© J.N. Urbanski

There could be some fiction on these pages and there’s a smattering of poetry but none by me. I’m one of those writers with a pile of fiction on hold: a play, a book and a head full of ideas that I call my fictional endeavors, but not for long! I’m attending Writing Myth: A Spillian Writing Imaginarium at Spillian in Fleischmanns, a writing workshop culminating in dinner and some spoken word, in that we will drink, dine and read aloud the works we have written that day. The dinner and reading are open to the public, even if you are not participating in the workshop. The last time I read my fiction to an audience I bombed with aplomb. In fact, it must have been fun to watch me crash and burn like a professional because I was invited to read my works on the radio. So please join us. Give a group of Catskills writers an audience and enjoy a lovely meal in a beautiful setting. Scroll down for pictures of Spillian.

Co-sponsored by Writers in the Mountains, the workshop will help writers “to explore a mythic space that has inspired writers and poets for more than a hundred years”.

Spillian founder, Dr. Leigh Melander, will lead workshop participants in exercises on opening a sense of myth in writing, along with a story-driven wander of the mansion and grounds, and then will invite writers to find a corner on the property to write a short story, myth, or poem inspired (directly or indirectly) by images there.

The event comprises an afternoon and evening of ideas, conversation, and the written word in an inspirational mythic setting complete with mountain- and foliage-view porches lined with rocking chairs, wooded walks, and a pond with benches for relaxation and meditation.

Workshop – 1 to 5 PM
Dinner and reading – 6 PM
Cost: $25 plus tax
Cash bar

Reservations required. Please call 800-811-3351 for more information and to make your reservation.

For interested writers, Spillian will share pieces created during the workshop online as part of a launch of the new website and a growing collection of creative work inspired by Spillian.

© J.N. Urbanski

© J.N. Urbanski

© J.N. Urbanski