One of the assignments in my latest creativity/drawing/doodling class was to take something that had happened in my life—a memory, an event, a moment—and journal about it and try to see it in a different way, try to transform it.

I have been thinking about things people have told me throughout my teen and adult life—things about my own self. These statements were usually handed to me during an argument or disagreement to buttress the other person’s point of view. But what they said to me wasn’t exactly false. Still, sometimes these statements did not feel good.

I started taking these statements out (figuratively) from my memory bank and turning them over in my hands. This drawing is what I came up with.

In your life, what have you been told about yourself that was true, maybe, but that might have different sides to it? 

What would you tell yourself now that you did not understand/could not see back then?

Join me on May 31st at 2 p.m. on Zoom!

I will be talking about my latest book, the short story collection, A SMALL THING TO WANT (Press 53), as well as my memoir, THE GOING AND GOODBYE—how each book came to be, the odd moment when I started writing short fiction, and most importantly, what my journey as a writer taught my about life.

Free but registration required (click here to register).

This event is part of the Hidden Timber Books Small Press Author Reading Series. I also love talking with book clubs. If you are in a book club and want me to do a Skype chat (or Zoom, FaceTime, Google Hangout) with your club, please let me know. Find out more information here.