Tayari's Blog: Writer's Blockparty

Posted by TayariJones on December 6, 2006 06:31 AM
Filed under D.C. Diaries

Last night was the final meeting of the 2006 Jenny McKean Moore Free Community Writers Workshop here at George Washington University.

Last summer, I solicited applications for the Washington, DC community. I was looking for writers who wanted to take a class. I was looking for folks who wanted to make community, who wanted to make better art. I received about 150 applications, but I whittled it down to 20. Twenty showed up for the first class and by the party we were still 16 strong.

These writers have earned my respect and the respect of everyone in the English Department here at GWU. They came to class after long days at work. Some took subways, others parked illegally. They had to arrange for childcare for ten weeks in a row. The found time, not only for their own writing, but to give thoughtful and helpful criticism to their classmates.

We are a diverse group: Despite the 50 year age span, despite the fact that we are different races, sexes, religion, and social classes we sat down and got to work. We have made each other better and richer.

In short, they knocked my socks off. If you see me walking barefoot, you'll know why.

Last night, we got together to break bread together, drink wine together, and play stupid party games together. It was a fine and fitting send-off. I think Jenny McKean Moore , the amazing woman to whom all this is dedicated, would be pleased.

photo album.

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There are 1 comments on "Writer's Blockparty". If you'd like to leave a comment, click here to jump down to the comments entry form.

Comment #1, by JMB...DC...GWU [TypeKey Profile Page]

Tayari,
Abundant thanks to you for a heartfelt, fun "fine & fitting", reflective sendoff and ten weeks of your passion and literary wisdom! I too "think Jenny McKean Moore, the amazing woman to whom all of this is dedicated would be pleased." Moore's spirit lives on through you and I know for sure that the knowledge and leadership you shared with our writer's community was truly a blessing that inspires in me the desire to meet your challenge and critiques to "make better art". Grace!
Jacqueline aka JMB

December 11, 2006 09:28 AM

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