
We are grateful for so many things at PWN, but mostly we are grateful for our community of writers–for the opportunity to hear their stories and be part of their processes. Often, that process involves more than just writing … we draw inspiration from all around us! Last month, when we asked our memoir writers what they were obsessing over, they overwhelmed us with their responses.
Our memoir students are a group of avid readers, listeners, observers and culinary enthusiasts! They are delighted by their senses. As we look to each other for ways to deepen our writing and our appreciation of the world around us, we are grateful when they share what is inspiring them.
November 2020:
What we’re reading …
Both Donna Beriont and Nancy Francese are reading This Tender Land, by William Kent Krueger. Nancy describes it as a “gripping story, beautiful graceful writing.” And Meg Glasser recommends The Friend, by Sigrid Nunez, for all writers, which she says is “brilliant!!”
Listening to …
Meghan Haas learned about a podcast called “Song Exploder” through a four-part Netflix show by the same name. The podcast is described as musicians taking apart their songs, and piece by piece, telling the story of how they were made. Meghan says: “If you love music, it is really fun to listen to.” It sounds like a great exploration of the creative process!
Watching …
Upon the recommendation of two other writers, Shanda McManus watched My Octopus Teacher on Netflix. “It is fantastic!” Shanda says of the documentary-style glimpse into a gorgeous underwater world. And the main character, the octopus, is fascinating.
Eating …
Seth Kerekes recommends a local favorite: “Tino’s Mexican Kitchen in Red Bank for Sunday brunch. Tino is a great human being and their food is unique, flavorful, and they burn wood (real wood!) inside and it smells awesome … homey.”
Miscellaneous …
Kerin Nash told us that she has been exploring East Asian Art and the concept of the Three Perfections: painting, poetry and calligraphy united in a single composition. She is using Origami paper to create “simplistic renditions” of Japanese works of art. Kerin says, “I was born in Japan and lived there, outside Tokyo, for 18 months. My mother has emphasized my love for the trees and gardens of the Japanese landscape. My earliest experiences were of this visual beauty, and the exquisite compositions from the Edo Period connect me to my earliest sensual memories.”
Feel free to share any comments or writing inspired by our Captivated column with us at info@projectwritenow.org.