Strawberries

“I promise, you’ll never think of strawberries again in the same way.” 

Gayle Brandeis, our moderator for the weekend writer’s retreat, giggled as she spoke. Her exuberance sent the ends of her purple streaked hair bouncing against her narrow shoulders.

Okay, strawberries. Yum. I love strawberries, but what the heck do strawberries have to do with writing.

Already, I was out of my comfort zone. One year ago on a whim, I signed up for the spring 2023 weekend writing retreat at Ragdale located in Lake Forest on Chicago’s north shore. I had always been curious about Ragdale, its role in local history and its dedication to promoting and inspiring the work of creative types like me. Set against the backdrop of acres of beautiful rolling prairies and nature trails, the notion of staying on the historic property sounded like a unique and rich experience. One that I hoped would spark something in my writing. 

To garner one of the fifteen coveted spots for the retreat with Gayle, a well-known and accomplished author, I not only had to pay a hefty fee, but I also had to complete an application. As part of the selection process, we were asked to provide writing samples, discuss our current project, and express what we hoped to gain by participating. Setting retreat goals was a no brainer. I had written to the midpoint of my work-in-progress—a coming-of-age story that precedes my first memoir, Twice a Daughter—and I was stuck. I needed help from a seasoned author like Gayle. I craved strategies that would unlock some elusive memories pivotal to the book’s themes and storyline. 

But strawberries? 

Why had I traveled so far, at considerable expense, to write about one of my favorite fruits when what I desperately needed was expertise in tackling crucial scenes in my book. One look at Gayle’s cheerful and encouraging face, and I cast aside my reservations. 

Okay, strawberries. Here we go!

Gayle explained that the inspiration for our strawberry exercise came from Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of Braiding Sweetgrass. In her highly acclaimed book, Kimmerer combines her background as a botanist and as an Indigenous woman to show how other living things can offer us gifts and lessons. 

Gayle then passed around a plate of large, red ripe strawberries. Each of us were tasked with selecting one for the exercise. The reactions of my fellow attendees ranged from intrigued, bored, skeptical, and eager. 

In a light but persuasive voice, Gayle described the fifteen-minute exercise. 

“When you pick up your strawberry, I want you to use all your senses to experience it. Then I want you to write about your thoughts and perceptions. You’ll be given the opportunity to share what you wrote.”

Gayle set the timer and we were off. Pens, pencils, tablets, and MacBooks were called into action as we captured our impressions of a simple, yet familiar fruit.

The first thing I remarked on was my strawberry’s rich color and definitive heart shape. I wrote about its sweet sugary scent, and the seed encrusted pockmarked outer layer. When I took a nibble, I observed the cold chewy texture and sparkly but pale inner meat. I marveled at the contrast between the exterior and interior colors and how the pale pulpy middle held the most flavor. 

As I reflected on what my senses had informed me, I wrote, “How like us, we human creatures, my strawberry seems. Outside, showy and vibrant, and rippled with texture, diverse in size. But the interior of the heart shape is the big surprise. Like humans, the inner core is where the flavor, or true character resides, that which sets it apart from other fruits, or other people.” 

Before the timer squealed the end of Gayle’s innovative writing exercise, I noted that “a whole strawberry is too much for one bite. Perhaps like us, it is that way, because it is meant to be enjoyed, savored in small bites, or shared with others.” 

When we went around the table for discussion, I was amazed at the diversity of perceptions and experiences. Not everyone liked the exercise, and not everyone loved strawberries. Gayle observed that this result is relevant to our writing. A particular genre, like historical fiction, will resonate with one reader/writer but will turn off another. And given the same experience, like biting into a strawberry, each of us will see something completely different and tease out unique meanings. 

When I met with Gayle one-on-one later, I brought up the “strawberry exercise” and mentioned the brick wall I had run into regarding several important chapters in my work-in-progress. Her advice was brilliant. Just as we had done with the fruit, she suggested taking one memory or one scene and analyzing it using all the senses. 

“One of your senses, whether it is touch, sight, scent, or taste—even a sound like traffic or music—will open a door for you. Be patient. Memories are often slow to make an appearance. But they will come. And the meaning you ascribe to them will be important.”

My retreat moderator, Gayle Brandeis was accurate on two points. The significant memories I was seeking to pull out eventually made it onto to the printed page. And because of my experience at Ragdale, I see strawberries in a fresh new way.

Follow Me Here

On Sunday, September 24th, Julie will attend the St. Vincent’s Reunion in Chicago sponsored by the Post Adoption Services Dept. at Catholic Charities. She will speak about her memoir, Twice a Daughter, and autograph copies.

On November 1, Julie’s new book, Belonging Matters: Conversations on Adoption, Family & Kinship will be available for purchase in all formats wherever books are sold.

On December 18, Julie will do a Q&A/Author Talk about Twice a Daughter with the Hiraeth Hope & Healing Book Club. 

On January 9, Julie will speak to The Respect for Life Group at St. Mary Star of the Sea on Longboat Key in Sarasota.

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