An economy that’s tanking us all

It seems everyone I talk to is in the slumps financially in some way or another. The economy has taken a very deep toll. Like a dirty thorn sticking out of a very jagged rose bush that seeps into our flesh and stings and infects us, the economy is making life VERY difficult. While there are some entrepreneurs doing exceptionally well, I see a decline in just about every industry. Except for drinking because let’s face it - when the life around you takes a dive, a happy glass is what many turn to. No - I’m not talking about becoming alcoholics. I’m just saying there are few things left to numb the continual sense of frustration. A glass of wine often does the trick. So why do they insist on calling this fiscal mess a recession? It can’t be recession for years, people. It’s a depression. A full blown depression.

I can’t really say who’s to blame anymore but I can say that this stagnant administration isn’t really helping matters. At. All. Jobs are scarce and the methods used to employ anyone these days is so entirely impersonal it’s staggering. You can’t even walk into Target or Starbucks anymore and apply for a job face-to-face. You have to be a number on a very big blip of the unemployed. Somehow, this complete lack of “face time” results in far too many valid candidates being seen as “overqualified” and in turn, making them unemployable. Explain that one to me. If someone who has an immense amount of value is applying at Starbucks or Target, I’m guessing there’s a good reason they’ve decided to apply for any job that might have benefits. When in the world are we going to realize there is actually some value to a little “face-to-face”? It’s pathetic. In every conceivable way. Not efficient. Why? Because there is no way to tell anything from a resume anymore. There is a plethora of overqualified candidates just looking to feed their families and pay their bills and keep from visiting Welfare and other Social Services being underutilized.

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3 Days. Ready?

DRINK. EAT. WRITE.

A Writing Workshop like No Other.

This idea was born out of being asked over the years to consider holding a Writer’s Workshop. I kept trying to think about how I would conduct it and well, I knew sitting inside of a classroom wouldn’t cut it. As someone who is keen on supporting restaurants, Chefs, Artists, local communities, vendors, entrepreneurs, and the beauty I believe Metro cities offer -  it just seemed a natural fit to offer a Writing Workshop that incorporated all of the things that influence us every day.

When I Founded “A Taste of Dawn” in May 2011, I wanted to create a Magazine that told the story of Food & Wine. It didn’t take too long to realize Art and Story were two things that seemed a natural progression. In the process of writing reviews, interviewing Chefs, Winemakers, Confectionary Artists, Visionaries, Photographers, and Artists - something struck me. Description is everything. I could not merely see a plate of food. I had to EXPERIENCE it.

I created this Workshop because I believe every writer - every artist - needs to break their patterns every now and again and think outside of the box. That is precisely what we’re going to do. We are going to work together in environments unlike any classroom you’ve ever been in. I am going to teach you how to experience every moment - and then - you’re going to be able to write every little detail.

I want YOU to be successful in every endeavor. Attending “DRINK. EAT. WRITE” will benefit you in so many ways. Not only will your writing come to life, but so will you.

Writers are known for being more introverted and I definitely defy that theory. Sure, sometimes we need a quiet space and it’s easier to go inside of ourselves - BUT - life is full of interruptions. As writers, we have to learn how to keep moving forward in spite of imperfect surroundings - we have to adapt. I’m going to teach you how. This 1st Workshop will embody Downtown Los Angeles and the hidden gems dwelling within it. We will not only be supporting one another, learning, writing, empowering our creativity - we will also be melting into the local landscapes. Chefs, Restaurants, Architecture, Artists, Hotels - they will be your pulse. Wherever you are following the Workshop.

In life, we are meant to live. As writers, we are meant to peel open our souls, strip away the festering doubt, infiltrate our bloodstream with life and inspiration, and let words trickle out of us with chaotic cadence. THAT is DRINK. EAT. WRITE.

And yes, we will be doing plenty of all three … Welcome!

For more information about the Workshop, visit the tabs under “WORKSHOP” or visit SUBMISSIONS and REGISTRATION.

Dawn Garcia, Founder and Writer | DRINK. EAT. WRITE.