Dear Arts Lovers,

Before you start the New Year with resolutions and potential commitment to them, stop, pause, and reflect on your story. What were the events that shaped your life? What were the experiences that stoked your curiosity? Who shared their story with you and inspired you to do the same?

Start the New Year by sharing your story. Find a moment in your day to write. Reflect on your memories and experiences and see how they weave their threads into the beautiful tapestry that is you. Take the time for inspiration in the early or late hours of your day by reading a book instead of scrolling on your phone.

Our time on this earth is brief. Let yourself be known.

Christine Matovich

Founder, CommonTime

Laura Strobel is a writer and chef from New York, USA. Laura attended a culinary school in Germany and returned to America to become a personal chef and caterer. In 2020, she self-published her book, Accountability: Facing The Truth To Discover Self-Empowerment, the true story of one woman’s perseverance through a terrible ordeal that evolves into an inspiring, enlightening experience. Laura believes that everyone can write. Each story starts from a familiar connection that fans the creative spark. She guides each writer through their own journey of structure, development, character, and plot. The goal is always to write first for yourself; only you can decide how and with whom you want to share your story! Book a lesson with Laura and find your creative spark!

Joleen Sheldon is the founder of the Emotional Theater, as well as the author, artist, and technical talent behind the project. She is a visual artist with over 25 years of experience, and the Emotional Theater has propelled her into new mediums, including poetry, illustration, and 3D design. Joleen believes that empathetic people in connected communities can change the world if given the knowledge and tools to do so. Communication is at the heart of communities – and empathy explored and expressed through theatre is a great way to communicate! Hone your communication skills by booking Joleen for a workshop or lesson on CommonTime!

Avtar Singh is a novelist, screenwriter, journalist, and storyteller living in Germany. His ability to use historical fiction and places as central characters brings his books to life across time, space, languages, and cultures. His most recent novel, Into the Forest, is a story about three disappearances; they could all be “crimes,” but only one of them ends up in murder. Underlying the narrative is a meditation on loneliness, belonging, and the human condition. To learn more about Avtar’s other works, check out his website. If you are interested in having Avtar speak at your school, online or in-person, reach out to him via email!