Holiday Wishes From Whale Rock Workshops
Dear Friends,
The snow is coming down here in Toronto and the skies are gray. But the candles are flickering and the holiday lights shine to brighten the gloomy afternoons.
And isn’t that what the winter holidays are all about – bringing light and joy into the darkness?
Normally, I’d be sending a newsletter filled with ideas for holiday gifts, but this year, I’m going to make the case that what we all need is a little TLC.
My holiday wishes for you involve loving kindness towards yourself and others:
May you take care of that nagging errand. For me, that entailed buying a new desk chair. It’s not glamorous, it’s not pretty, but it sure does make my back hurt less.
May you shop local and support small businesses trying to stay afloat.
May you curl up with a great book that inspires you and watch a movie that makes you smile.
May you find some time to catch your breath and enjoy a cup of tea, coffee, hot cocoa, or whatever your winter drink of choice may be.
May you find time to connect with others.
Have dinner with neighbors. Play a game with your friends and family.
May you find time to savor a delicious meal. We cannot do our best work if we’re not satiated. After that meal, treat yourself to our hearty and flourless writing cookies. You can add your favorite mix-ins to the recipe.
May you find some time to nurture your body, whether that means sleeping in, going for a run, or taking Whale Rock's free special yoga class created just for writers.
May your creativity be sparked.
Have a lightbulb moment, an epiphany in your stories, or an idea so genius, so amazing, so incredible that you can’t wait to write it down. If you’re looking for a little inspiration, check out this wonderful podcast with founding faculty member Patricia Lee Gauch and author Tom Baron. It’s sure to get you thinking about voice, plot, and storytelling.
May you find time for real conversation. As writers we understand the power of words.
May you lead the way in modeling conversations full of nuance and complexity. Let’s speak out against hate of all kinds and encourage empathy. Let’s show children and young readers that human stories are more than 'likes' and reposts.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season full of peace and loved ones!
Patricia Lee Gauch