Red Room Rescue: The Three R's!
Red Room did not rescue me from the edge of a cliff, from a burning building, from a crashing plane.
But rescue me it has done several times: from isolation, from feeling alone in the universe as a writer. When I first began blogging at Red Room, I was on my way to the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, and I was nervous as hell. Belle Yang wrote to me on Red Room to encourage my thinking about the difference between secular time and sacred time at the artist colony.
When I got to VCCA, and was placed in a dark studio, Red Roomers urged me to ask for one with more light. I did so, and Sheila Pleasants at VCCA was able to accommodate my request immediately, graciously. Red Roomers on the West Coast cheered my bravery and my new studio on the East Coast. That was an "aha" moment for me! The power of networking hit home in a very positive way.
I've been a fan every since. An online network may seem like technology only, cold. But in this case, the human beings behind the project: Ivory Madison, Huntington Sharp, and Belle Yang, to name a few stars--these leaders are superb writers and artists in their own right, activists and caring individuals. I don't how they do it all, but they do!
Red Room has not rescued me from my own shortcomings, but the network has given me the opportunity to express myself in poetry, photographs, and video, and that artistic expression has a resonant impact, a healing power of its own. Thank you, Red Room!
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Ivory Madison says:
Thanks, Marilyn, you made my day
How kind of you to take the time to remind me why I do this. :)
When I was thirteen, and had dropped out of high school, all I had were my books, and the imaginary conversations I planned to have with the authors when I someday got to meet them and ask them how to make my way in the world as a writer. There was (ahem) no internet back then.
There is now, and we can all connect with each other. I always say Red Room is not an "online community," it's a real life community using the internet to connect with each other in ways never possible before this moment in history.
The thing about technology like this is that it's meaningless until there are a critical mass of users who are connecting with each other and changing each other's lives by using it. Thanks for letting us know there's one more person it works for!
I will work on Red Room's "burning building rescue" functionality. :)
Ivory Madison
Founder and CEO, Red Room
Marilyn Kallet says:
Rock on, Ivory!
Your energy and intelligence create the fire that is warming to writers--and no one gets singed!
I love the story of you as an adolescent, you had a preview of what you wanted to do, and did--
Thanks and cheers, Marilyn
Gina Collia-Suzuki says:
"I always say Red Room is
"I always say Red Room is not an "online community," it's a real life community using the internet to connect with each other in ways never possible before this moment in history."
And it really does feel like an actual, out there, in the 'real world' community. When I first started joining sites for writers, just over a year ago, I joined everything that would have me. Within a week of joining Red Room (my one year anniversary is coming up very soon), I had abandoned ninety-eight percent of the other sites... they simply didn't measure up.
I don't know how the Red Room team do it, but you've created a unique site with a unique atmosphere. Well done, and may Red Room live long and prosper (yes, I'm a Vulcan on my days off).
Marilyn Kallet says:
Good to know that we've had some similar experiences!
Gina, It's great to put a face (beautiful) to your name! Thanks for your response. And give a hug to that guy who supports writers--I think he may be married to you! :)
Gina Collia-Suzuki says:
Oh my, you say the nicest
Oh my, you say the nicest things... so please continue! :o)
One huge hug given... a second is in the offing.
Marilyn Kallet says:
Very cool!
Rock on!
Ryoma Collia-Suzuki says:
Hi Marilyn,
What a fabulous blog, as always. :)
As you know, Gina and myself feel very strongly about Red Room as well. I don't know how the Red Room team have done it, but they have created a unique community that I have not seen mirrored anywhere else. It is quite amazing. We have met so many wonderful people through Red Room too, so many supportive, creative, giving and caring individuals. Absolutely astounding how this community has brought together people from all corners of the world in the way it has.
Thanks again, Marilyn. :)
Marilyn Kallet says:
Here, here!
And maybe in France, too! :)
Shana McLean Moore says:
Ditto
I echo all of the sentiments stated in your blog and within the comments, Marilyn. I am actually beginning to realize that it's easier to find your kindred spirits in a forum like the Red Room than it is in your own neighborhood. As we hustle through our days around town, it seems like small talk is all we really have time for. But when we log in to the Red Room, we know we are in a place designed for deep thoughts and big dreams.
Here's to all of you, my "kindreds."
Shana
Shana McLean Moore
www.caffeinatedponderings.com
www.sunnysidecommunications.com
Marilyn Kallet says:
That's the truth!
I have great writing students at the university, many of whom are kindred spirits. My colleagues can be a bit thornier. But for expression of ideas among peers, Red Room has been a breath of fresh air.
Here's to you, Shana, dream deep!