Writing Workshop in Chilmark

I went "up island" this morning to the town of Chilmark. It was the first day in a 4-day writing workshop given at the home of Nancy Aronie. The garden and view alone is enough to inspire writers of all levels who come from as far away as Connecticut to attend. There were about 15-20 participants today, and although there was no formal teaching, Nancy has a way of telling her own story as a writer that it makes you feel safe and ready to write from your own heart and your own voice.

We had a 20-minute writing assignment about 2 hours into the class. The topic was "Dinner at my house was..." and each participant has to write his or her own story. We then listen to each story read aloud by the author, and give only positive feedback. Not everyone has to comment, but as with all good groups, everyone gets into it and recognizes so many good things in each of the works. There are such a variety of people in our group - men from 18 to 70, four 16-year old girls who are in a local charter school, and probably 10 women from ages 30 to 65. I really look forward to going back tomorrow morning.

I found a ride back to Vineyard Haven with a young woman named Ardys (pronounced are-dis). She's staying at a private home here in VH for 4 days, having come here specifically for the workshop from New Hampshire. We seemed to get along well, and we plan on doing some shopping or sightseeing after tomorrow's class.