was at a roadside diner. I bumped into a man sporting a lady's sun hat. Fastened 'round the brim were fresh flowers and series of buttons. I commented on his hat. He paused for a moment, and then began describing the significance of each pin. "This is for my son who is serving in Iraq. Next to it, is my pin. I'm a Vietnam Vet. And this...Save Our Farmlands." He plucked a purple-grey rose from his hat and offered it to me.
Friends of mine are astonished by the random people I meet. But if you knew my dad? That's just par for the course....and it's a tradition I'm happy to carry on.
White Lightning? Thanks for instilling my love of wandering.
xoxo-
Penelope
As a kid, my dad would load us into the family car and drive. Destination: Anywhere. On an old school version of Twitter, the CB radio chattered most of the way. My dad would jump on the CB and ask for advice: Where to eat? Points of interest along the way? Inevitably the trucking community would heed the call, providing us with the regional highlights.
Growing up, my dad and I were on opposite ends of the spectrum. His handle was "White Lightning," a moniker earned by a love of speed and his giant white convertible with red leather seats. I, on the other hand, leaned toward a slower pace, observing countless details along the way. From my earliest memory, I was dubbed "Penelope Pit Stop."
Destination Anywhere trips were the best. We'd pull off for lunch at a roadside stand or truck stop. Dawdler that I am, I was always fascinated by the comforts of home in the middle of a semi-truck oasis: showers, phones, music and apple pie.
Sliding into a booth at the diner, my brother and I were endlessly amused by tableside jukeboxes and wooden peg games. My ritual order: a juicy patty melt, no fries, and a rootbeer with a side of cream. Those squat amber glasses were perfect for "black cows" ...a poor man's version of a rootbeer float.
Although White Lightning and Penelope Pit Stop rarely saw eye-to-eye, we both developed a love of exploring. Driving through the Midwest farmland, we'd pack a stash of sugar-glazed carrots. I'd spy a horse farm and if the timing was right, dad would slow, and pull up the gravel drive. He'd say a few words to the farmer, then call me out of the car with the "all clear" signal. I'd step up to the fence and lure horses with those sweetened carrots. Laying my palm flat, the first cautious horse would approach, and eventually muzzle the carrot from my hand. As a horse nut, this was my idea of heaven!
Over the years, my brother and I have collected hundreds of similar stories. This was a classic experience: On a trip to Disney World, my dad befriended a trucker (via CB radio). Before long, we both approached a designated mile-marker and pulled off the road. I watched, incredulously, as my brother was lifted into the cab of an 18-wheeler. Following the truck for several miles, we chatted with my brother on the CB, Smokey and the Bandit-style. We passed the truck and gave the classic tug gesture, laughing in surprise as the horn blared "Dixie."
Heading out on one of my dad's classic road trips, and the kids would cry, "Where are we g-o-i-n-g?"
Dad would respond, nonchalantly, "To see what we can see..."
Highways, back roads...roads to nowhere, getting lost was half the fun. Dad was quick to reassure us, "You're never really lost, as long as you've got gas."
It was always an adventure.
The other day, I was at a roadside diner. I bumped into a man sporting a lady's sun hat. Fastened 'round the brim were fresh flowers and series of buttons. I commented on his hat. He paused for a moment, and then began describing the significance of each pin. "This is for my son who is serving in Iraq. Next to it, is my pin. I'm a Vietnam Vet. And this...Save Our Farmlands." He plucked a purple-grey rose from his hat and offered it to me.
Friends of mine are astonished by the random people I meet. But if you knew my dad? That's just par for the course....and it's a tradition I'm happy to carry on.
White Lightning? Thanks for instilling my love of wandering.
xoxo-
Penelope
Sunday, June 14
Delancey, An Impromptu Visit
I can't remember the first time I met Molly's beau Brandon, but I liked him instantly.
On the most surprising and yet random occasions, we'll bump into each other. For me, a Brandon-sighting is on par with the ice cream man. What can I say? The man just makes me happy. Whether he's regaling stories about his latest eBay score...or how he's perfected mixing concrete for the tabletops at the new restaurant, I love hearing about his latest thrifty conquest! (Trust me, if the man knew about Freecycle, Brandon happiness would be off the charts!)
Brandon & Molly's pizza pie venture, Delancey, will be open later this summer and I couldn't be more excited! I imagine a room buzzing with conversation over thin-yet-chewy New York-style pizzas. Mmm...
On my way to the bakery next door (warning: the canneles are amazing!), I popped in to say hello. Work is still in progress...but on the day of my visit, the oven was in, the brick facade was laid (floor to ceiling), and the bar was due to arrive soon. Brandon & Molly are doing much of the work themselves, and I'm astonished every time I see the space....
Without revealing too much, here are a few snaps from my visit:
On the most surprising and yet random occasions, we'll bump into each other. For me, a Brandon-sighting is on par with the ice cream man. What can I say? The man just makes me happy. Whether he's regaling stories about his latest eBay score...or how he's perfected mixing concrete for the tabletops at the new restaurant, I love hearing about his latest thrifty conquest! (Trust me, if the man knew about Freecycle, Brandon happiness would be off the charts!)
Brandon & Molly's pizza pie venture, Delancey, will be open later this summer and I couldn't be more excited! I imagine a room buzzing with conversation over thin-yet-chewy New York-style pizzas. Mmm...
On my way to the bakery next door (warning: the canneles are amazing!), I popped in to say hello. Work is still in progress...but on the day of my visit, the oven was in, the brick facade was laid (floor to ceiling), and the bar was due to arrive soon. Brandon & Molly are doing much of the work themselves, and I'm astonished every time I see the space....
Without revealing too much, here are a few snaps from my visit:
Spacers
(from between the bricks on the wood-fired pizza oven)
Lighting, reclaimed
Lighting, made
(Notice the clamps? These are jars, strung with a lighting socket.)
Beer tap, second-hand
Tabletop
(Brandon had the metal frames built, then poured the concrete tops himself.
I like the rough look of this first attempt--air pockets and all.)
***
Delancey is expecting a summer opening--July or August, permit-pending.
Check here for updates: http://www.delanceyseattle.com/
***
To read more, Molly's detailed their journey on Orangette:
Delancey
The Dead Who Dream
I Get a Glimpse
Writing Fearlessly with Crescent Dragonwagon
It was the chance of a lifetime, and I knew it. A table for eight in New York. Expenses paid. The guest list? Chocked full of who’s who—including two authors recently lauded by the James Beard Foundation. And if I could make my way to New York, there was a space for me.
Damn.
I weighed the pros and cons, and attempted my best creative financing. Every “con” was supported by a feeble “pro”, giving way to all rational thinking:
What about airfare?
Justifying the expense, I countered, “Flights are cheap right now.”
Hotel?
“I could stay with friends in Jersey. Three adults, and two kids in a tiny condo, no problem!”
You wouldn’t really fly to New York for dinner, would you?
The moment was slipping through my fingers. Suddenly the inner-child-cum-whiney-brat inside me began to wail. Rolling in a fit on the floor, she gasps for breath between sob-soaked words. “It’s. The. Chance. Of. A. Lifetime!”
Defiance was beginning to override all sensibilities, when the phone rang.
It was my friend Crescent. Hurried small talk precedes the true purpose of her call. Finally, she says, “I’m teaching a writing workshop in San Diego at the end of the month.” Crescent has taught writing workshops to a host of luminaries, including Julia Child and Alice Medrich, and is a James Beard Award-wining writer, currently under contract for a new book on Fearless Writing.
I think to myself, “Ah, Temptation, you have found me again!” Temptation perches himself in front of me. “We’re becoming old friends, aren’t we?”
Several years ago, I attended an abbreviated version of her Fearless Writing seminar. The largest room in King County’s library system overflowed--chairs filled instantly, latecomers claimed any available space, scrambling for seats on the floor. Her class had an indelible impact on me, and she knew it.
I’d seen a fraction of her work and frankly, two full days in a writing seminar sounded like heaven.
Lost in my thoughts, the voice on the phone continued. “I’d like to offer you a scholarship to the workshop.” Snapped back into the moment, my cheeks grew hot. “We’ve rented a house and there’s an extra bedroom for you.”
New York waffling? Gone.
Hellooooo San Diego!
I found a cheap flight and made my way to the beautiful adobe rental on the hill. Both bedrooms had French doors leading to a serene patio, which was surrounded by magenta bouganvillea. A nest of songbirds took residence in the palm tree, and the cool morning air was punctuated by jasmine in bloom.
The following day, we set to work. A small group gathered on the patio, notebooks at the ready. In lieu of introductions, we addressed the question, “What do you hope to get out of this workshop?” Answers ran the gamut. Some hoped to complete their first novel, others wanted to eliminate roadblocks and make more time for writing. Me? I’d like a byline someday.
Crescent’s parents were both notable writers, and with over 40 titles to her credit, she peppered the class with invaluable insights. As an aspiring writer, I found her anecdotes reassuring: “I’ve received 10-15 rejections for each publication I’ve ever done.”
Rejection? That’s a normal part of the process.
The small group of women leaned in close, as she emphasized her point. “Anxiety, risk and ‘I don’t know the outcome’ are the coin through which we purchase creative freedom.”
Can one truly write fearlessly? I’m not so sure. But with a proper set of tools, you can fear…less. And that’s the goal.
What resonated with me was the notion of habit:
· “Habit is one of the great underrated things with writing.” It’s important to create a routine around writing.
· “Flow” is that moment when the words practically write themselves. Flow comes from an unconscious corner of your mind--the more you show up, the more frequently it comes.
· “You must be in the studio if the Angel of creativity comes. Woe to you if he shows up and you are not there.”
· The majority of all writing is process- and habit-centered. Craft and technique are supporting players.
· Inspiration comes and goes, but you must write even when the inspiration is not there.
· Create a space for writing. Show up. Do the work.
· “Do shitty first drafts.” (Anne Lamont)
During a previous writing workshop, someone once asked, “Does writing get any easier?”
Julia Child attended the same workshop and by then, she was well into her 80’s. Crescent called out to her, “Julia, can you tell us…does it get any easier?”
Her response? “Absolutely NOT!”
The key is this: writing is a process, and having a set of tools helps alleviate the strain.
What’s in your toolbox?
****
Crescent’s book on Fearless Writing will be out in 2011. Stay tuned for updates on future workshops. Until then….
Recommended Reading:
How to Become a Better Writer, by Jennifer Jeffrey
Bird by Bird: Some instructions on Writing and Life, by Anne Lamont
Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within, by Natalie Goldberg
Elements of Style, by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction, by William Zinsser
Will Write for Food, by Diane Jacob
Damn.
I weighed the pros and cons, and attempted my best creative financing. Every “con” was supported by a feeble “pro”, giving way to all rational thinking:
What about airfare?
Justifying the expense, I countered, “Flights are cheap right now.”
Hotel?
“I could stay with friends in Jersey. Three adults, and two kids in a tiny condo, no problem!”
You wouldn’t really fly to New York for dinner, would you?
The moment was slipping through my fingers. Suddenly the inner-child-cum-whiney-brat inside me began to wail. Rolling in a fit on the floor, she gasps for breath between sob-soaked words. “It’s. The. Chance. Of. A. Lifetime!”
Defiance was beginning to override all sensibilities, when the phone rang.
It was my friend Crescent. Hurried small talk precedes the true purpose of her call. Finally, she says, “I’m teaching a writing workshop in San Diego at the end of the month.” Crescent has taught writing workshops to a host of luminaries, including Julia Child and Alice Medrich, and is a James Beard Award-wining writer, currently under contract for a new book on Fearless Writing.
I think to myself, “Ah, Temptation, you have found me again!” Temptation perches himself in front of me. “We’re becoming old friends, aren’t we?”
Several years ago, I attended an abbreviated version of her Fearless Writing seminar. The largest room in King County’s library system overflowed--chairs filled instantly, latecomers claimed any available space, scrambling for seats on the floor. Her class had an indelible impact on me, and she knew it.
I’d seen a fraction of her work and frankly, two full days in a writing seminar sounded like heaven.
Lost in my thoughts, the voice on the phone continued. “I’d like to offer you a scholarship to the workshop.” Snapped back into the moment, my cheeks grew hot. “We’ve rented a house and there’s an extra bedroom for you.”
New York waffling? Gone.
Hellooooo San Diego!
I found a cheap flight and made my way to the beautiful adobe rental on the hill. Both bedrooms had French doors leading to a serene patio, which was surrounded by magenta bouganvillea. A nest of songbirds took residence in the palm tree, and the cool morning air was punctuated by jasmine in bloom.
The following day, we set to work. A small group gathered on the patio, notebooks at the ready. In lieu of introductions, we addressed the question, “What do you hope to get out of this workshop?” Answers ran the gamut. Some hoped to complete their first novel, others wanted to eliminate roadblocks and make more time for writing. Me? I’d like a byline someday.
Crescent’s parents were both notable writers, and with over 40 titles to her credit, she peppered the class with invaluable insights. As an aspiring writer, I found her anecdotes reassuring: “I’ve received 10-15 rejections for each publication I’ve ever done.”
Rejection? That’s a normal part of the process.
The small group of women leaned in close, as she emphasized her point. “Anxiety, risk and ‘I don’t know the outcome’ are the coin through which we purchase creative freedom.”
Can one truly write fearlessly? I’m not so sure. But with a proper set of tools, you can fear…less. And that’s the goal.
What resonated with me was the notion of habit:
· “Habit is one of the great underrated things with writing.” It’s important to create a routine around writing.
· “Flow” is that moment when the words practically write themselves. Flow comes from an unconscious corner of your mind--the more you show up, the more frequently it comes.
· “You must be in the studio if the Angel of creativity comes. Woe to you if he shows up and you are not there.”
· The majority of all writing is process- and habit-centered. Craft and technique are supporting players.
· Inspiration comes and goes, but you must write even when the inspiration is not there.
· Create a space for writing. Show up. Do the work.
· “Do shitty first drafts.” (Anne Lamont)
During a previous writing workshop, someone once asked, “Does writing get any easier?”
Julia Child attended the same workshop and by then, she was well into her 80’s. Crescent called out to her, “Julia, can you tell us…does it get any easier?”
Her response? “Absolutely NOT!”
The key is this: writing is a process, and having a set of tools helps alleviate the strain.
What’s in your toolbox?
****
Crescent’s book on Fearless Writing will be out in 2011. Stay tuned for updates on future workshops. Until then….
Recommended Reading:
How to Become a Better Writer, by Jennifer Jeffrey
Bird by Bird: Some instructions on Writing and Life, by Anne Lamont
Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within, by Natalie Goldberg
Elements of Style, by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction, by William Zinsser
Will Write for Food, by Diane Jacob
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