Episode 4: Inspired by a line from “Pintxo Possibilities”

In this episode of Liminal Writing, hosts Ces Millado and Lee Moran engage in a timed, free-flow writing session inspired by a line from an article, “Pintxo Possibilities” by Jennifer Hope Choi published in Bon Appétit Magazine (May 2025).

For Ces and Lee the chosen line links back to personal memories of grief and loss. Ces reflects on her multilingual experiences and the comfort found in the space between languages, while Lee recalls moving moments from his father's funeral. The episode underscores the emotional depth and introspection that Liminal Writing can bring, and the possibilities of where a line may take the writers and the readers.

00:00 Introduction to Liminal Writing

00:28 Today's Inspiration: Food and Pintxos

01:56 Ces' Reflection on Language and Memory

03:15 Lee's Reflection on Grief and Movement

04:33 Discussion on Writing and Personal Experiences

07:21 Memories and Coping Mechanisms

12:31 Encouragement for Liminal Writing

12:47 Wrap up

#liminalwriting, #creativewriting, #writingwithfriends, #wildmindwriting, #cesmillado, #leemoran, #poetry, #prose, #bonappetit, #BonAppétit, #bonappétitmagazine, #JenniferChoiHope, #grief, #language, #languages, #survival

Episode 3: Inspired by Khalil Gibran’s “Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.”

In this episode of Liminal Writing, hosts Lee Moran and Ces Millado draw inspiration from a powerful line by Khalil Gibran: 'Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.'

Both hosts engage in a 10-minute free flow writing exercise based on this line and share their reflections. Ces writes about physical and emotional scars, drawing from personal experiences, while Lee envisions a character born into a life not of their choosing, seeking solace in books.

They discuss how pain and scars shape individuals and the importance of kindness, especially in collaborative efforts for social change.

Listeners are encouraged to try their own Liminal Writing exercise to explore where inspiring lines may lead them.

00:30 Introducing the Poet and the Line

01:15 Ces' Reflection on Scars and Strength

02:26 Lee's Reflection on Inner Strength

03:19 Discussion on Writing and Personal Experiences

05:27 Philosophical Insights and Social Commentary

08:33 Conclusion and Farewell

#liminalwriting, #creativewriting, #writingwithfriends, #wildmindwriting, #cesmillado, #leemoran, #poetry, #prose, #KhalilGibran, #Scars, #souls

Episode 2: “To build is to collaborate with the earth” - Reflections on Building Communities and Alliances

In this episode of Liminal Writing, hosts Lee Moran and Ces Millado get inspired by the line 'to build is to collaborate with the earth' from the book 'Memoirs of Hadrian' by Marguerite Yourcenar.

They reflect on their experiences of building both physical and social structures, drawing parallels between the two. Ces recalls childhood memories of building sand fortresses, while Lee reflects on working with the natural elements and listening well.

They explore the notion of impermanence and adaptability in community building and strategic alliances, arguing that dynamic and shifting relationships may be more natural than rigid structures. The episode culminates with thoughts on how ancient and modern societies need to learn and live harmoniously better with the earth.

00:12 Introducing the Quote

00:56 Ces’ work - Reflections on Community Building

02:56 Lee's work - Building from what the earth offers

03:48 Cultural and Historical Insights

09:23 Reflections on Community, Alliance Building and Change

12:55 Conclusion and Farewell

#liminalwriting, #creativewriting, #writingwithfriends, #wildmindwriting, #cesmillado, #leemoran, #MemoirsofHadrian, #MargueriteYourcenar, #alliances, #earthcollaboration, takingcareofearth, #communitybuilding, #community

Liminal Writing Season 5 : Inspired by “Now I want to talk about the elephant in the room.”

In this episode of Liminal Writing, Lee and Ces kick off a new season by diving into their unique practice of free-flow writing triggered by a chosen line. This week's line, 'Now I want to speak about the elephant in the room,' comes from John and Bea Dowd's book, 'Escape to Clayoquot Sound.'

Both hosts read their emotionally charged pieces, revealing personal and societal struggles. Their readings spur a deeper discussion on trust and having honest conversations in challenging environments. The episode encapsulates the essence of liminal writing—exploring various emotional and intellectual spaces through spontaneous storytelling.

00:00 Introduction to Liminal Writing

01:01 Trigger Line for Episode One

01:40 Ces’ piece - "We engage with veiled distrust. Invisible fangs and soundless gnarls"

03:14 Lee’s piece - "Can the words be coaxed? Slip past my throat and lips"

03:49 Discussion on Trust and Distrust

07:01 Reflections on Liminal Writing

08:58 Story Behind the Trigger Line

11:17 Conclusion and Writing Inspiration

Episode 13: Rediscovering Parent-Child Relationships Through Liminal Writing

In this episode of 'Liminal Writing,' hosts Ces Millado and Lee Moran revisit some of their earlier writing to explore the theme of parent-child relationships.

Ces shares a poignant memory of a moment with her then young son Uyi, reflecting on the lessons learned about giving space to process feelings. Lee reminisces about the loving memories and food traditions from his late parents. They discuss the importance of communication and inclusion in nurturing dynamics, and how these practices have influenced their approaches to both parenting and professional work.

The episode closes with an invitation for listeners to engage in their own liminal writing exercise.

00:00 Introduction to Liminal Writing

01:27 Ces Shares Her Story

03:52 Lee’s Piece on His Parents

05:29 Discussion on Parenting Choices

10:07 Applying Parenting Skills to Work

13:29 Encouragement for Liminal Writing

#liminalwriting, #creativewriting, #writingwithfriends, #wildmindwriting, #cesmillado, #leemoran, #parent-childdynamics, #parenting, #internationaldevelopmentwork, #developmentwork, #communitywork, #parent-child, #facilitating, #adultlearning

Episode 12: Inspired by a line from Carsten Henn’s “The Door to Door Bookstore”

In this episode, hosts Ces Millado and Lee Moran are inspired by the line 'As he set foot on the pavement' from Carsten Henn's book 'The Door-to-Door Bookstore'.

Using that line as a writing prompt produces imaginative and reflective pieces on the themes of choices and scenes coloured with burnt sugar, dying bananas, and watchful ravens. The hosts share and discuss their creative outputs, linking the activity to their experiences and feelings about transitions and decisions.

00:00 Welcome to Liminal Writing

00:07 Introducing the Writing Exercise

01:06 Ces’ piece

02:15 Lee’s piece

02:55 Discussion and Analysis

04:10 Reflections on Writing and Choices

07:43 Encouragement to Try Liminal Writing

#liminalwriting, #creativewriting, #writingwithfriends, #wildmindwriting, #cesmillado, #leemoran, #TheDoortoDoorBookstore, #CarstenHenn, #scene, #raven, #burntsugar, #bananas

In this episode of Liminal Writing, Ces and Lee reconnect from different corners of the world to revisit a piece written in 2023 on the topic of death. Ces recounts her memory of being present at the passing of her good friend, Queng, and Lee talks about the impact of Mark Asselin, the former facilities manager at the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto.

Their conversation attempts to see if death should be perceived as a friend or foe. The episode also touches on cultural references to death, as depicted in the TV series 'American Gods,' and encourages listeners to engage in their own reflective writing on the topic.

00:22 Revisiting Old Writings

01:38 Ces' Thoughts on Death

03:29 Lee's Reflections on Death

04:54 Dying and Stepping Through the Threshold

06:42 Remembering Queng

10:11 Philosophical Musings on Death

13:30 Encouragement to Write and Conclusion

In this episode of Liminal Writing, Ces Millado and Lee Moran get their writing spark from an unusual source, A. A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh. One of the beloved book's characters, the typically melancholic Eeyore says, “It never hurts to keep looking for sunshine.”

Through personal anecdotes and reflections on nature, including vivid recollections of a volcanic eruption, Ces and Lee explore themes of hope, resilience, and finding beams of light through the darkness.

00:43 Personal Reflections on Sunshine

01:18 Historical Context and Personal Memories

03:08 Experiencing the Sunrise in Zambales, Philippines

05:40 Finding Hope and Healing

06:40 Encouragement for Liminal Writing

07:41 Conclusion and Farewell