Greetings!


"There’s nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed."
~Ernest Hemingway

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The month of June reminds me of a number of things: the Santa Barbara Writers Conference, Father's Day, and National Cancer Survivors Day. I am thrilled to report that after a four-year hiatus the writers conference is back. It's exciting that this year we will be celebrating our 50th anniversary!

I love teaching at this conference, not only because it's held in my home town, but because the students and faculty are inspiring, fun, motivated, and creative. This year, I will be teaching memoir writing in morning sessions. Unlike most writers' conferences, students will have the opportunity to stay in the same workshop all week, but are encouraged to explore the different genres offered. The panels and evening activities are also exciting. See the registration link below for more information.

Regarding Fathers Day this month, I feel blessed to have had a wonderful father who instilled in me his sense of love and compassion. He died in 1991, and it took a significant amount of time before I was able to write about him. I've since authored a number of poems about my father, inspired by his habits and other ways of being. Like most of my poetry, I connect the past with the present. For example, during the course of a day I might be doing something that elicits a memory from long ago: whenever I have cream cheese on bread, I think of my father as having a "schmear," which was one of his favorite things to do.

Finally, June 4th is National Cancer Survivors Day. While I try not to tie my identity to being a cancer survivor, I cannot deny the truth that I am one. Quite often in life, it's the darkness that brings the light. Another way of saying it is that we would not know the light without the darkness. My cancer journey resulted in happily moving to California to access the best doctors which, in turn, inspired a great deal of writing. This has always been an integral part of my healing journey. At the same time, it's my hope that my words also help others with their own journey.

These reminders invoke numerous memories for me, which I often write about. Speaking of which, please check out out my poem, "Chicken Soup," "The Strands are There: A Few Notes on Memory and Imagination," and "A Nursing Perspective: 38 Years Later."

Here's to you and your journey, wherever you currently find yourself. Sending you blessings for a wonderful month of June!
dianaraab.com

  • Write about your father or another important male influence in your life.
  • Write a short biography about someone you know who is a cancer survivor.
  • Write about what June means for you.

June 18-23, 2023
1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Santa Barbara Writers Conference
Santa Barbara, California
To register: click here 

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September 19 – 23, 2023
“Writing for Bliss: What’s Your Story?”
Miraval Resorts and Spas
Authentic Circle Appreciation Week
Austin, Texas
For more information: Click here

“How a Spiritual Retreat Transformed Me.” (article) Kairos Literary Journal. April 2023.

“Anima.” (poem) Pile Press. May 2023.

“Here and Now.” (poem) Blue Heron Review: Sanctuaries and Places of Peace. May 2023.

“Your Voice.” (poem) Confetti Magazine. May 1, 2023.

"A Nursing Perspective: 38 Years Later." (article) Sixty and Me. May 3, 2023.

"A Nursing Perspective: 38 Years Later." (article) Medium. May 6, 2023.

"New York Melancholy." (poem) Underscore Magazine. May 15, 2023.

"4 Secrets of Being a Modern Grandparent.” (article) The Good Men Project. May 25, 2023.

“A Meditation on Death.” (poem) Ephemeral Eulogies.” May 29, 2023.

“Memories and the Circle of Life.” (article) Penumbra Literary Journal. Spring 2023.

“Dampened Creativity” and “Shrink Talk.” (poems) The Stray Branch. Spring/Summer 2023.

“Chicken Soup.” (poem) Amaranth Journal. Summer 2023.

We Who Walk the Seven Ways by Terra Trevor (memoir)

As a memoir instructor, I am always impressed when one of my students has published a book. However, I’m even more touched when they ask me to endorse the book. Terra Trevor made this request, and I was honored that the publisher decided to put my words on the book’s back cover. I cannot say enough wonderful things about this work. I'm also thrilled that Terra will be speaking to my students in June at the Santa Barbara Writers Conference, to talk about her book and the publishing experience.

Such a brave book, Terra. Bravo!
 
Here's my endorsement:
 
"This poignant memoir touches on the trials and tribulations of Trevor, a mixed-blood Indian straddling between two races. It’s a book you won’t be able to put down, written with simplicity, grace, and urgency, transcending any expectations. In spite of many obstacles, she’s a woman of unimaginable strength and courage. After not being heard as a child, she thankfully found her voice as a writer and how lucky we are!"

Please buy this book for yourself and someone you love!
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Write. Heal. Transform:
A Magical Memoir-Writing Course

To register: Click here

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