Women Who Write is more than a writing group, and words have more power than most give them credit for. Sometimes, the ordinary moment can become extraordinary.
Jodi was a first-timer at a recent meeting. The meeting was only medium-full and not many writers had signed up to read, but Jodi had asked to read, and we were happy to welcome her. She surprised us all by courageously sharing with the group that her daughter Willa had died in the last year. She wrote something special for the memorial service. Could she read it? In fact, could she sing it?
Jodi sang a version of the song “Vincent,” otherwise known as “Starry, Starry Night” by folk singer Don McLean. But in honor of Willa, she had changed the lyrics to share the story of her daughter.
We were wowed. By the stunning words she had created from her grief. By her revealing to a room of strangers what her daughter meant to her and those who knew her, how Willa still held such a sacred space in her heart. Why losing her was not just her loss but a loss for the world.
I was a little surprised that this extraordinary moment had happened at a WWW meeting–but I should not have been.
A place. A space. A voice. That is our motto, and the community of women we have created? We can provide all three of these, and more.
When I first came to a WWW meeting, I was nervous. Intimidated. I didn’t know who I thought I was kidding sitting in the room with real writers.
The women I met were fun and flawed and real. Taking the chance to be vulnerable. To show us glimpses of their inner selves by putting pen to paper and bringing their ideas to the world.
Finding beauty. Expressing loss. Creating community. Sharing our love of stories. Cheering and cherishing one another. Building craft. Bonding and believing and being bold. Discovering something new.
Through this group I found a me I didn’t know. I found my tribe.
Thank you, Jodi. Those lucky enough to be at the meeting are all a little richer for your song, for getting to know your daughter, and you.
Sometimes the ordinary moment can become extraordinary. If we can be open, be still, be present, and listen.
~Holly Hinson
UPCOMING MEETINGS
For September, we have our Give for GoodOpen Mic Night and fundraiser in place of our peer critique meeting. It will be on Thursday 9/18 from 6:00 pm to 7:45 at Fante’s Coffee House (2501 Grinstead Dr 40206)! Please register on our website.
The 8 readings of the night will be given to the first 8 who sign up to read. 5 minutes maximum. Appetizers provided, with a suggested $10 donation.
Photo by Kane Reinholdtsen on Unsplash
WRITING PROMPT
Women Who Write: a place, a space, a voice. What comes to mind when you hear our motto?
Fiction: Create a character who is transforming–finding a new place, or discovering their voice for the first time. How does finding a “place” change someone?
Poetry: Play with the phrases “a place, a space, a voice.” Which one speaks to you most? Write a poem about it.
Nonfiction: Recently I read an article published by Smithsonian Magazine about finding a “third place.” Not home or work but a third place like your coffeehouse, your pub, your food hall, your library. Where is your third place? Tell us about it. If you don’t have one, how would you imagine your ideal third place? Describe it in detail.
~Holly Hinson
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Members, WWW wants to highlight the creative voices of our community. Send a short biography, headshot, and links to your author/poet accounts and website (if applicable) to . Additionally, share a favorite resource of yours for writing tips (like a podcast or social media account) and your most recent favorite read. We may spotlight you in a future newsletter!
WWW BLOG
Women Who Write has a blog on our website to showcase our community’s talent. We want to publish your writing or republish a recent publication of yours (given that reprints are permitted). Please send us your short stories, poems, and essays! No more than 2,000 words.
Browse our web blog now! Publishing on our blog will expand your writing platform. For more information, email and pitch your story or poem—the one you’ve written or the one you want to write! We may provide suggested edits, for flow and clarity.
Photo by Ed Robertson on Unsplash
SUBMISSION OPPORTUNITIES & LOCAL EVENTS
Former Poet Laureate of KY Silas House will be reading his collection of poetry All These Ghosts with Poet Laureate Kathleen Driskell Thursday, September 11th at 6:00 pm at the Egan Leadership Center at Spalding University (901 S. 4th Street). Tickets include a hardcover copy of House’s book and are $26.60.
The Louisville Book Festival is next month! It is Saturday, October 11th from 10am to 5 at the Kentucky International Convention Center. Support our local literary festival with over 150 authors, presenters, and exhibitors! Attendance is free!
Regular local events:
‘Zine Lunch with Sarabrande Books, monthly on Fridays at noon
Carmichael’s regularly hosts authors and poets in the evenings
Become a member or renew your membership—As a community, WWW strives to nurture your writing life. We hope you choose to join or renew as a member and participate in our monthly meetings, author talks, retreats, and workshops. Our membership coordinator will notify anyone due to renew. Regular annual membership is $50. Student annual membership is $25. Scholarships are available. Membership entitles you to discounts on workshops and retreats.
Attend our monthly member meetings on the second Tuesday of each month for a brief program, peer critiques, and conversations about the writing life. Not currently a member? You can attend two meetings before deciding to join.
