Author Archives: first person productions
Jane Kinney, Campfire Queen
By Sarah White This essay was written in response to a Guided Autobiography prompt, “What are you prepared to give up for a friend?” Given the number of times I headed out camping with Jane into a forecast of rain, … Continue reading
Upcoming workshops in Fall 2022
I believe in the power of story—to entertain, to teach, to heal. That’s why I publish this blog–and why I teach writing workshops. In my workshops, I take my writers through a curriculum of discussions about the craft of writing, … Continue reading
The Mile Corner
By Barbara Vander Werff In Randolph, Wisconsin, it was a rite of passage. You turn 16 and get your Driver’s License. Then you drive through town, make a right-hand turn at the stop sign, and when you hit the edge … Continue reading
The Ruthie Method
By Marlene Samuels Ruthie Whitefish and I were best friends from the time we walked and talked. As “besties” we naturally mimicked one another, dressed alike, wore our hair alike, even mirrored each other’s behavior. Unlike me, Ruthie was an … Continue reading
In Light of the Repeal of Roe v. Wade…
No doubt many of us are seething, reeling, boiling mad, frightened. Our amygdalae are in full fight-or-flight mode from the recent threat to women’s freedom to control our own bodily choices. For that reason, I call you to read this … Continue reading
The Coat
By Patricia LaPointe See this coat. When is it worn? Is it the only coat? It can be worn for Sunday services. Is it good enough? It can be worn in the rain. How does it look when it’s wet? It … Continue reading
How I Almost Became a Furry
By Sarah White What’s a furry? Someone who participates in a fandom subculture focused on anthropomorphic animal characters, with human personalities and characteristics, the Internet will tell you. The mainstream press tends to portray furries as sexual fetishists, but I … Continue reading
Desperately Seeking Stories
Okay, I’m not desperate, just having fun with a play on words about that rom-com with Madonna and Rosanna Arquette, “Desperately Seeking Susan.” The film premiered in 1985. It was Madonna’s first major screen role. It is one of my … Continue reading
10 Minutes to Death
By Marg Sumner A friend and I have a pact. At 10 minutes before dementia strikes, we’re each going to take two hits of fentanyl and ride off into the dawn, dusk, rainbow, whatever. There are two problems with this: … Continue reading
Dear Blue Creek Village
By Sarah White This was inspired by a prompt: “Write an apology to a place.” Try it and see what comes to you! Dear Blue Creek Village, I’m sorry I haven’t been back to see you. It has been almost … Continue reading
True Stories Well Told 