Many thanks to the stalwart, generous, and talented women in my two writing groups: Janice Cook Knight, Trish McKenney Honig, Connie Lee Tuttle, and Esther Helfgott. And to my third writing group that’s dedicated to getting our work out into the world–thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge to all, but especially to Jennifer D. Munro and Waverly Fitzgerald for starting this!
Hedgebrook gave me validation as a writer in my early years as a writer. My residency there on Whidbey Island was life-changing. I am grateful to be a Seattle writer, to live within driving distance to Hedgebrook, which continues to nurture and support me in so many ways. The community of Hedgebrook’s women writers has been an unexpected blessing. And Hedgebrook events are always inspiring and presented with such heart and hospitality.
We Seattle-based writers are extremely fortunate to have these organizations that support artists: Artist Trust and Jack Straw. The It’s About Time Reading Series at the Ballard Branch of the Seattle Public Library provides a space for writers to read their work once a month.
My writing teachers over the years include Chris Abani, Elmaz Abinader, Faith Adiele, Dorothy Allison, Elizabeth Austen, Wendy Call, Denise Chavez, Sue Halpern, Bill McKibben, Dinty Moore, Ruth Ozeki, and Gail Tsukiyama.
Other writing friends and my family of friends, some who have attended all of my readings from the very beginning when the writing was still in its infancy, just barely crawling.
Each of you has enriched my life and helped me to nurture my dream of being a writer. I love the solitude of writing, while knowing you are my writing community!
Loreen Lilyn Lee 