Marking Time: "Write Now" at The Sea Ranch Lodge, 10.20.24. Inspired by *for freedoms at The Corcoran, Washington, DC

On October 20th, 2024, we gathered for the "Write Now!" event at The Sea Ranch Lodge, bringing together both returning and new writers in a celebration of storytelling and community. This gathering, part of the “Write Up the Coast” initiative took place in the stunning Redwood Room, where the beauty of nature served to amplify our creative energy. I am greatful for The Sea Ranch Lodge that has given "Write Up the Coast" it's beginning two years ago. "Write Now" is a monthly free program, open to all, held at The Sea Ranch Lodge.  Thank You, everyone at The Sea Ranch Lodge for bringing this opportunity to s many people and the stories they are creating. 

Each “Write Now!” session is crafted to ignite inspiration through thought-provoking prompts, drawing from diverse sources like words, music, and images. Those familiar with the "Write Now" gatherings know it's approach of using prompts and shared comments to help uncover personal stories. We engage in spontaneous writing, sharing our responses while identifying standout phrases or “jewels” that might inspire future narratives. This nurturing atmosphere allow us to explore our stories, fostering a sense of connection and support.

The stories referenced here were written spontaneously resulting from on-the-spot prompts. There is no preparation. Writing starts immediately. Particpants at each gathering create a unique group to that day including return folks, new folks, and curious drop-ins.  The "Write Now!" program at The Sea Ranch Lodge is a free event for the community and open to all.

I had just returned from a trip to Washington, D.C., where I collaborated on a project for forfreedoms.org centered around the installation “Where Do We Go From Here?” at The Corcoran School, now part of the National Gallery of Art. I shared striking images from this initiative, illustrating how the responses I captured there inspired the prompts for our session.

One of our first time writers at "Write Now!"  found her story from the engagement with "Where Do We Go From Here?" giving way to her original story that included phrases like "Your Pain is Mine. Lost Connection. Going Through."

The “Write Up the Coast” gatherings stand apart from traditional writing workshops. This isn’t just about learning the mechanics of writing; it’s about uncovering personal stories within a supportive framework, welcoming participants of all experience levels. I intuitively read the room, adapting to the energy and emotions of the group without a fixed agenda.

Our October gathering included a diverse group: George, Sheila, Vanessa, Aparna,  Karen, Steve, Jayelle and Carisse. We began with familiar disclaimers—“I’m not a writer” or “I’ve always wanted to write”—but quickly transformed into an intimate space filled with laughter and emotional resonance.

As we explored the prompts, our words intertwined, leading to shared titles and lines that inspired new stories. Initial hesitance gave way to a comforting camaraderie, revealing compelling narratives that reminded us of our shared humanity.

Vanessa's story, a response to "Never Again Is Now" brought up domestic violence and nature leading to her original story titled "Definitely Not Tomorrow."

Jaynelle's story was also a response to "Never Again Is Now" causing her to write her  original story titled, "Crying Wolf." 

Sheila's story came from her response to "Never Again Is Now" in an original stoiry titled, "Expanse Into Emptiness."

A standout moment emerged from George Provencer, a first-time attendee who, encouraged by his wife Sheila, decided to join us. After 32 years in the area, George’s voice resonated when he shared the phrase “I Am You.” His heartfelt writing about a childhood experience had the phrase “Something Bigger” repeated in George's spontaneious free-write.  Capturing the attention from all of us, "Something Bigger" suggesting that his follow-up story would carry that title.

Steve's story was a  response to "I Am You" as he revisited moving to New York City as a young adult, traveling on crowded subways, navigating busy streets and being face to face with a mix of people he hadn't identifed with before.

Aparna's story, "Slowing Down," a story about taking time to slow down was influenced by "I Am You."

Karen's story "Saying 'Hi',"  was a response to "I Am You."  Her story talks about seeing who you are through others. The common sharing of love, fears and difficulties. As Karen said, "As soon as we say hi to someone, we build a connection."

Carrise wrote her story about , "Your Pain is Mine, Your Joy is Mine"  and lost connections based om "Where Do We Go From Here?

As the gathering drew to a close, George shared a snippet of his free writing, enveloping the room in stunned silence. I encouraged him to develop his piece further, and the following day, George expressed his renewed inspiration to keep writing.

George and I  later reconvened to record his story to highlight "Something Bigger"  which echoed the powerful emotions experienced from the forfreedoms installation. Listening to him read, we witnessed his expression transform as he reconnected with a long-buried childhood narrative—a story he hadn’t shared or written about in 65 years.

LISTEN HERE TO "SOMETHING BIGGER" written and read by GEORGE PROVENCER

The energy of our gathering affirmed the profound power of storytelling within a community. As Karen aptly noted, connections spark as soon as we say hello. The “Write Now!” gathering not only fostered individual creativity but also strengthened our communal bonds. We left inspired to continue writing and sharing our stories, eagerly anticipating future “Write Now!” and “Write Up the Coast” events.

Leaving DC the day before the "Write Now!" event, I interrupted two women entusiastically chatting with other as friends do.  We were on an early morning Metro. I was going to the airport. After a few minutes of feeling their energy I interrupted, asking  them to participate in my project. It just felt right. It took a few minutes but they quickly chimed in.  It was only a few stops to the airport so the energy was fast-paced and filled with enthusiasm. As the train pulled into my stop we kept talking.  I suggested if they have time to go to The Corcoran where they could see these life size images.  I gave them my card as the ding-ding was signalling the doors "the doors are closing."  I never got their names.  One woman, actually said when I asked, "I cannot tell you my name as I am in witness protection." Our smiles to each other continued as I exited the train and then through the windows from platform to moving train.

Three days later, a text came with, "We Made it to The Corcoran!"  Thank you for sharing. We continued our text ending with this image.  We continue to be in touch.

Times like this........:)

*Do You Have a Response You Want to Share?  Send it to writeupthecoast@gmail.com