Last week I went to a book reading at Powell’s with a friend. We’ve both been in a very introspective mood and looking for a little creative inspiration, so this felt like a great event to connect with a sense of community.
The book reading was for a recently published collection of flash essays by local Oregon authors. Brave on the Page focused on the process of writing- what those moments are like when pen is put to page, or idea takes form in dialogue, description and punctuation.
Here are some of my doodles from the short set of readings:
One of my bigger takeaways was the idea of being “brave”. Being creative requires courage. Thinking that your ideas are worthwhile enough to express in some way, and then having thick enough skin to show it to a critical world takes guts. That’s why I love the title of this book.
What was ESPECIALLY cool about this book is that it’s printed in house by Powell’s, in the middle of the bookstore. After the reading, we went down and watched a staff member print and bind a book. It’s amazing to me how technology has revolutionized the publishing process- it’s not feasible to write and publish your own books- and with a handy (and very expensive) printer and equipment, you could print it in your very own living room.
Hey hey erin may 
I’m so glad you attended our event and enjoyed it, Erin May! I especially love peeking inside your notebook. (I was the one in the red dress…) My favorite part of the evening was standing at the podium and seeing all the people I knew–and especially those I didn’t know–who took the time to come to Powell’s on a rainy Monday night. Thanks for your support!
Thank you, Laura! I really loved your red dress 🙂
Thanks! It’s handmade and vintage, and I love it too. It was a find, in December, at the Buffalo Exchange on Hawthorne. I was there delivering books to Powell’s and popped in on a whim to browse. A few people who saw me trying it on asked if it was for Christmas, and I replied, “No way! I’m saving it for Powell’s!”
Reblogged this on Forest Avenue Press and commented:
I stumbled on this lovely blog post about our Jan. 7 Brave on the Page Powell’s event. I’m so thankful to Erin May and all the other writers and creative types who attended that night.
Many thanks for your follow. I will reciprocate and hope to read more good posts such as this one.
Thank you!
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