Notes on Video Day at the Center

On Saturday, June 8 we hosted a couple of lovely writers who came in all the way from Texas, Jen Knox and Joani Reese.

We'd assembled a good-sized group who had earlier in the day participated in an open mic performance which was diligently caught on film by our photographer, Glenn Bowie...

Chris Reilley

Harry Mishkin

Jennifer Jean

Keith Tornheim

Lis Weiss

Margaret Young

Robin Stratton

Michael C. Keith

Phil Temples

Glenn Bowie

 ... Plus some others who arrived after the picture taking: Timothy Gager, Teisha Dawn Twomey, and Jennifer Colella Martelli. We had SO much fun, and all of the videos are posted on YouTube... just do a search for Newton Writing and Publishing Center.

Jen and Joani were so impressed by Boston's writing community. They'd made an appearance the night before in Somerville at Gloria Mindock's awesome and funky venue at the Armory - a place everyone loves - and it reminded me that we are so lucky to have this circle of writers... writers who are all about support and enthusiasm. There is a powerful bond, a ferocious sense of being here for each other; You go to their launch, they go to yours. You buy their book, they buy your book. You write a blurb or review for them, they write one for you. We "like" when they succeed, we post news of their successes on our Facebook walls. It's an honor to be part of that energy and cheer leading, and these gals from Texas made me realize that not everyone has that.

So this blog is about being grateful for the writing community we have!