Jun 2024 Newsletter
Welcome to the Rebecca Dykes Writers Newsletter
Rebecca Dykes Writers acts as a resource for writers who wish to write stories about violence against women and girls for young readers.
The 2024 Writing Through Trauma to Empower Young Readers Retreat
In April, Rebecca Dykes Writers, together with the Highlights Foundation, offered their Writing Through Trauma to Empower Young Readers retreat. Held at the Highlights campus in Pennsylvania, this unique event brought 27 writers together to explore the intersection of personal trauma and the creation of story.
What makes this retreat special is the focus on the mental health of trauma survivors combined with the craft of writing. The Highlights campus was closed to other events during this workshop, making the always welcoming space even more nurturing as writers explored and discussed difficult topics. Author and mental health professional Bethany Walker led two optional narrative group therapy sessions, and authors A.S. King, Padma Venkatraman, and Heather Demetrios each gave inspiring lectures. Azra Rahim taught an introduction to Sufi breathing and whirling. Jane Houng spoke about the death of her daughter, Rebecca Dykes, and how the tragedy led to several humanitarian efforts and the founding of Rebecca Dykes Writers in her honor. Throughout the event, there was quiet writing time, meditation, and the always delicious Highlights meals. On the last evening, Yvonne Ventresca led the group’s open mic night, where people shared moving excerpts from their work.
Because of the personal nature of the retreat, it’s difficult to briefly summarize the emotional impact it created. (For insight into one participant's experience, check out scholarship recipient Jess Rinker's recent post.) Overall, this one-of-a-kind event enabled writers to connect in a special way that created a transformative, powerful experience.
Good news! Plans are currently in the works for the next retreat in fall of 2025!
A few resources and quotes mentioned at the retreat:
“Run from what's comfortable. Forget safety. Live where you fear to live. Destroy your reputation. Be notorious. I have tried prudent planning long enough. From now on I'll be mad” ~Rumi
Writing as a Way of Healing: How Telling Our Stories Transforms Our Lives by Louise de Salvo
Healing Through Words by Rupi Kaur
“… that you write to save your life is really true and so far it’s been a sturdy ladder out of the pit” ~Alice Walker
No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model by Richard Schwartz
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News from RDW founder, Jane Houng
In addition to Jane's ongoing work with Becky's Button, she recently launched a podcast, Mending Lives, with five episodes to date. Look for interviews with author and retreat faculty Amy King on June 27th, and author and retreat participant Jess Rinker on July 7th.
News from RDW program diector, Heather Demetrios
Heather is offering a limited number of editorial critiques this summer.
She says, "I absolutely love doing this transformational work, so I invite you to consider signing up for one this summer - I have 10 more spots left, but they fill up quickly. I love seeing the insights people have about themselves, the challenges they're untangling in their own lives through their stories and the deep insights they have about their place in the world. Plus, it's so great to observe aha! moments happen in real time on our editorial call. An editorial critique with me is everything you need to take your book to the next level while also engaging in a truly life-shifting process that challenges you not only to look at your practice, process, craft / story, goals, but also engages you in fully meeting who you are right now and what is holding you back. Editing is a deep pleasure for me because it's a place where I can set the world to rights. And it gives writers the opportunity to do the same as they revise."
Contact Heather if you have any questions.
