An Inspiring Evening of Celebrating Writers and Storytelling at The Sea Ranch Lodge. 12.28.2024
On Saturday, December 28th, The Sea Ranch Lodge became the vibrant backdrop for the very first public reading by the talented writers of the "Write Now" program. Write Now! is the exclusive Sea Ranch Lodge Program that is part of my broader Write Up the Coast project.
Thank you writers, readers, audience, those who travelled through the fog in a darkening day, curious on-lookers strolling through the lodge and the entire Sea Ranch Lodge staff.
To the writers, for your courage, trust in the process, enthusiasm and energy, thank you! Many of you introduced yourselves at a gathering with "I am not a Writer!" Tonight you read your original work developed on the spot, your story, your discovery to an audience moved by your words and voice. You have touched many with "your' story which is relevant to someone else's story. This build connection. With the very first sentence you write and share, your touch someone. All you need is a nudge. And one by one we build community.
I am proud of all of you and the joy of getting to know each other is a special gift. One that continues to encourage me. Thank you!
Happy New Year!
mark sanford gross
Seventeen writers captivated an audience of over 50, each sharing original stories that sprang to life from prompts during one of the monthly drop-in gatherings. This cozy and foggy evening created an enchanting environment, making it the perfect setting for an unforgettable experience filled with creativity and connection.
The “Write Up the Coast” initiative, led by my passion for engaging people is all about building community through the art of storytelling. Unlike traditional writing classes, “Write Now” gatherings encourage spontaneous creativity and exploration. Participants have only a moment to absorb a prompt before diving into a focused free-write session lasting 4 to 7 minutes. Each writer reads and then we discuss what we want to hear more about from the first writing. We write again. With no pressure or concern for perfection, writers of all backgrounds—whether seasoned authors or those just discovering their voice—come together to create and share their unique narratives. My formula is a combination of support, enthusiasm, and encouragement.
Write Up the Coast dynamic writing labs foster a fun, supportive atmosphere where everyone can express themselves. Many writers walk away with a piece they crafted on the spot, emphasizing that the ability to tell a story resides in all of us!
Tonight, this was celebrated!
Kristina Jetton, the Executive Director of The Sea Ranch Lodge who gave the program an opportunity, kicked off this evening by celebrating the success of the “Write Now” program and the dedicated writers. Her incredible staff made the event’s seamless execution possible. Write Now! badges and patches were given to each writer along with notebooks and pens to create an inviting environment. Special thanks to Directors Rachel Kuali'i and Megan Smith and Jay Wyant-Kin, Food and Beverage Director, who kept the champagne flowing and spirits high throughout the night.
As the driving force behind “Write Up the Coast,” I opened the gathering with heartfelt admiration for the writers capturing the essence of the community by reminding everyone that each story shared was a product of spontaneous creativity in a supportive space. My vision, born during the pandemic, focuses on fostering communication and heartfelt connections through storytelling which gave way to my vision of KGUA Writers on KGUA-FM, 88.3, Gualala, initially a short-term program to keep folks in touch during the pandemic that ran for almost five years with 199 episodes and over 3000 original stories written by community members,.
My belief in the community connection through storytelling and spoken communication was echoed by writers like Peggy Berryhill who brought the KGUA Writers concept to the radio waves, Jeanne Jackson, George Provencher, Al Gilbert, Kevin Facemyer, Michele Goddard, Shari Goforth, Vanessa Ignacio, Peter Perez, Steve Saroff, Barry Hollritt, Dan Lewis, Rhonda Rumrey, Pam Powell, Kit Bliss Jones, Al Gilbert and Mary Mobert, who all contributed their voices to the evening readings.
The excitement won't stop there! Plans to transform these readings into a podcast, inviting community members to submit their stories based on writing prompts. This new venture, Write Up the Coast Writers will spotlight local voices and create even more opportunities for connection and creativity.
If you've ever thought, "I can't write," think again! The “Write Up the Coast” initiative welcomes everyone to explore their storytelling abilities. For more information or to get involved in future gatherings, visit writeupthecoast.com or reach out to me at [email protected]. Join us in this creative journey and celebrate the art of storytelling and connections through storytelling and spoken word communication.
Stay tuned for updates and find out about upcoming “Write Now!” gatherings on the website, writeupthecoast.com. Join the mailing list, the FB Group, Write Up the Coast Writers, or Instagram @ write up the coast. Or just come by to the next Write Now! gathering or other pop-up events. Let’s keep nurturing our creative community together!
Get your button. Get your notebook. Get your pen. Find your story!
Come write with us!
