Back in 2000, I think I was folding laundry when Oprah came on. She was interviewing author Jennifer Lauck. Her book Blackbird had just come out. A tale of a harrowing childhood.
Hmmm....sounds interesting but waaaay too dark.
I'd spent most of my twenties healing from my own childhood; why would I want to hear about someone else's awful life?
I am definitely not reading that one.
Oprah went on and on about the book.
No thanks.
I have no memory of actually buying Blackbird, but five months after reading it I was participating in an amazing writing workshop taught by Ms. Lauck.
Less than a year later, my first piece was accepted for publication.Then came others.
Then came another workshop.
Then came the blog.
With Jennifer's direction and encouragment I've completed the third draft of a memoir and I'm presently working on revisions.
What made me take the leap? What made me go?
My Gramma once told me, "You can't get it wrong. It's just a matter of what kind of door you want to open."
Jennifer is offering workshops on the East Coast.
What kind of door are you wanting to open?
* The following is one of my favorite quotes. It reminds me of Jennifer. It also reminds me of all the women I've met as a result of knowing her.
I have met brave women
who are exploring
the outer edge of human possibility,
with no history to guide them,
and with a courage
to make themselves vulnerable
that I find moving beyond words.
-Gloria Steinem
12 comments:
I missed Oprah that day (one of the few times), but I was lucky enough to find Jennifer's book through you.
Read it. Loved it.
What kind of door?
Started my blog.
Writing a show with actor/friend of mine.
The Secret plays on my car stereo, Blackbird sits on my nightstand.
Reminders.
Thank you yet again.
What an inspiring post! If I wasn't already going, I'd go sign up right now!
Congratulations on your thrid draft!!!! Most excellent.
I love Jennifer's workshops for many reasons -and especially for one -I MET YOU!
No one could have said it any better!
Thanks Michelle!
Beautiful, Michelle. I am SO glad you opened that door and so glad I managed to follow some months later.
You're an inspiration in many ways.
"Moving beyond words"
Me too.
I think about a workshop and say hmmmmn. I'd be scared.
Hurry up and finish that thing would ya? :)
Seriously - so glad to have found you through Jennifer's blog. It was a pleasure to meet her about a year and a half ago when she came to our local book club after we read Blackbird.
I have not read Jennifer Lauck's book but your post makes me want to get it.
So do you think she's the catalyst that finally got you moving?
In my case, my brother sort of got me moving, saying I should write my stories. I wrote about my father getting sick
Then, when my brother posted it on his web site, I started getting letters from readers and that inspired me to keep going.
Yes, Jennifer gave me so much direction.
She is a great teacher.
Blackbird is a MUST read.
Thank you, quite inspirational.
Cheers
Oh, I love that saying "What kind of door are you wanting to open?"
I'm stealing that one.
I TOTALLY remember that Oprah, and I did buy an dread Blackbird.
All the blogging women who talk about her workshops are my favorites. I really think I need to join in someday. I would so love to!
:)
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