Comments on the workshops

a note from Jeff Davis A dozen writers sit on a dock, the red-winged blackbirds' scratchy song and cardinals' trochaic calls ushering in spring. With the breeze blowing in from the Block Island bay, someone says she's discovering how to write at once with joy and sorrow. Another writer says that her senses have awakened for the first time to the significance of ordinary matter-the crusted bread left in the kitchen, the odd cedar smell of a mixed breed's breath. Her writing, she says, will never be the same. Another writer, with several books of published poems behind her, confesses that for the first time she's experiencing what the "mind-body" connection really means as a writer. That connection is making all the difference in how she will persevere through writing her novel. These writers brought me unexpected gifts of discovery this April during the Block Island Poetry Project where I led writers through a weekend of The Yoga of Writing with Wonder. The tools of yoga, simple yet effective, led them to unexpected places on the page and in their heart. A joy.  Following are some comments in regard to our previous workshops. If you have some comments you would like to share please email us.

"...just a wee note to say THANK YOU for a lovely, lovely time on Block Island. It was heavenly to be there at such a beautiful time of year with that sparkling weather in the midst of all of you. Thank you for your thoughtful ideas and programming and your generous support of artists...I was quite taken by the quality and power of the writing."

--Aubrey Atwater

"I cannot express to you how honored I felt to be at Block Island with you and your extended family this weekend. I had an incredible time. I had never written so much that I was proud of. I fell in love (again) with Li-Young and Kim."

--Chloe Estrera

"The Block Island weekend stunned me again. Something, another layer, opens in me each year. It's a beautiful way to begin the spring, this outward season of giving."

--Jeff Davis

"I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful contribution you made to the arts; not only in the fine and thoughtful programming, but in you all inclusive, genuine attitude.

Your poetry rocks too!

Moreover, that you validate artists by paying us our fees only goes further to prove that you're an advocate and a patron who knows what art is worth, and how it permiates all aspects of people's lives. It was a joy and honor working with you, and I'm personally looking forward to crossing paths many times again."

--Elwood Donnelly

"I want to say thank you for two memorable weekends. Once again--or twice again, really--magic! Marie Howe--how to describe how encouraging and just plain "good" she is? The dynamics of that weekend were so nurturing, so scintillating and organic. And then the next--Li Young is a phenomenon all by himself--which I had known from having been in his presence twice before--but a whole weekend's worth: remarkable!"

--Janie Peterson

"Thanks for setting the tone and running one of The Best poetry experiences I have ever attended."

--Dianalee Velie

"I am still feeling buoyant..as if the windows and doors of my head had opened up to let in fresh air. I can't get over how much I discovered, how many wonderful people I met, the incredible poetry and prose I listened to. I feel truly fortunate to have been a part of it all!

--Barbara Dobbyn