What you’ll find here
Writers Book Club
Get insights and inspiration from writers, with writers.
Lyrical musings
Study the storytelling in songwriting.
Writing on the fly
Drop in on a breeze and write something fresh.
News from the Muse
Listen to what the muse has to say.
The importance of Inspiration
Writing is a combination of Intuition and Practice –
It’s being open to the mysterious creative process where ideas, characters, and themes can appear to the writer seemingly out of thin air. Simultaneously, it’s also a fine-tuning of words and sharpening of story – improving our skills to do the “work” of writing.
So what happens when the magic gets lost in “the grind” of writing? How, as writers, do we find our way back to the place where words flow, and ideas emerge on the page with joy and ease?
That’s what MRO’s Creative Space is about: intentionally seeking inspiration as we face the empty page – a simple, yet powerful approach. When we savor and integrate new sparks of wisdom, we tap into the magnetism of creativity, experiencing the delight of surrender to a flow that carries our stories into the world.
Lyrical Musings
Study the Storytelling in Songwriting
Great songs are composed by great storytellers. In Lyrical Musings, we take a deeper dive into how good lyrics fit a storytelling structure, exploring the way the song’s musical arrangement heightens the listener’s experience of the story. Together, we create an inspiration playlist to make getting back to the page and in the flow feel like fun!
Event Details
These occasional Zoom gatherings focus on a popular musician or composer, all artists regarded as great storytellers in music.
You are invited to listen to the song(s) ahead of the session, or wait to listen so you can share your impressions in real time!
Next Event
Billy Joel: September 23
We’ll look at the storytelling musicianship of Billy Joel through his song “Allentown.” Preview: the composer uses both the arc story structure and a pattern to tell this story. The tale is evocative and resonant, and a big reason why the song…
Billy Joel: September 23
We’ll look at the storytelling musicianship of Billy Joel through his song “Allentown.” Preview: the composer uses both the arc story structure and a pattern to tell this story. The tale is evocative and resonant, and a big reason why the song…
December 23: Christmas Is Almost Here
A lush melody and poetic lyrics weave the Christmas Story with the memories and hopes we hold today. Written by Livingston Taylor, we’ll reflect on Carly Simon’s recording (we may also visit Livingston’s version), to discover the structure of story and verse,…
Writing on the Fly
Drop in on a breeze and write something fresh
Focused creative writing sessions with a spontaneous, come-as-you-are feeling.
There is nothing needed to prepare for the event – through prompts and reflective listening, we’ll rediscover the joy and fun of writing that may have gotten lost working on a project or in the daily grind.
Event Details
These occasional Zoom gatherings provide a space for writers of any experience level to set aside their current writing project and tap into a deep well of inspiration.
In taking time to listen, write, and share in what resonates, we cultivate our connection to creativity and the joy of inspired action.
news from the Muse
When we listen, the Muse is often there to guide us. In MRO’s Creative Space, I share what the Muse has been sharing with me in the hopes of adding to your inspiration as well!
For The Sake of Havin’ You Near
In The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron nurtures, then shoves, Recovering Creatives out of the nest. The fledgling Creative is torn between expression and safety. Let’s see which way she flies, to the tune of a great Frank Sinatra standard. The whole trip…
The Job of Story
That’s the job of moviesand literature, and art and dance:to remind people that we’re human beingsand that every one of us has dignity,and every one of us is valuable.That’s the job, right?!It’s a compassion engine at its best. – Ethan Hawke
“MRO Creative Space events are always good for the soul.”
– Regular Attendee
Feeling Inspired?
Sign up & let the creative sparks fly
All inspiration and events are free for you to enjoy! When you sign up here, you’ll receive announcements for new events, and reminders with meeting details when an event is approaching.
You’ll also receive “News from the Muse,” designed to inspire writers, creatives, and anyone else who wants to tune in.
