Five Questions with Rahla Xenopoulos

1.) When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

As a high school dropout who suffered from severe dyslexia, I never dreamed of writing. It seemed lofty and way out of my grasp. In my late thirties a friend asked me to join her at a writing workshop. I tried explaining to her that I was a reader not a writer but she said, “just come along as my writing buddy”. The moment I walked into that workshop, I found a home in my pen. I was taught by a rare and gentle teacher who coaxed stories out of me, and I found myself surrounded by supportive and trustworthy writers.

2.) What do you love most about the writing process?

I love the sheer magic of writing. The miracle of discovery.

3.) What do you love most about teaching writing?

Again, I love the magic and miracle of teaching. I love watching people write beyond their inner critics and I love the unmitigated kindness writers have for one another in this environment.

4.) What are you reading right now?

Every time I start a new book I read The Great Gatsby, just to remind myself of what is possible and what I aspire to, so, that is what I am reading right now.

5.) What's your favorite writing quote?

This is my own quote and it’s something I remind myself constantly, “Unwritten characters go feral inside your head and, I’d rather have them safely tucked into the pages of books than rattling about in my brain.”

**Rahla is teaching a new workshops, Memories Real and Imagined on Tuesday mornings this Spring