12 writers benefited from WNBA-SF’s Coaxing Creativity Vision Board Workshop led by Mentor Mary E. Knippel.  “Decide, Declare & Design Your Writing Life for 2010,” said Mary Knippel.  “P.L.A.Y.  Pause. Love. Access your Artist/Adjust your Attitude.  YES to You.”

This post invites every writer at the workshop to submit her comments and declare a goal. Click on the title  [12 Writers Benefited from . . . ] to see the entire post; scroll down to comment boxes and key in your name, your email address, your website URL compose your comment; click SUBMIT button.

Thank you, Creativity Mentor Mary Knippel!

Visit Mary’s website for calendar of workshops: http://openuptoyourcreativity.com/

Mary Knippel & 12 writers showing their vision boards

On receiving word on Friday that volunteers were still needed for the San Francisco Writing for Change Conference, there was no question that my housework wouldn’t be done this weekend, the yard would suffer, and resting to tend to the tail end of an exhausting cold would be left for later. It was worth every bit of the extra work piled up on Monday.

As a first time volunteer and new member of WNBA, this connection brought extra comfort to the always nurturing atmosphere of the San Francisco Writing Conferences. Instead of being another face in the crowd and traveling alone, volunteering added a sense of being part of, with friendly helpfulness coming from fellow volunteers.

Being assigned to certain workshops was part of this pleasurable weekend, making additional surprise and new intrigue part of the experience. In each session, I found myself in awe of what people have done, and in gratitude for the sharing of their knowledge and accomplishments.

Mike Farrell’s keynote talk at lunch on Saturday definitely took care of a certain inner urge of this Bay Area lefty. Knowing his words were a bit controversial, I enjoy every bit of his speech.

Sunday morning, and back at the beautiful Kabuki, I filled in at a couple of morning workshops, and left again before lunch. It was time to head off to the Mechanics Library for an afternoon workshop given by Rosemary Daniell, and co-sponsored by the WNBA. The workshop was based on Rosemary’s book “Secrets of the Zona Rosa: How Writing (and Sisterhood) Can Change Women’s Lives”.

The strength of Rosemary’s focus on each person in turn, drawing more out of them and helping them put more into their writing, was deeply inspiring. Most of the women present petitioned to be part of a new sub Rosa writing group, wanting to be part of the supportive writing community Rosemary is building.  This workshop brought a solid end to a very stimulating and enjoyable weekend.

Jane Glendinning

I joined WNBA in 2007 when I attended the annual Author’s Showcase at the Mechanic’s Institute Library. I am a teacher, writer and lover of books, so the organization is a good fit for me. I am presently working on a novel of the Crime Fiction genre. Writing is a struggle but as I have learned through the many published authors I have met through WNBA it is only half the battle. Being a writer today means understanding how to market your work and networking with like-minded people. In the short time I have been with the organization, I have met a variety of creative women who have inspired me to move forward with my work and get over that dreaded “writer’s block.”

Patricia Costello

“Why volunteer on a committee or serve as a board member when I can just
be a card-carrying member?”

Working with talented WNBA members has further my career beyond my dreams.
To give you just a few examples:

While being the coordinator for the WNBA exhibit at a book festival, I
got to develop relationships with readers, booksellers, media folks,
fellow authors and WNBA members.
. While I was treasurer for our chapter, I gained organizational and
budget-management skills, and, I had the opportunity to work with the
national treasurer who was a kind mentor.
. While helping other committee members at our fundraiser in November last
year, a new member who is a school teacher saw me in action and invited me
to speak to her class.

You too will have similar success stories when you volunteer your time,
energy and talent for this supportive group we belong to; the personal
rewards are priceless.

Teresa LeYung Ryan, author of Love Made of Heart
www.LoveMadeOfHeart.com

Teresa LeYung Ryan is Co-Chair, Literacy Liaison Committee