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!

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.

A big warm fire welcome to all of our new members! @Mina Smith, @Mitzi Averette, @Michelle Macgillivary @Whitney Tymas @Joanne Jensen @Sharon Comunale @Lauren McDonald @Karol Grankers @Kristina Collazo @Emma Marie Hanna @Jennyfur Yane! Wether you've been on a writing path for a long time or you're brand new, whether you're excited about writing or dread it, whether it terrifies or excites you, f you are ready to heal your relationship with writing you are ready to heal your relationship with yourself! Share a word or sentence below that names how you feel about writing--whether it's nervous, shy, vulnerable, ready, curious, scared, eager....every feeling we have is fuel for the writing fire!