A wonderful member suggested we share our favorite book/poem/vignette/reading suggestions---fuel for our writing fires!

Hello all! I’ve been dipping my toes in the writing pool ever since my 7th grade English teacher introduced me to daily journaling. By then I had already dug my heels into the idea that I was a visual artist - and by 8 years old I KNEW I would not be a commercial artist but only ever create from my heart for myself- and see what happens from that. Fast forward 50-60 years and I’m still doing all that …and have been enjoying writing with Valley on and off for almost 10 years (?!) I keep thinking I’m ready to wade further into the writing waters, but so far I’m still just dipping my toes into morning pages, journaling, and some fits and starts of SFDs. Maybe the fire will help me journey in a little deeper. Happy to join you all in this beautiful space Valley has created.

Since I was about 10, I've always written and longed to write more and I mostly fill my life with other things that include writing but don't allow me to focus on it. I write with Valley when I can, post short pieces over on Substack, and have a memoir that remains in process. I regularly write and deliver sermons. This summer I'm on sabbatical from one of my jobs, and after a pilgrimage to the island of Iona starting Tuesday, I'm hoping to spend much of July going deeper. Since I also have two adopted children, age 3 & 4, it remains to be seen how much I will write. I look forward to getting to know more of you and to writing with you!