The Writers’ Gathering Announcement 2017
Announcing The 2017 Writers’ Gathering Participants
This Land of the Bible never fails to stir emotions, fuel creativity, and open up an ancient, yet modern, world to those who walk this soil. Those of you who have been longtime readers of my Jerusalem Journal know that I poured my passion for living in this sacred place into the words and images I carefully crafted, giving you a window into life here and yes, into my soul. To new readers, “Welcome!”
The past nearly four years have stretched me, broken me in ways, and ultimately brought me to an unexpected place of widowhood as Gary and I walked a cancer journey which neither of us chose. My creativity and energy were sapped, but restoration and “the next step” is before me.
Gary’s death January 6th, 2017 ended his physical life, but our vision for The Writers’ Gathering he and I dreamed of on our rooftop terrace in the weeks just after our 2005 Jerusalem marriage has flourished and it is with great pleasure I introduce to you today those writers who will join me in Israel Oct. 26— Nov. 2nd.
Please pray for me as I embark on this solo and know that there is so much stored up in the sponge of my heart which will soon be squeezed out to you via Jerusalem Journal in the coming days. The Writers’ Gathering is fully funded by those of you who believe in what I am doing to bring creative writers of film, TV, theater, and novels to Israel, confident it will impact their stories. I am missing my favorite storyteller this journey; however, his joyous faith and the way he championed me cause me to reach for The Lord’s hand with expectation. To help me continue my work here and sponsor these storytellers in Gary’s honor click the “donate here” button below.
Enjoying the walk home,
Cindy
Dan O’Brien – Playwright, Poet, Librettist
“Visiting Israel has been a lifelong dream of mine. I was raised without much formal religion, but my family was certainly Irish Catholic in a cultural sense; questions of morality, mortality, spirituality—and the history and politics of these questions—have always concerned and inspired me as a writer.”
Andrea Stolowitz – Playwright
“I am currently working on a commission from Artists Repertory Theatre called REFUGEE RADIO about the current world-wide refugee crisis. I expect the trip will influence my thinking on this topic through understanding the history of Israel as a state for refugees and understanding the status of the Palestinians. I am also working on a play called PSYCHIC UTOPIA about “spiritual seekers” and those who have the desire to find larger universal truths. I imagine the history of the holy land has some true seeker stories. Overall I think the trip will give me the time and space to understand the spiritual side of the unique world of the holy land.”
Rod Barr – Screen / TV Writer
“For the last year or so, I have been working on a movie script about Mary, the mother of Jesus. The script is currently scheduled to shoot early next year, and I know my upcoming trip to Israel will influence not only all upcoming drafts, but also my ability to contribute powerfully on the set. I’ve been developing a thriller set in Jerusalem for some years now, and fully expect my trip to add dimension and reality to this project. But — truth be told — I am most excited about the possibility of this trip inspiring entirely new projects, and taking my work, and my heart, in unexpected directions.”
