My memoir Float On was conceived on the mystical Greek island of Patmos. I was attending a writer’s salon and I’ve written about those two weeks, but in one word –  magical.

Cheryl Strayed, Brian Lindstrom, Rachel DeWoskin and Zayd Dohrn inspired and instructed us in an unmatched setting. I met a tribe of people with whom I connected on a level that spent little time on the superficial. Something in me shifted there. I started thinking of myself as a writer, not just someone who was trying out the writing thing. I gained confidence in reading personal material out loud to others. I saw how important our stories are, including mine. I witnessed transformation in myself and others through getting real with our words.

I left some residual shame behind in the Aegean Sea and came home to the prairie to give birth to my story. Float On will officially be born December 1, 2017. 

Next week I’m off to another conference in California headlined by Elizabeth Gilbert and Cheryl Strayed. I’m grateful for the opportunity and giddy with excitement. I’ll reconnect with some of my Patmos tribe, meet new friends and hear from the message titled ‘Brave Magic: An Invitation to Curiosity, Creativity and Courage’. Doesn’t the world need more curiosity, creativity and courage?

As we watch current events in horror and grapple with our response and the condition of our hearts, I think curiosity, creativity and courage may be what can save us. I’ll soak up what I can and share it with you in hopes that we can all accept the invitation to embrace brave magic.

Love, Molly