May 2023 Treasure Hunt
Silk and Sonder has posted its May Socials on Eventbrite.
Lauren Sapala is hosting her Silent Writing Sessions again this month. These can, of course, be used for anything! Some folks use for writing or other creative pursuits, but some do tasks they have to get done or have been procrastinating on.
If you’ve never had a subscription to Wondrium or had one and let it go, maybe temporarily, now is a good time to sign up or return. They are offering a 2 years for the price of 1 special for all subscribers.
Author Rebecca Makkai, is teaching a two-hour class on May 21st about the Five Things She’s Learned about breaking free of the ideas, fears, and ambitions that sometimes block creativity – and about how artists of all kinds can get back on track and back to work.
I could spend hours on the Women on Writing website. This is the site behind Writer’s Digest magazine and ginormous annual publication. I’m still reading through the offerings in the Classroom, but I’m especially obsessed this month with Flash Fiction. Not only is it short and a lot less stressful than thinking of an entire novel, it’s a massive creative spark that can lead to MORE writing! WOW is having a Flash Fiction contest. Deadline May 31st. Reedsy has some great articles about flash fiction here:
Books this month: David Grann’s The Wager and Martha Hall Kelly’s The Golden Doves. Tom Hanks has a new book coming out called The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece, and I don’t know if I can stomach more of Tom Hanks’ movie-related things, but I absolutely LOVED LOVED LOVED his collection of short stories a few years back called Uncommon Type. Every story includes a typewriter! 2022 was a non-reading year for me, and I’m trying to catch up. Books that aren’t newly released, but I loved reading this month are: Ann Leary’s The Foundling, Gilly Macmillan’s The Long Weekend and Lily King’s Five Tuesdays in Winter.
I realize this month’s finds are all about writing, so here’s one more: The Amherst Writers and Artists May Class Schedule (and they’re all under $20!) Some involve prompts and feedback. Yikes! Others are more friendly for introverts who just want to write. : )
I learned about a Virtual Study Series celebrating 150 years of reading Willa Cather! Sessions below for 4 of her books! All for $75 or one for $20.
April 27, at 7:00 pm CT: My Ántonia
June 1, at 12:30 pm CT: A Lost Lady
September 21, at 7:00 pm CT: The Professor's House
October 19, at 7:00 pm CT: Death Comes for the Archbishop
“Happiness is settling of the soul into its most appropriate spot.” ~Aristotle (Identifying Core Values is so important.)
“We spend a lot of time and energy ruminating on our fear of what could go wrong, But more often than not, what we’re really afraid of is what might happen if things go right.” ~Meha Agrawal, Silk and Sounder founder
“Even our most difficult moments bring us gifts. The trick, of course, is gratitude. Therein you will find both your peace and your joy.” ~Neale Donald Walsch
“When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favour.” ~ Elon Musk (I would add important “to you”)
My Christmas present feeling this month has been reading and watching all I can about two possible places for relocation. And talking to local universities about their Senior discounts and free tuition!