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Event Summary: Honoring Helen Miller and Her Memoir, I Don’t Swim
Former Iowa Representative Helen Miller was celebrated in a warm, packed-room gathering, co-hosted by me, with
, who encouraged (I nagged) Miller to write her memoir. The event was filled with humor, candor, and powerful reflections on race, resilience, and public service.As you listen to this video or read the transcript, please consider the stories you might share with family and friends. Then come to the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat this September 28- October 1. You can hear Helen Miller talk more about the process of publishing her book, along with others who will be there to help you get started on any project - essays, memoirs, poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and now songwriting. It can be just two and a half days ‘away from it all’ or the beginning of you finding your voice.
How It Began:
Helen didn’t set out to write a book. The journey began when she wanted to share a story about one of her grandsons. That story became an editorial, then a nudge from Julie and Rekha turned into an invitation to the Okoboji Writers’ Retreat.
She resisted at first—skeptical of the writing crowd. But eventually, something clicked, especially when she shared a reflection on why she never learned to swim. That moment opened the floodgates.
About the Book Title – I Don’t Swim:
The phrase is intentional. Not “I can’t,” but “I don’t.” It speaks to choice, cultural history, and inherited trauma.
Helen traced the origins of her reluctance to swim back to a racially motivated incident in South Carolina that led her family to flee to Newark, NJ—an early, defining lesson in race and silence.
Family, Race & Memory:
Her parents shielded her from racism; growing up in Newark, she lived in what felt like a protective bubble.
It wasn’t until she saw a photo of Emmett Till in a newspaper that the reality of racism struck her.
She reflected on the silence in Black families—how stories often went untold out of fear or pain. Her book is a way to break that silence for future generations.
Service in the Legislature:
Helen spoke candidly about her time in the Iowa House of Representatives. Despite moving to Fort Dodge in 1999 and being elected by 2002, she quickly became a respected, bipartisan leader.
She was known for collaboration, humor, and persistence—especially in passing legislation like the dense breast tissue notification law, which she championed for years.
She prided herself on being approachable, authentic, and unafraid to bring joy—even once frying beignets in the Capitol rotunda.
Why She Wrote the Book:
She wanted to ensure that her children and grandchildren knew her story and the realities of American history as she lived them.
She wanted readers to walk with her through key civil rights moments—from MLK’s assassination to the O.J. Simpson verdict—and understand what they meant personally and collectively.
On Being Black in America:
Helen emphasized that being Black is her “superpower.” While it has sometimes been a barrier, it's also brought strength, insight, and solidarity.
She encouraged younger Black women to lean into their authentic selves, be bold, and carry forward the legacy with confidence—not just resilience but purpose and joy.
Final Note:
Helen’s blend of wisdom and wit captivated the room. She insisted on spreading joy, defying stereotypes, and reminding everyone: “Nobody is stealing my joy, and I’m not giving it away.”
You can buy the book on Amazon or support your local independent booksellers throughout Iowa.
Thank you
, , , , , and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.
Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat will Feature Peter Hedges
Big news. Big, big news.
Peter Hedges will be with us in Okoboji
Peter Hedges to Lead Workshops at the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat
Big news. Big, big news.
—Oscar-nominated screenwriter, acclaimed novelist, and native Iowan—is coming to Okoboji.Yes, that Peter Hedges. The creative force behind What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, About a Boy, Dan in Real Life, and Ben Is Back will join us this fall as participant and mentor at the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat.
As of this week, Peter officially joined the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative.
To celebrate, Richard and I rewatched What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, in which a young Leonardo DiCaprio earned his first Oscar nomination, followed by About a Boy, which Hedges co-wrote. These are master storytelling classes, and Peter will now be teaching live workshops in Iowa.
When I asked if he’d consider leading a few sessions while at the retreat, he answered immediately: He’d be delighted.
This is a rare opportunity to learn from someone who has not only written bestselling novels and screenplays but also directed A-list actors, including Julia Roberts, Steve Carell, and his son, Lucas Hedges.
What Might He Teach? Whatever He Wants.
But here are some areas where Peter brings deep experience:
Screenwriting & Adaptation
Turning Novels into Films (Gilbert Grape)
Screenplay Structure & Economy (About a Boy, Ben Is Back)
Writing Roles Actors Crave
Thinking Like a Director (even if you aren’t one)
Fiction & Memoir
Mining Personal Truths (An Ocean in Iowa, The Heights)
Creating Characters People Care About
Writing Family Dynamics Without Clichés
World-Building That Works for Page and Screen
Craft & Process
Overcoming Writer’s Block
The Art of Revision
Balancing Heart and Humor
Sustaining a Career Through Ups and Downs
Industry & Inspiration
The Realities of “The Business”
Staying Grounded While Dreaming Big
Why Storytelling Matters More Than Ever
Peter’s voice is built for the authenticity that Substack allows—and so is yours.
We’re beyond thrilled to welcome him home to Iowa and Okoboji.
P.S. He just published his first post on Substack. And check out yesterday’s edition of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative Roundup, featuring 25+ powerful voices from across Iowa and the nation.
Remember: Everyone has a story. Let us help you tell yours. Learn more
I am thrilled to be a founding Iowa Writers’ Collaborative member. Here is yesterday’s edition. Read the IWC inaugural column by
and over 25 other outstanding writers from across the state and nation.
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