Today was the last day of Story Masters and they went out with a bang. Don Maass lead a chapter by chapter analysis of “To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. And at the end of the day, they were sweet enough to pose for pictures.
One of the most important elements they all seemed to stress, when talking about “To Kill A Mockingbird” or most other stories, was the importance of the main character’s inner journey. In “Mockingbird” it was Scout’s inner journey from childhood to adulthood. How she looked around for teachers and mentors to help guide her on that journey. How the culmination of that journey was at the end when she could stand on Boo Radley’s porch and look at her world through his eyes. The book was published in 1960, but the power of that story still resonates today.
What I want to say about the Story Masters themselves is that they each have a unique view and wonderful contributions to the art and craft of storytelling. But what was so refreshing about this workshop was their graciousness. They all sat through each others presentations, they all had their brains scrambled along with the students. They were generous with their time, they answered our questions and sat with us at lunch, eager to hear our stories and to help us with our writing. And most of all when they were teaching their portion of the workshop, they were willing to share some of their own struggles and their highs and lows on the way to being published and in working in this very demanding business.
So, hats off to the story masters. If you want to bring your writing to the next level and really study the craft of writing, sign up NOW for next year’s session. You won’t be disappointed. If you have any questions about the workshop, please feel free to ask, I will fill in as best I can. They covered so much wonderful information and I did take extensive notes, so ask me your questions and I’ll do my best to answer them. Thanks for stopping by.
Sounds like you had an amazing experience, Rachel. One thing I’ve come away with from every writer’s conference is: no matter the level of success or experience….writers are some of the most generous, genuine people I’ve ever met. I always walk away feeling like I’ve find my tribe.
Sounds absolutely amazing! I can’t imagine how powerful it would be to analyze To Kill a Mockingbird with masters of writing.
And I agree with Shannon – writers are so generous and willing to give so much of their gift to others. It is a blessed profession.
What an amzing experience. I think every writer should do at least one seminar or conference each year–more if possible. The bonding with other writers is so important. Add in new knowledge and ideas and its always a win-win situation.
Sounds like you learned a great deal…and had fun while doing it. It’s too bad all learning experiences can’t be like yours. 🙂
Sounds truly wonderful Rachel. I am so glad you were able to have this experience. I know you will do fantastic things with the knowledge you brought back.
Sounds like a great experience. Relax for a few days and let it all float around in your head.
Hi guys, thanks for the comments. I am still picking up pieces of brain matter that was scattered about after the workshop finished. It’s kinda like getting a brand new box of crayons and wondering which one to start using. I feel so rich now.
Dear Rachel,
I hadn’t heard. I am sincerely sorry for your loss.
Thank you for your post today. My husband and I do have a medical directive, but so many don’t. And can we blame them. How many of us want to die or even think about death. With every inch of our being we each struggle for that very last breathe. For none of us want to die, nor would we give it any thought to pick a day to die. It’s simply not in us. We were meant to live!
Yet it is a course of love to our families and friends to have a medical directive drawn up. We carry a mini one in our wallet just in case of emergencies. But when it comes to an end of life decision, how loving not to leave our loved ones with such dreadful decisions. It takes so much stress off of their shoulders. They will thank us for it later.
It’s a touchy subject, but thanks Rachel for caring enough to help others!