Featured Writer

Cathy Millis

Writing Workshop Participant at Independent Living Resources, William Temple House and New Columbia and most recently in our Write On!: Returning Writers workshop.

Cathy was born in 1948 in Portland, Oregon. Her mother was a war bride from Cairo, Egypt. Cathy has three siblings. She describes herself as a very busy person, and she likes to read, write, play on the computer, do scrapbooking and Tai Chi. She also volunteers for Independent Living Resources, where she participated in her first Write Around Portland workshop.

Cathy was selected to participate in the Oregon Council for the Humanities' Humanities in Perspective (HIP) program at Reed College, and she is thrilled to be a student in this program.

Cathy is pictured, right. Her writing, published in our Spring 2006 anthology, Behind Me the Sun, and interview follow:

Why Did She Do That?

by Cathy Millis

Why did she do that? As I reflected on the prompt for the free write, I could not help but think about the letter I received in the mail. This letter was from the social service specialist. The letter was about the March 17th family decision meeting I had attended. It haunted me as it spoke of my inappropriate and rude behavior. The letter was very demeaning and spoke of things I do not remember.

Yes, I was disappointed with myself and my need to chatter. I had talked incessantly to the facilitator. Whatever caused me to do that? Or what was I thinking sitting by her? How stupid of me! Even though I knew she was typing the notes to the meeting I would not keep quiet!

I was so disappointed because my intentions were to observe and not participate. However, there I go again putting my foot in my mouth! What was I thinking saying I had found someone to be a mentor for Dakota? Why didn’t I just keep this information to myself? Because the caseworker was very upset by my comment. Then what possessed me to remark on her disapproval! I knew I was doomed and I could expect to receive her wrath....

....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL PIECE

Interview with featured writer Cathy Millis

Tell us about your experience in a Write Around Portland Workshop.

I was introduced to Write Around Portland through someone at Independent Living Resources in the fall of 2005. It was therapeutic and informational. I reached my goal to finish the workshop and attend every week. [Since then, Cathy has participated in three other workshops, including Write Around Portland Write On! workshop for returning writers.]

What did you get out of the workshop?

A lot of growth – in my vocabulary, writing, ideas and phrases. I made some bonding relationships with the other participants, too.

Had you written much before you joined the Write Around Portland workshop?

Not a lot. Maybe a little. A lot of people say they are writing a book, but that’s so not me. I want to learn to write so it’s not an effort, so that it just comes to me.

How was your experience writing in a group? Sharing with others? Hearing other people’s stories?

It spurred me on. It was good to hear what other people wrote about. I felt intimidated by other writers at first because they expressed themselves better than I thought I could. I am still working to be more confident.

Would you recommend Write Around Portland workshops to others?

Oh, yes! I think writing is a language of its own, a creative perspective. It’s therapeutic, and it helps with relationships with others.

What did the workshop help you learn about yourself as a writer?

I learned that I am creative but also uptight about my writing, in a way. Sometimes, I just want to make the words just flow.

Is there anything you would like to tell your readers about your writing?

It was a good experience to be published [in the Write Around Portland anthology]. It was fun! In the workshop, I’ve been able to be around people I enjoy because they have a goal. There is more substance in our conversations [because of the writing we share], which is good because I can’t do small talk.


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TAKE A Writing Workshop SIGN UP for Write Around Portland News WRITING RESOURCES	Publications & Writers Featured Writer Cathy Millis Writing Workshop Participant at Independent Living Resources, William Temple House and New Columbia and most recently in our Write On!: Returning Writers workshop. Cathy was born in 1948 in Portland, Oregon. Her mother was a war bride from Cairo, Egypt. Cathy has three siblings. She describes herself as a very busy person, and she likes to read, write, play on the computer, do scrapbooking and Tai Chi. She also volunteers for Independent Living Resources, where she participated in her first Write Around Portland workshop. Cathy was selected to participate in the Oregon Council for the Humanities' Humanities in Perspective (HIP) program at Reed College, and she is thrilled to be a student in this program. Cathy is pictured, right. Her writing, published in our Spring 2006 anthology, Behind Me the Sun, and interview follow: Why Did She Do That? by Cathy Millis Why did she do that? As I reflected on the prompt for the free write, I could not help but think about the letter I received in the mail. This letter was from the social service specialist. The letter was about the March 17th family decision meeting I had attended. It haunted me as it spoke of my inappropriate and rude behavior. The letter was very demeaning and spoke of things I do not remember. Yes, I was disappointed with myself and my need to chatter. I had talked incessantly to the facilitator. Whatever caused me to do that? Or what was I thinking sitting by her? How stupid of me! Even though I knew she was typing the notes to the meeting I would not keep quiet! I was so disappointed because my intentions were to observe and not participate. However, there I go again putting my foot in my mouth! What was I thinking saying I had found someone to be a mentor for Dakota? Why didn’t I just keep this information to myself? Because the caseworker was very upset by my comment. Then what possessed me to remark on her disapproval! I knew I was doomed and I could expect to receive her wrath.... ....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL PIECE Interview with featured writer Cathy Millis *Tell us about your experience in a Write Around* *Portland* *Workshop.* I was introduced to Write Around Portland through someone at Independent Living Resources in the fall of 2005. It was therapeutic and informational. I reached my goal to finish the workshop and attend every week. [Since then, Cathy has participated in three other workshops, including Write Around Portland Write On! workshop for returning writers.] *What did you get out of the workshop?* A lot of growth – in my vocabulary, writing, ideas and phrases. I made some bonding relationships with the other participants, too. *Had you written much before you joined the Write Around* *Portland* *workshop?* Not a lot. Maybe a little. A lot of people say they are writing a book, but that’s so not me. I want to learn to write so it’s not an effort, so that it just comes to me. *How was your experience writing in a group? Sharing with others? Hearing other people’s stories?* It spurred me on. It was good to hear what other people wrote about. I felt intimidated by other writers at first because they expressed themselves better than I thought I could. I am still working to be more confident. *Would you recommend Write Around* *Portland* *workshops to others?* Oh, yes! I think writing is a language of its own, a creative perspective. It’s therapeutic, and it helps with relationships with others. *What did the workshop help you learn about yourself as a writer?* I learned that I am creative but also uptight about my writing, in a way. Sometimes, I just want to make the words just flow. *Is there anything you would like to tell your readers about your writing?* It was a good experience to be published [in the Write Around Portland anthology]. It was fun! In the workshop, I’ve been able to be around people I enjoy because they have a goal. There is more substance in our conversations [because of the writing we share], which is good because I can’t do small talk.	"I just believe in myself more." Write Around Portland Participant Provide a writer with a journal, pen, bus tickets, and Anthology. Featured Writer Cathy Millis Click here to read about past featured writers.
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