Sisters Grace and Sarah Clifton are both aspiring writers, and they like to hang out in places like coffee shops with their laptops for a little caffeinated inspiration. One day not long ago they were sitting and writing together at Analog Coffee at the corner of Broadway and Main in Madison when owner Noah Wright noticed them and started up a conversation.
“I’d seen them in here before,” explains Noah, “and I could tell they were engaged in something more than just checking email and scrolling the Internet. They told me they were working on poems and songs and essays. Well, that kind of creative process is what Analog Coffee Shop is all about. We’re here to encourage hands-on creation and exploration. I told them they should start a writers’ group, and offered the shop as a meeting space.”
“Analog just fits our vibe,” says Grace. “I actually used to work here when Greg Hayes first opened it as GH Coffee, and I’ve always liked the location right across from the Broadway fountain. But then Noah has just taken it to the next level, with the vinyl albums for sale and the emphasis on art and music. We love it here.
“So when Noah suggested hosting a regular writers’group here, it was just natural. We call ourselves The Inkblots, and it’s not that different in form from a sewing circle or a book club. Lots of discussion, lots of socializing, lots of encouragement and friendly support. The name is based on a writing group that C.S. Lewis and Tolkein were in called the Inklings. I changed it to Inkblots because it’s a little bit messier, and more like a Rorschach test.”
The Inkblots group meets at Analog every first and third Sunday at 2 p.m. for anyone interested in attending. There is no cost and it’s open to everyone.
Sarah chimes in, “No matter what kind of writing you do, or maybe you just want to learn, you’ll find a comfortable home in our group. We have people writing all types of fiction, from long format to short stories. We have poets, essayists, journal keepers and songwriters. If you like putting ink to paper, or keyboard to laptop as the case may be, you are welcome to join us.
“The thing to remember is, we all have a story to tell. It might be about love or loss or joy or regret, and those are stories often told by all humanity. But your voice is unique, and it’s important to express and share your singular viewpoint.”
“What we usually do,” explains Grace, “is start with some kind of icebreaker exercise to get the group going. Maybe a word association or a visual image to react to. Just something to get the juices flowing. People can read us their work if they want to share, or you don’t have to at all. It’s very friendly and laid back. The important thing is you start to realize you’re not alone in your feelings and perspectives, that we’re all growing together. It’s very comforting and empowering.”
“It allows me to work my brain from different directions,” says Sarah. “And sometimes it awakens a dormant feeling or expression that I haven’t been able to pinpoint. I just really enjoy the whole process, and the more people we have to share it, the better it works.”
Grace continues, “It’s all about getting to your own heart, I guess that’s it in a nutshell. I want to encourage everyone to come and join us. We have everything from published writers to what I like to call never-writers. All are welcome and all can contribute to the group.”
Hot Tip of the Week
Astute readers of this column and the attending weekly calendar will notice that a lot more shows are happening at Red Bicycle Hall. This is no coincidence. The owners of “The Bike” have made a commitment to presenting more music on a more consistent basis. If you are not familiar, Red Bicycle Hall is Madison’s premier live music venue for bands playing original music. So think, Headliners in Louisville, the Hi Fi in Indy, or Top Cats in Cincy. While virtually all of the other music in town at the bars and clubs is free with no cover charge, Red Bike shows are ticketed, so you should plan ahead if you want to attend. All Red Bike tickets are available at MadTixEvents.com. You may or may not have heard of the band playing at The Bike, but rest assured the shows have been curated to provide a memorable and enjoyable musical experience every time.
{h4 style=”text-align: center;”}This Week in Music{/h4}
The Central — Jam w/Jimmy
Rivertown Grill — Zach Hackney
Rivertown Grill — Karaoke
1st Street Saloon — L&L Karaoke
Rivertown Grill — Vaguely Familiar
Riverboat Inn — Joe & Deano
1st Street Saloon — Caleb Florence
The Central — Smokin’ Jokers
Red Bicycle Hall — Buffalo Wabs & Price Hill Hustle
The Central — Tailfin Cadillac
Thomas Family Winery — Anthony Ray Wright
1st Street Saloon — DJ Nate
Rivertown Grill — Crossfire
The Drake — Scotty Butters
Red Bicycle Hall — Tony Logue & the 184 w/Zac Kellum
Rivertown Grill — Ruben Guthrie
Charlie Rohlfing is a retired advertising man and partner in The Red Bicycle Hall music venue. Look for his distinctive fedora bobbing above the crowd, anywhere live local music is happening.
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