So, how did the workshop go? you ask.

     Well, I have to tell you that it was just fabulous!
     Author, activist, and environmentalist Janisse Ray presented an outstanding workshop Saturday, the 21st.  It was exactly what many of our writing friends had wanted...memoirs and creative nonfiction.
     Twenty-four people from Moultrie, Tifton, Thomasville, Albany, and even Newton, Georgia, showed up for the almost six-hour workshop and, believe me, they were not disappointed.
     Janisse not only talked about her own writing experiences, her books, her MFA instructor and exercises, her sustainable farm and her son, but she gave us pointers on how to uncap our memories and write about them.
     The exercises were thought-provoking...such as, list what you obsess about, which also made us wonder about our passions.  We pondered about things we didn't want to write about, the things we knew we should write about, and the difference between memoirs and creative nonfiction.
     We worked hard for three hours, then broke for lunch, and came back to learn more.  We shared our writings, shared our frustrations and desires, and we formed a really wonderful writing community.  We left the workshop with tools in hand and ideas in mind.
     We've had many folks ask us when we're going to have another Janisse Ray writing workshop, and we've had to say, "Whenever she has the time."  Janisse's schedule is one I would not want to follow.  She's traveling, reviewing her books, giving workshops, and still trying to maintain a healthy home lifestyle (and stay sane!).
     Sometime this year we will again have Janisse here.  She has a new book about seed saving coming out in July (The Seed Underground: an Outlandish Revolution to Save Food).  Hang in there if you're interested in another event of writing or book reviewing.  We're working on it.  In the meantime, enjoy her website.
(website: www.janisseray.weebly.com)