After nourishment, shelter, and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world. – Philip Pullman
By Jerod Santek, Founding & Artistic Director, Write On, Door County
Is it any wonder that Sharing Our Stories can be abbreviated SOS? There’s no better lifeline than the sharing of stories. Stories are how we understand the world and each other.
From Conversation to Book
In 2017, James Mihaley, who led our summer creative retreats, organized a get-together of former employees of Palmer Johnson, the world-famous yacht builders based here in Door County. This was the start of collecting stories that became the book, The Boatyard. It started so simply — by people talking. Talking to one another. Talking to Jim.
Jim passed away in February of 2024. I was fortunate to work on his nearly-finished manuscript and get it into print. A private event for former PJ employees was held last weekend and while organizers envisioned 80 or so people, nearly 300 turned out. More than half of them former employees eager to continue sharing their stories. We’ll find a way to make that happen! (See below to purchase a copy of the book.)
Your Stories Matter
You didn’t need to construct a yacht for Ted Turner or the King of Spain to have a powerful story to tell. We are all made of stories. Stories that are too good to be lost. They don’t need to appear in publication but your recorded story is a powerful gift to leave for family members.
There are plenty of opportunities to discover how to tell your story coming up. Write On residents Nancy K. Fishman leads Beginning Memoir and Sally Collins offers Embracing Your Lived Experience in Fiction. For a different take on sharing stories of your life, Terry Murphy offers Songwriting for the Soul, a four-day intensive. Next month, founding board member Michael Brecke returns to Door County to lead the three-day class A Room Called ‘Remember.’
Don’t Know Where to Start?
Our free program, Memoir Mondays, is a great way to spark your memories and begin writing stories from your life. These sessions occur at different locations throughout the county, including Washington Island. These are low-pressure sessions led by generous volunteers who are passionate about helping people tell their stories.
The world needs more stories. The world needs your story. We can help.
Writing on the Door: Writing the World
Single Day Registration Now Available!
For those unable to attend both days of our conference focused on writing about nature and the environment, you can now register for Friday or Saturday only.
Friday’s schedule features a keynote conversation with author Dan Egan and Debra Fitzgerald of the Peninsula Pulse and a conversation with local writers on writing about the nature of Door County.
Featured on Saturday are a conversation with Daniel Slager, publisher of Milkweed Editions, and a panel discussion of eco-poetics with Kimberly Blaeser, Nicholas Gulig, Caryl Pagel, and Michael Walsh.
Register for one day or for the full conference now! We look forward to seeing you at the Landmark and celebrating Mother Earth with you!
Kids WOW Creative Camp Filling Fast — Register Now!
Monday – Friday, June 16 – 20
Grades 6 – 8, 9 am – noon: Creating Likable Characters with Baptiste Paul
Grades 3 – 5, 1 – 4 pm: The Art of Writing a Story with Baptiste Paul
Monday – Friday, July 7 – 11
Grades 6 – 8, 9 am – noon: Create Your Own Magazine with Erica Ringelspaugh
Grades 3 – 5, 1 – 4 pm: Create Your Own Magazine with Jill Stukenberg
Upcoming Classes
- Tuesdays, May 6 and 13, 10 – 11:30 am: Beginning Memoir: Truth is Stranger than Fiction with Nancy K. Fishman
- Monday – Thursday, May 12 – 15, 6 – 9 pm: Songwriting for the Soul with Terry Murphy
- Tuesday, May 13, 1 – 2:30 pm: Embracing Your Lived Experiences in Fiction with Sally Collins
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday, June 9, 11, 13, 9 am – noon: A Room Called Remember with Michael Brecke
AUTHOR CONVERSATION:
Gabriela Garcia and Christine Vines
The Friends of Door County Libraries and Write On partner for an evening of reading and conversation with two award-winning fiction writers, Gabriela Garcia and Christine Vines.
Thursday, May 22, 7 pm.
Kress Pavilion, Egg Harbor
Click for more information.
Buy The Boatyard
We are pleased to have available for sale The Boatyard: How a Rollicking Bunch in Rural Wisconsin Built the Finest Yachts in the World by the late James Mihaley.
Books may be purchased at the writing center or through our online store.
Free Ongoing Programs for Readers and Writers
MEMOIR MONDAYS
The 1st – 4th Mondays of the month, 10 am – 11 am
A one-hour creative lab intended for seniors but open to all who want to write their life stories. First Monday: at the Aging & Disability Resource Center, Sturgeon Bay, and at Serenity Springs, Sister Bay. Second Monday: Community Center, Washington Island. Third Monday: Write On, Door County. Fourth Monday: Hope Church, Sturgeon Bay. (Please note that due to the Memorial Day holiday, this session will be held on Monday, June 2.)
FUN & GAMES — LITERALLY!
First Sunday of every month, noon – 2 pm; drop in anytime
Bring family and friends to enjoy a variety of literary- and word-inspired games and puzzles! Did you know?: The games and puzzles are available for you to enjoy anytime we are open!
READERS’ CAFE
Third Sunday of every month, 11 am
Meet other book lovers and discover new titles to read in this informal and fun book discussion!
WHAT’S YOUR STORY?: PROSE OPEN MIC
Fourth Sunday of every month, 2 – 4 pm
Share new works of fiction or essays in a supportive environment. Hosted by Tony Smith and Kathleen Harris. Ten-minute reading limit.
ART/SPEAKS
Various Fridays, 11 am – noon
Take inspiration from visual art for poems and stories. Led by poets Peter and Carrie Sherrill and held at various art galleries and museums. Check our calendar for details.
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