Jack Grapes: Writing Classes

Your class was one of the most incredible classes I've ever taken. —Kari Walters

Not only did I learn from you, but I couldn't help reflecting how you stayed present for all of us, being completely giving and encouraging and supportive and loving. You made us all seem less invisible. You've created a safe and inspirational place for artists and dreamers, and your method is pure genius. —Kristen Mackall

I'm proud to be part of this group of people. I've been in many acting classes over the years. And throughout all those years I've made one lifelong friend from those classes not including the actresses;). That is not to say I don't like actors. I have some very close friends that are actors. I guess what i am saying is that I have met so many wonderful people from these past two classes—people that will remain friends. Thank you for creating such a wonderfully supportive, nurturing and creative environment. —Todd Feder

When I was leaving your Saturday class, I said to one of your advanced students (the one who read the dream about her mother drowning), "How does it get any better than this?" She looked down at me for a long minute and slowly said, "You have no idea." Can't wait for the summer class." —Fran Vogel, Long Beach

I've been meaning to write to you since I left for Harvard in 1994. Your beginning writing course unlocked me enough to write my application to Harvard and earn two Masters' degrees. Much gratitude for your vision, skill, and dedication. Is there any way for me to keep refreshed while living in Cambridge. —Alison LaMonde.

I want you to know what your guidance has meant to me, even though I'm still percolating on the richness of it. I feel I was part of something special, something living, something that was greater than the sum total of all the souls collected in your living room for those nine weeks. You have such a gift for leading, for inspiring and knowing how to make that knowledge accessible and something that I feel I can hold onto. That you are continuously building a community of writers in Los Angeles is no less important than that you are continuously nourishing individuals. It's so freeing to have the focus be on the individual voice and responsibility to clarity of uniqueness. —Leslie Erganian

I wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I appreciate you and what you do and how it has enriched my life. Yesterday I received "Without a Net" the chapbook by Lee Williams, who just finished your basic class. It made me cry tears of joy. So I thank you for that manifestation I knew it would be such a rich connection. I also want you to know that everything I have learned about the process, the method that you have distilled and shared, is the gift that keeps on giving. I keep finding deeper ways to use the wonderful tools that you offer. I also am so grateful to have the products that I created in class, that serve me in so many ways. I continue to write, and look forward to the next class. —Mary Holmes

I am so grateful for your life and genius, your open heart and generosity at facilitating miracles. I'm a few weeks away from the final cut on my first film DENSE that germinated in the hallowed space that is your class. It so gratifying to have accomplished this feat (with the help of some amazingly talented people working both sides of the camera). But the fact that it started in the safe space that you create when you nurture writers to give our gifts and cultivate our best selves makes it even more mind blowing. Even when you were telling us what could become of our chapbooks I didn't see this coming(though something deep inside me tingled with recognition). —Vanessa Williams

I want you to know that you've already helped me to open up a door into my writing that was closed, locked, bolted, and welded shut for the last thirty years (I wrote beautifully and often until I was 12) No small accomplishment in just two weeks of your class. Thanks —Bryan Unger

I want to thank you for the vast new worlds you have given me through this class. Trying to say just how much richer my writing life has become in the past few weeks — words simply escape me. I'm exhilarated by all the handouts, poems, and bios by and about poets I knew or had never heard of, and by your readings, energy, and the handouts on craft. You have truly changed my way of writing, of thinking about words, and I know my writing and my approach to it have changed incomparably. You've changed my life, that's probably enough. —Barbara Sax

I really loved seeing so many writers blossom under your guidance. I believe your class—or something like it—should be requisite for all creative writing programs. What you teach is so important, and so basic (though I'm not saying it's easy). —Terry Anne Kannofsky

I sent some of the work I wrote in your class to various publications, & got 2 poems accepted. Thanks for pushing me to take chances." —Sharon Duncan

There's something magical that happens each class. Time and again our writing changes, but more important, you change people's lives! Because we begin to see more clearly who we are & we find a way to say it from that simple, truthful place we all can remember if we allow ourselves to go there. Like we get to be the kid again & you're the nurturing dad we never had. Without a doubt, this is the best class I have ever taken. I was mesmerized by your ability to teach us as a group and at the same time, tune into who we were, what we needed, and guide us to where we were going. Just as writing is personal and universal at the same time, so is the way you teach. And it's all done from a place of love. —Sue Gaetzman

You probably hear this a lot, but. . . your class has changed my life! Taking your classes and being a part of this experience has re-ignited a long smoldering desire to go back and finish my degree at UCLA and pursue the creative writing program. I have been a music video and commercial line producer for almost 18 years, always supporting the creative process but never allowing my own voice to be heard. It has been a great career but for the past few years I have been searching for what is next for me. I am ridiculously busy producing six commercials through July but I plan to take the class again. Thanks again for everything! All the best —Jessica Cooper Carlson

Just another quick thanks. I too felt the many facets of a sparkling diamond. Last night's class reading book ended the class wonderfully. I got to speak to everyone individually and take those relationships up a notch. The Collective is working. I felt it last night as continuing education with you, a short film potential and the various relationships that developed outside your room were all milling about the chatter. Terrific. I do look forward to working with you again. Thanks for the tremendous support and encouragement; you make us feel able. —Ari Macht

I have to tell you that studying with you has been the most amazing experience on so many levels. Just the idea of taking some of my old emotional issues and channeling them into a positive creative process has been a revelation. Learning how to write from all of this and making a book...I will consider that gravy. Thank you for being there and for doing this...and for changing the very core of my life in the process. You just gather all of us up in your living room and give yourself away with joy...and I don't know that you fully realize the massive impact your gift has on some of us. I feel so blessed to know you. —Doreen Ringer Ross

You probably have too many of these to answer, but I want to say thank you for this class. I've never EVER been in a writing group situation that doesn't foster competition and envy amongst its members, or where the teacher isn't on some self flattering campaign for supremacy. Hearing all the wonderful work read in your class, I'm really really just glad and excited and encouraged by the process and the constant, heartbreaking and heartmending reminders that art matters and that it's worth blood and guts to do my part. So, thanks. —Lynn Cohen

Thank you soooo much for such a great class last night. The exercises that you had Scott and Valerie work through were especially. helpful. I think I'm really getting it now, and it feels great to have and understand these tools you're giving us. Also, that sense of community you talked about in your email is part of the reason I decided to take "a class," and I'm really beginning to feel that sense of community with our group. That's what the Collective is all about. SO thanks for that too; for being such a great teacher and orchestrator. I love these people and love hearing what they have to say. —Tracy Quigley

Thank you for an incredible experience. I've taken many writing workshops in my life, but I've learned techniques from you and gained confidence in ways I never dreamed possible. Now my curiosity is whetted for the next class in the fall and I am thrilled to see that so many other people are also planning to take again. The connection I made with fellow writers was also a hugely valuable part of my experience. —Kathryn Stern

Hi Jack, I'm enjoying this class. I'm blown away by the talent. Do you always collect so much talent on one setting in such a short period of time? I met some amazing people in that class. you really have a gift of bringing people together then stepping back and letting the synergy flow. it's truly a gift, Jack. —Caren Macdonald

Thanks for the encouragement. I am still on cloud nine. I owe it almost all to you and the classes. I was scared to death that first time I read in your living room, now here I am at a mike in a blues club. Amazing! I am so appreciative of your classes and your teaching. You just don't know. I don't know whether you've given any more thought to a show, but I was thinking, if so, you should also consider making a documentary. Here is this guy, Jack Grapes, who loves poetry, quotes the classics going back to the ancients, and he is trying to teach the stuff to a group of LA folks, many of whom, like me, are clueless. He's got writers looking for a kick start, entertainers, composers, actors, porno actresses, grandmas, business guys, lawyers, film directors, etc. All this going on in the Mecca of the anti culture. He's quoting Quintus Hotatius Flaccus and we're like, Say what? But he inspires a group who loves words just for their literary quality. Could they attract an audience on short pieces based purely on literary values and speaking from the soul. That's the start. Who knows where it ends? —Doug Shuit

What magic you possess and give to each of your students—students of life and art. —Kathleen Griffin

I came home and had a bookbath with everyone's chapbooks. I got in my bed cheesing at everyone's masterpiece and I started soaking it all up. I think you should have an additional class after the books come out so we can all gush on each other. I've been gushing by phone. I guess the advanced class kinda serves that purpose. Well see you in January. I am transformed and soooooooo empowered by this experience. My classmates' work inspired new entries for me, this stuff is endless Thank you again for your gift. Jack. Though I know its about the process, the product is so rewarding Jack. It's more fulfilling than the best job, acting or otherwise that I've ever had. I feel so empowered by this work. New stories are busting thru. I sit down to write one thing then out popped this whole rather bleak story about a wife beater. This process has given me permission to tell all my stories, even the ones I didn't know I was trying to tell. One more thing. One of my stories from SHINE is going to be published in Essence magazine. Vestibule is slated to come out in the April issue in the section called Interiors. Of course I'm thrilled and affirmed. Thank you Jack for facilitating these miracles and blessing in my life. I'm so grateful to know you as my teacher. —Vanessa Williams

I find this class completely humbling and inspiring at the same time. What an incredible environment you've created and how lucky am I. —Pam Putch

You are an amazing teacher. I wanted you to know how seamlessly you seemed to assist in eliciting such deeply personal work from everyone! For me the biggest revelation has been—that once the door to creativity is nudged open and if I/we can just let it flow unimpeded (like water), there is an endless outpouring—vs. holding on to something until it feels perfect and ready to put out in the world. Something has dramatically freed up for me, actually, in many different areas. So, thanks again for being the guy who gave such permission. There is some potent medicine that gets stirred in everyone reading and being witnessed. The chapbooks are all such gems I'm always amazed how different we all are and so much the same. —Georgianne Cowan

There were so many powerful pieces read tonight. We have many good writers in our class. And speaking of writing par excellence; you are a deep and visual writer. I love to read your work. I was reading your book of poetry, Breaking Down the Surface of the World again, earlier tonight. I think the people that are the best writers are the ones willing to be real with themselves. You are an amazing and beautiful being and teacher. Not to mention a very good writer yourself. You aren't afraid to speak your truth when you write. Even when it was less than desirable to look at or accept. As I said in the first class of beginning writing (this second time around): I am a fan. And I mean that with complete respect and honor. With you nudging your flock of students through the yellow brick path of "process." You inspire me. You share your courage just by willing to be 'with yourself' (whatever that may mean at any given moment). As the Latin cultural would see it: Baby, you've got balls. And don't we both know, that's what it TAKES to move through Life as opposed to being one of the walking dead. It's worth repeating: Bravo, I say. Bravo and jolly good job. —Lisa DuPree.

Since moving to San Diego, I looked around and about, trying to create a life for myself down here. I went to the Solana Beach library this week and asked the very nice librarian about writing groups, writing teachers, etc. I told her I'd been attending classes in L.A., and I missed my teacher and the writing community. She asked me questions. Is he a professor? What school did he go to? How does he teach? And, Jack, you're impossible to describe. I knew that to try to describe something like the "transformation line" and the "teeth and mouth" exercise was going to overwhelm her. I did the best I could. At one point I almost laughed out loud. You're just impossible to describe to someone who is thinking of something more conventional. I've been chuckling all week at the near impossibility of describing you or your teaching methods. Keep being indescribable. That's what makes you you. And I'm ever so grateful I had the opportunity for as long as I did to learn from you. —Victoria Melekian

Count me in for the evening session of the advanced class. Thanks so much for everything, Jack, you have made a huge difference in my life, my writing and my acting. I am very grateful, and I look forward to more! —Joannah Portman

I just recommended your class to a head hunter/job coach I met . . . It seemed a lot of his clients want to brush up on writing or get to the heart of it. Couldn't think of anyone more perfect than you!!! —Gabrielle Kelley

Thank You for teaching me how to play with my shadows and reclaim them as my own. I dove into my darkness and found my treasure chest; and slowly, I'm discovering my jewels. My voice, my truth, my self, my genius. And the best part of it is that this is just the beginning. Actually, the bestest :) part of this is discovering that "just being" is more than enough. Who knew living in between my light and my dark could be so joyful. I am filled w/abundance and gratitude. It was you who showed me that risking is a shameless act, regardless of the outcome. I closed my eyes and stepped forward—and you kept me from falling, like you promised you would. I retrieved my soul AND claimed my artist self. I am a better actor, writer, dancer, spirit from knowing you. —Diahann Reyes

This is the first creative writing class I've ever taken and it was worth the wait. For the first time in my life, I see myself as a writer (this comes and goes, but at least it comes). I can't tell you how exciting it is to see how everyone in class has grown into their voices. Even the terrifying reading aloud has helped me take some pride in my work. I still dread it, but I always feel empowered afterwards because I got through it and because it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. That's the feeling I hope stays with me when the class ends, that if I get through the procrastination and fear, then there will be a sense of satisfaction and pride on the other side. I hate going to the gym, but I always feel better afterwards. —Julie Durk

I just wanted to thank you so much for the last nine weeks . . . before i started the class i was struggling . . . really struggling with the idea that i could be a writer even though i spend more hours of the day raising my son than i do pounding the keyboard . . . and struggling with the idea that i was entitled to pursue this dream of writing at all. I feel like you must have touched me with some kind of magical fairy dust because those psychological struggles seem so remote only nine weeks later. you inspired me to take the process seriously . . . I worked really hard and at the end of it, I feel a new sense of confidence and peace about pursuing this writer's journey. —Rachel Iverson

At our first meeting, lo those many weeks ago, you (and Rikka and Laurel) said that taking your class would be a life changing experience. And it was. One thing I didn't get to say to you is that I hope you can find a way to make your class available on a DVD.While a lot of the class depends on your very precise and personalized feedback, it is a shame that more people can't have the experience of learning from you. There are so many wonderful new technologies already available that I'd bet there is something that would allow you to bring your teaching to a wider group of students. It's a thought. So anyway, thank you, Jack, for your wonderful class, for your wonderful process and, most of all, for sharing the gift of you. —Keta Hodgson

The truth of the matter is: there would be no door for which I could be a wizard, there would be no stage for which I could be a bright light if it wasn't for your generosity and commitment to people. The success of all of us is an outstanding example of what happens when someone (like you) gives. —Marianne Franco

Wanted to let you know that I got accepted into a bunch of Grad schools for my MFA in fiction. So I want to thank you. Had I not taken your class, my writing would still be confined to scrap paper and random inspiration. You set the ball rolling and now I am running after it. Thank you. —Joannah Portman

Let me say that I woke up thinking how enriched my life is because every week I am witness to an amazing array of life and people and my eyes are opened to a much bigger world than I could imagine on my own...because I sit in your living room. Thank you. —Lisa Feintech

Thank you so so so much for this class....and thank you for letting my mom be a part of last night. She was very moved by everyone's work and felt it a gift to be a part of that...as did I. This is one of the most amazing things I've experienced in my life. Such incredible people and the writing inspired me each week. You are a great teacher, jack. Thank you for letting me be a part of this group. I can't wait to do it again. Thank you for providing such inspiration. This was the best class I've ever taken. —Laura Leigh Hughes

Thanks you so much for such a beautiful class this summer. You create such a wonderful environment for everyone to come together. Thanks for encouraging me to connect to my deep voice and to give a piece of my soul to my writing. It's interesting for me to witness the effect the class has had on my life. I feel like somehow you helped me take an express train to my center. Your support in this class helped me read a poem at the last reading in front of my parents. The effect of doing that has been transformative on my family. I can't wait to take the next advanced class. —Angela Towle

Jack..just a note to say hi. I miss your classes! And, thanks to the training I got from you I now am working on books 2 AND 3 (hope to get 2 done in two more weeks, then onto the *big* one)....all thanks to you! I never would have thought I had it in me, writing books, that is, until you allowed the real writer in me to emerge from her chrysalis. —Patti Britton

I am continually astonished at the way you seem to be able to deconstruct all of literature and put it back together in a way that allows the reader to see the skeleton, the muscles, the cells even, of a body of work, while losing none of the surface beauty and mystique. It's also such a great life lesson to witness someone like you, Jack, who is so completely dialed into your gift. It just pours out of you (not necessarily without your own struggles), and you love it, obviously. I mean your writing, your writing about writing, your teaching writing, your nurturing other writers . . . the whole sensible whole. —Mary Holmes

Just want to tell you how much I love the class and it's a blessing beyond belief in my life and development as writer. I wish I could be in there everyday, I really do. Like at least two hours a day would be great. (Plus all the other hours to do the actual writing and an hour to take a walk, clear the cob webs out.) I'm working on the technique in faith. Thank you for everything. —Nicole Arlyn

I've been writing for about two years and was in a negative based writing group for over a year. I completed two short stories. Nothing has grabbed me as much as your method writing. I was a reporter and didn't understand how to plumb the depths and probably didn't want to either. I hope I can continue learning and growing through the process. Whatever the end result, one result for me will be that I finally have the deep voice which has been repressed forever and I thank you for that. I am amazed by the group's writing and, when I leave your house, I feel as if I have to take a few deep breaths to go back into the other world, not necessarily willingly. —Iris Cheyet

Thanks so much for the opportunity to be a part of the class and your wonderful world of characters who take your class. I enjoyed it and grew from it tremendously. The past several weeks have truly been a period of significant/life transformation for me, and your class and the writing I've been doing have played a large role in that process. —Elizabeth Bradley

I was deeply moved by the class reading yesterday and the level of talent and humanity shared in the room. As for my own reading, I have performed many times but I have never felt so alive and whole in my life. The combination of the magic movement of molecules which happens when you are fully present as a performer with the speaking of a truth which came up out of the heart of me was an incredible experience. So much so that this morning I made a commitment to myself to begin to explore creating a performance piece that I could do. With the generosity of your spirit and the greatness of your heart, you have created a sanctuary for a writer like me to explore and discover and grow. It's a small room we sit in together, but one with great light. —John Petz

I just returned yesterday from my first 10 day residency at Antioch's MFA in creative writing program. I used so much of your craft teachings while I was there. During our workshops, we were constantly asked, "What is the writer doing here in this passage?" And, since I took your classes, I could respond confidently. I know I wouldn't have gotten in to Antioch if I hadn't taken your classes and participated in the Festival of Books and Beyond Baroque. Thank you for creating a complete program. I am so grateful. Your classes have grounded me, given me confidence, put me in my best place of learning, and given me lots of knowledge of craft. I will enjoy the MFA program because I took your classes first. —Sherilynn Lee

Anyway, I just wanted to thank you again for the elegant experience of sharing with these people and learning more every week. It is so delicious to have these tools and use them and keep learning all at the same time. I know you've heard that before but I don't think it can be overstated. Today when you were telling the Juggler for God story, I looked over at Sarah and she got all wet-eyed. Hmmm. It was a lovely class and I am grateful to be a part of it. —Mary Holmes

You and your teaching are mesmerizing. You cast a magic spell! —Susan McCall

I don't know where to begin, Jack. I learn so much from each and every class of yours even though I've heard the same exercises over and over again. It doesn't matter. There is always something new I didn't see or get or understand or just hearing it again pounds it into my head so that I don't have to think about an exercise, I just do it. Besides all that, listening to everyone's writing is mind blowing. That in itself is a learning experience besides being the most entertaining night of the week. Thank you Jack, thank you for your magic. Thank you for helping my fears as a writer disappear. Thank you for helping me see visions of what I want to do. Thank you for helping me to let words appear out of nowhere. And thank you for giving me that feeling of excitement to be able to learn about the world of literature, a subject that you so deftly fan out like a deck of cards. A subject that was never spoken about in my family. So zizz is a storee... of a little girl...search-ing, search-ing. Zizz iz a storee...and in the end I found my someone. Thank you Jack. See you in the winter class. —Leda Rogers

This is one of the most amazing things I've experienced in my life. —Trish Grayson

You've just had such an impact on my life. I know I'm only the 700th person to probably say that to you, but I tell everyone how empowering you are, how you help them transform what they see as shame or pain or judgment, into art. You have been such an integral part of me embracing who I am, and could be...which has helped me to help others hopefully do the same. Again, thank you for being you... so beautifully, simply, profoundly... in so many lives...I'm grateful. —Diane Charles

Even though I have not been able to write on a regular basis I have learned so much within the past few weeks, and I want to continue on when you start up again. I know this will likely sound strange to you - but there is a cathedral quality in the room with you and the other writers. I feel like I main line creativity every Tuesday night. It's like we had discussed on the second night ... we are all "in the room." The energy is pretty heady, and you are an amazing instructor with great stories and insights. Of course, part of it is because it is just so damn much fun! I am definitely a participant when fun is to be had. I've enjoyed watching my fellows open up and blossom. It has been exquisitely sweet. Thank you so much for making this so. It has been a tremendous gift for my spirit. —Donna Fletcher

I had to write to you because through this work I am seeing myself and my writing in a whole new light. The realization that your method is the path to finding "my deep voice" and the truth. It was so exciting to go over my journal with this newfound knowledge and find all of the "birthday cakes," some obvious, some hidden between the lines. —Deborah Brooks

Your class is truly one of the most engaging and satisfying of creative experiences. —Richard Piscuskas

I am still blown away and relishing class last night. Not only to hear people's efforts unfolding so beautifully, but to feel part of a community of writers, the frailty and tenacity of it all, the courage. It is not only provocative but insanely comforting, the relief of stopping there awhile, among other strugglers. Something very beautiful is happening in these classes you have created, nothing short of transformative. I am proud and relieved to know you. —Melinda McGraw

I want to express to you how much I loved class last Wednesday night...soapbox, Rilke and all the image moment drills. I have been waiting my whole life to be in a room where there is such passion for art and creativity and the challenge involved in marrying one's desire with one's ability. I was turned on and empowered to the nth degree. Thank you. —Ronna Dragon

During my studies at AFI, writing in an "authentic" way and finding our voice as a writer was talked about and considered a goal, but no one taught us HOW to do it! I wish we had had something like your class at the beginning of my graduate screenwriting studies. Your class should be requisite for all creative writing programs! —Terry Kannofsky, writer, film director

I just returned from the Iowa Summer Writers' Festival that is sponsored by the Iowa Writers' Workshop. This is the second year that I have attended. Last year I studied with Marvin Bell and Cecile Goding. This year, I studied with James McKean. When I am there, I find myself thinking of you a lot and talking about you a lot. The thinking of you is because you do such a marvelous job of running workshops. To be able to attend a quality workshop where you work every week and get great advice and feedback is truly a luxury for poets and writers. I didn't know how lucky I was to be a part of your workshops when I lived in LA. Nothing has come close since, except the Iowa workshops. They draw me back to the times that I worked with you. And I can tell you that your methods are better than anything else I have experienced. I find myself talking about you because of two things. First, when poets and writers and staff learn that I was part of your workshop for 5 years, they ask a lot of questions. People are very curious about you and your workshop. I think that they hear of it word of mouth and wonder if what they hear is true. You are quite well known, at least by the Iowa crowd. I also talk about you a lot because your teaching and advice comes through me a lot when I am commenting on other people's work. It is amazing how many talented, published poets and writers don't know many of the basics that you taught us. —David Widup

It has been awesome learning with you. Thank you so much for everything; your gift as a writer, your gift as a teacher, your generosity of spirit, your ego-less-ness is transmitting what you know to us. You are the best teacher I have ever had. —Beth Hirsch

Your class was one of the most incredible classes I've ever taken. —Kari Walters

Your method is pure genius! Not only did I learn from you, but I could not help reflecting how you stayed present for all of us, being completely giving and encouraging and supportive and loving. You made us all seem less invisible. You've created a safe and inspirational place for artists and dreamers, and your method is pure genius. —Kristen Mackall

When I was leaving your Saturday class, I said to one of your advanced students (the one who read the dream about her mother drowning), "How does it get any better than this?" She looked down at me for a long minute and slowly said, "You have no idea." Can't wait for the summer class. —Fran Vogel

I'm proud to be part of this group of people. I've been in many acting classes over the years. And throughout all those years I've made one life long friend from those classes (not including the actresses). That is not to say I don't like actors. I have some very close friends that are actors. I guess what I am saying is that I have met so many wonderful people from these past two classes—people that will remain friends. Thank you for creating such a wonderfully supportive, nurturing and creative environment. —Todd Feder

I was thinking about you after yesterday's class, about your gifts. What got me started was your saying that you don't do this (i.e. writing) because you're good at it; you do it because you love it. I know nothing about your writing as I've read none (but intend to once class is over...) so this note isn't a reaction in any way to your written work. This is about the incredible talent you seem to swim effortlessly in that I feel inexplicably driven to say: I notice. What strikes me so often is that, in the pursuit of one goal, sometimes people miss another that they achieve with the grace of angels. Jack, you have the unique gift to make each and every one of us in this class feel not that we could be writers but that we ARE writers, that the artist's life is one worth living, and that all that stands between us and greatness is our belief in our own limitations. I have watched as you have met each member of our class where they are, made us each feel seen and appreciated, and then carefully found and applied pressure to our individual knots. With your enormous generosity of spirit you have returned the sense of mystery and possibility we all lost along the way. It may be that you will help some of us write great works that speak to others. The true gift, however, is that you have given every one of us back our original sense of purpose and intrinsic value, that our perceptions—and the expression of those perceptions—matter. What a life's work. What an amazing and divine gift you have. Thank you for sharing it so freely. —Marley Klaus

You're an amazing teacher, so what you do goes far beyond line editing. You teach, push, prod, put up with tantrums, hammer, and sometimes you even say "good" or "not bad." You're not an editor, you're an extraordinary teacher. —James Jordan

I learned a lot in your class, Jack. Thank you for your unconditional support, sharing your vast knowledge and insight, and teaching us to write in our deep voice. Learning about the "image/moment" changed my life! It was a wonderful 8-week experience. I hadn't written anything for about 10 years — and your class gave me the structure and guidance I needed to get back in the game. I felt safe and secure in your class, and did not hesitate to reveal much of my life and deep feelings to "strangers." It was also an honor to be in the same room with so many talented and nice people. —Var Smith

Jack....I just sold my very FIRST piece to a prestigious magazine....4,000+ words! After so many years and a file box filled with rejections, I finally did it! Thanks for your part in this, for your wonderful classes with lessons that live on! — Caitlin Philips

I have told everyone I meet how wonderful your class is. I have taken and taught writing classes for too many years to mention. Your class beats out any I ever taught or was ever a student in. Just simply, you are brilliant, a blessing to writers, and yes, I am gushing. —Judy Rozzelle

Jack, I have been lucky enough to do what I love to do and follow my passion. My first was dancing. Then came Metaphysics. Then Pilates. And I feel so lucky to find a teacher like you. A man like you. Who feels like you do. Because you are the synthesis of many things that I have learned, but you've taken them to a new level, in a new direction, with more heart and appreciation for life. I love when you talk about the history of writing, of painting, of art in general and relate them to each other to make a point. I love it when you tell a joke. I actually told the Polish one with the guy trying to read the eye chart...XYZCHYZKY. "Can you read this," says the doctor...."Read it!" he says, "I know the guy!" I told that joke in my Pilates studio the other day. Something I rarely do because I often screw up the punch line. But lord knows I could tell more jokes. I love the way you value everyone and what they write. Even when you let us know we didn't quite get the exercise... you do it with love. I love the way you use each person's piece to teach everyone, no matter what level they are on. You encourage everyone to just love writing. Just love it. Love the story. Love the piece. Love how it makes you feel. Love where it takes you. Thank you for that. Thank you for everything you will teach me. Thank you for you. Thank you for enriching my life. Thank you for getting me out, raising my bar, for giving me new things to shoot for, different ways of looking at things. Thank you for being born. —Erica Jordan

Jack, you're the captain on a floating ark of creativity. There is a movement happening and it is inspired and focused. As a group, when someone may get seasick, the others stand tall for them in that moment. With gentle coaxing, you create a passionate empathy for one's truth. I have never experienced anything like it. —Sterling Greg Gardner

It was a wonderful 8-week experience. You've changed my life! Julie Trento

You are a wonderful teacher and mentor, partially because of the way you approach each student and each class. I was able to confront my fear yesterday, write enough to have something to read, and come to the class. The gift of awareness you have given me is priceless. My words of thanks cannot convey the power of my emotion. —Karen Macedonio

Your classes are awesome and you're a fantastic teacher. Last night, you were definitely on fire. At times i was sure you were pulling thoughts out of my head and vocalizing them. You said at one point, "This is a concrete method," and it was as though for a minute the mist cleared and I saw that something actually was possible in a consistent way. I mean, enough with the nebulous crap. So thank you. Thank you for teaching us something that we can hold onto, concrete examples that i can actually study and a method that doesn't evaporate. We had friends visiting and i almost didn't come to class last night. How glad I am that I did. —Ariana Trineer

Your class has been the highlight of my life. It has truly been on of my best experiences of my 7 years living in LA. The time I spent taking your class, both while within your walls reading, or at home writing, have been the most life changing for me. It has given me a chance to write like I talk, and with that I may have just begun to get to know who I really am. Taking the risk to read, and 'expose' myself to others has helped me to become more comfortable with who I am, and to be proud of who I also am. That is priceless. You have given me a rare gift that I thought I might never have the chance to find. —Jennifer Mancini

Thank you for getting me out, for raising my bar, for giving me new things to shoot for, different ways of looking at things. This has been an amazing experience; doing your Method exercises has changed my voice in a startling way. People who know what I have written before now are amazed at what has emerged, particularly in the use of the "Image/Moment" concept. And doing the Dreaded Association has produced one of the finest poems I've ever written. If there were no push up bras we would all be barefoot. —Catherine Klatzker

I just wanted to send you this email to say how much I loved your class and that my writing will never be the same (for the better). I enjoyed learning from you and would like to take your advanced class. Thank you again it was quite an experience. —Djuna Citrin

It is a wonderful thing when fortune points you in a direction and you actually listen. Your class and your philosophy is exactly what I didn't know I needed. My skull flap is open and all kinds of mysterious and wonderful things have been provoked. I am so inspired and blown away by the other people in class, and I know that your influence has been tantamount. Thank you thank you. —Ariana Trineer

This class has been as meaningful, if not more meaningful, than any therapy I have been in as a patient, or as a therapist, because I work with groups of cancer patients and I facilitate a young group of cancer patients where the guts and truth of life is in the room. I have felt in your class the same kind of power. Of course it has to do with your skills. First you make everyone count from the beginning. Your book is informative and exciting, and your assignments are so different from any others I have encountered in any other writing class. You make it possible. Most of all you are a teacher who doesn't just teach, you inspire. There is a feeling of safety in the class, and the group with your leadership provides that. No judgement. The group is part of the magic—the faces, the supportive response from everyone, the reading without cross talk. This probably doesn't even begin to explain what I saw and felt. I want to take the next class—ADVANCED—just look at that word. But you inspired me to go for a dream I have had and I thank you for the gift of a great teacher. — Lynne Silbert

I just wanted to take this time to express my gratitude to you about class. I am growing as a writer and haven't felt such support for my work as a writer like this before and it feels so good to me. The structure I am learning from you is really helping me find my way and giving me more confidence. Many thanks. —Daisy White

I am sad to end this session with you. It has truly been one of the most important happenings in my life, finding you and your classes! I think you are a genius for devising your writing method and so generous a person to share it with so many people! For me, simply having a safe place to come and express myself has been remarkable, the students are so exceptional, kind, and supportive...it's all very exciting. —Barbara Bartells