Too soon?
...I'm not sure, but let's have an open show today
So, we’ll gather together via Zoom at noon central time today. Or not.
Do you want to show up?
If you are a new subscriber — welcome! We are about to hit 4,000— today is Monday, November 11, and I have a tradition of hosting a weekly Zoom call over the noon hour for any subscriber (free or paid) who wants to join the call. Most of the time I have a featured guest, but some times I open it up to whatever is on the mind of the participants. I was a talk radio host many moons ago, and fell back into that kind of programming after discovering I could host a Zoom meeting, record it, and upload the conversation in podcast form here on Substack. To my surprise, last time I checked, we have an accumulated 70,000 views of this column in a month (and I’ve had 23,000 downloads of podcasts since starting this). So, it must be worth doing.
Is it just me, or is there a collective exhaustion now that the 2024 election is in the history books?
I’ll log in and see if anyone else wants to chat. I have no agenda, other than I’m curious about what you are thinking and feeling. I’m also interested in learning about interesting things going on in your life, and community.
I just dropped a note to Dianne Prichard, a regular reader and contributor here who lives in the eastern part of the state. She has co-authored a book about having conversations with folks who might think differently than you do, so it could be a timely topic.
Let’s talk about hobbies, television series you like to binge, the best restaurant in your town, and why you like it.
Maybe it’s irresponsible, but I’m not wild about talking about much other than things that sooth the soul.
Feel free to pick up the ball and suggest other topics. Household hints anyone?
I’ll show up, will you? I understand if you don’t feel like it, either.
Smile.
Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81623382439
Any Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat alumns here? What are you working on since OWR IV? I have a few questions for you, if you want to discuss today.
Otherwise, I’m wide open and curious to learn what’s on your mind.
OWR V
Speaking of the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat, I am now in the early stages of organizing the fifth annual event, to be held September 28-October 1. It’s become a life highlight for me, and for most of the people who’ve attended.
This idea was founded in the idea that there is a story in everyone.
That’s what my dad, Gordon Gammack, would say when someone asked how he wrote a daily column in the Des Moines Tribune for most of his adult life.
“There’s a story in everyone,” he said. And he found those stories roaming around foxholes during World War II, Korea, and Vietnam during war time, or walking into cafes and barbershops from Boone, Algona, Davenport, and Dubuque.
It’s a founding principle in my life, and this retreat is a way to help participants get in touch with telling their stories. It’s important.
Link to the OWR website:
https://okobojiwritersandsongwritersretreat.com
Iowa Writers’ Collaborative
Have you discovered this amazing Sunday Roundup of columns written by journalists, and authors who have an interest in Iowa? We have members living around the state, and each offers a slice of life worth inspecting. You’ll learn about issues you might not be aware of, or restaurants, or discover people who are of interest for a variety of reasons.
Our offering yesterday was dominated by takes from the election, but you’ll find other interesting tidbits about sports, dining out, culture, poetry and more. Check it out. If you want this content delivered to your inbox on Sunday mornings, subscribe. It’s free, unless you want to a supporter. Either way, we welcome you with open arms.
For our paid subscribers…
Remember, the holiday party for paid subscribers to any of our Iowa Writers’ Collaborative columnists will be held from 5-8 p.m., December 13, at the Harkin Institute on the campus of Drake University.
We will need a head count, so please let us know if you would like to attend. Also, for out-of-town guests, there is a link to a reduced room rate at a nearby hotel. The information is on this form:
Julie, I read your Dad's columns all the time. The one I remember he wrote about the night before men went to battle. They drank too much. gamble too much, they also prayed a lot. The men were scared but they did their duty. Say hello to J, Dudley for me. Dianne
I just finished removing all news from my iPad. Nothing short of an enemy invasion warrants my participation or involvement until January. Having neither control nor influence leaves me guilt free. I expect to emerge from this small staycation rebalanced and ready for the next round.
Please keep on truckin’! I love what you do!