About this item
A compelling combination of advice and inspiration, Dancing on the Head of a Pen will challenge and encourage writers, artists, musicians, painters - anyone drawn to a life of artistic expression. Digging deeply into his own writing habits, failures, and successes, Robert Benson helps you choose the ideal audience for your work, commit to it, and overcome the hurdles that inevitably confront both aspiring artists and accomplished professionals. Extending beyond the craft of writing, this gentle book moves into a rich discussion on the relationship between spirituality and art. Including wisdom from revered writers past and present, Dancing on the Head of a Pen is a beautiful mosaic of inspiration, practical help, and a glimpse into the disciplines that shape one writers life. "Dancing on the Head of a Pen is a pure delight to read. Encouraging, honest, practical, and important. I needed this book." - Melody Carlson, author of more 200 books including Finding Alice "With deceptive simplicity and an almost seductive easiness in his voice, Benson lays open before us the filigreed mystique of the writing life in all its beauty, its unmitigated angst, and its inescapable vocation." - Phyllis Tickle, author of numerous books including The Divine Hours "Robert Bensons Dancing on the Head of a Pen is a gem. It is wise, witty, and inspiring - a trifecta seldom achieved by a book on the writing life." - James Scott Bell, bestselling author of Plot & Structure
About the Author
Robert and Tammy Benson have been involved in youth sports for a number of years. They have coached together in the YMCA Coach Pitch Baseball fall league for kids ages 5 to 7. In addition, they continue to work together in coaching their oldest daughter's competitive team, the Washington Angels 96.Robert Benson began his involvement in youth sports as an umpire for American Legion, Babe Ruth, and college baseball. He then worked as an assistant coach for a 10U girls' recreational softball team. When his daughter was recruited by a 10U competitive team, Benson was asked to be the pitching coach and assistant. The following year he took over as head coach and renamed the team the Washington Angels 96, its current name. During his first year as head coach, the team placed first in five tournaments in the states of Washington and Idaho, took second at Washington State in the ASA 10-and-under division, and third in Class A at Western Nationals in the ASA 10-and-under division. The team's overall record for the first year was 38-19 (.667). In 2008 the Washington Angels entered into the 12U division and were very successful as a first-year 12U A team, taking fourth at Washington State ASA. The team's overall record is an impressive 105 wins, 53 losses, and 2 ties. They have won 12 tournaments and placed in the top 3 in all but 3 of the 25-plus tournaments they have entered. Robert currently serves as the training coordinator for the Tri-Cities Girls Fastpitch Softball Association (TCGFSA).Tammy Benson has been coaching since 2004. She currently serves as the conditioning and base coach for the Washington Angels 96. Tammy has played sports all her life, including competitive basketball in high school. She now participates in coed slowpitch softball and golf, and she recently participated in a marathon relay.The Bensons reside in West Richland, Washington, and enjoy giving hitting and pitching lessons, reading, camping, and practicing archery in their spare time.
