Dear Writers,
I have been thinking a lot about community lately: what it means to be a community of writers. To hear each other, to hold each other up, to stand in each others’ darkness unafraid, to turn up the volume on each other’s voices. This year, perhaps because I lost my father this summer, and I am breaking my ties to my childhood and my first home, I am thinking about the families we choose. The ones we create.
And I am grateful. For my families – all of them. And my writer friends, who never cease to amaze me with their fresh perspectives, their soaring optimism; who remind me that what I have always thought was axiomatic is actually just someone else’s opinion. In these dark times – when so much of that darkness has fallen on us personally, not just as a society, and as a nation struggling to be – I am still grateful. And I am optimistic because of you. Because of all the glorious love and courage you scream out, dance out, whisper into the blue skies of the Big Island when we are together. And in dog-walking Brooklyn. And beneath the icicles of Vermont, and on the shores of Port Townsend, or Useless Bay on Whidbey island, or wherever I have encountered you.
You writers.
And so, today – Giving Tuesday – for one day only, I am giving back. Doing my part to facilitate a community of writers on the island that is my childhood home. Elena and I are giving a $200 discount to any writer who applies to join the 2018 retreat on Tuesday. So if you want to join us for our third year, NOW is the best time.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Love,
Reiko
