Author Archives: first person productions
The Trick of Quiet
By Doug Elwell The lake was created long ago, beyond the memory of anyone, when Hoges’ Branch was backed up by an earthen dam and a spillway to provide water for the village. Most of the time it inched thickly through … Continue reading
The Art—and, yes, the Joy—of the Obituary
Back by popular demand–Sue Hessel and I will teach another 2-part workshop on the self-written obituary. ONLINE workshop meets on two Thursdays, August 8th and August 22, 2013, from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. CDT. APH members $70 for two sessions. Non-APH … Continue reading
Puzzles
By Sariah Daine Decades ago, I used to fear that I would never forget the childhood abuse and all of the mental anguish that came with it. Then–I was afraid I would forget my past, my stories. Now, in this … Continue reading
Fall Writing Workshops: Trying a New Approach
When I concluded my last workshop in Spring 2013, I closed the door on the classroom with a certain sense of finality. “Burn out” is too strong a word for what I was feeling, but something was nibbling at the … Continue reading
Flash-Dancing toward Independence
No, not that kind of flashdance. Last night I danced again in a flash mob in the name of One Billion Rising. We convened on the Capital Square in Madison on the same evening as the most popular (and populous) Concert … Continue reading
Why I Love Amanda Knox
I just finished reading Waiting to Be Heard, and I am in love with Amanda Knox. Why? Because she is me—and the daughter I never had. We were both students abroad. She was 19 in Perugia, Italy, and I was 21 … Continue reading
No Goodbyes
By Martha C. Zavala Ruben turned to me as we stood at the boarding gate and smiled. “No goodbyes,” he said, “I’ll see you later.” I watched as he walked towards his gate, handed over his ticket and disappeared through … Continue reading
June 22: Celebration of Writing and Open Mic at Goodman South Madison Library
If you’re in Madison, consider joining us in South Madison for the 10th Annual Celebration of Writing and Open Mic at Goodman South Madison Library next Saturday, June 22. Begin with workshops at 1pm; stay for Open Mic from 2:00-3:30. … Continue reading
Land
By Nancy Eberle I wanted some land so badly. Just a little piece—five acres would be fine. And a ramshackle little cabin perched in the middle. Is that too much to ask? I know my husband Paul and I have … Continue reading
True Stories Well Told 
What Is Nostalgia Good For?
Two links to share this morning, related to the uses of nostalgia. First, from the New York Times, a feature exploring recent research. “Nostalgia, long considered a disorder, is now recognized as a largely positive emotion,” columnist John Tierney reports. … Continue reading →