TESTIMONIALS
In a sketch on “Laugh-In,” the comedian Lily Tomlin in the character of a little girl named Edith Ann, said of teachers, “I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework.” Nynke Passi does just that. In fact, all of the classes I’ve had with her have been life-transforming. She has a way of getting you to dig deeper into yourself than you knew you could and produce genuine, deeply personal material—writing from the heart. One special thing about Nynke is her ability to make you feel as though you are the only other person in the room when she is talking to you. When giving feedback, she immediately tunes in to your individual strengths and weaknesses and tells you exactly what you need to hear. Nynke always provides a safe and nurturing environment in which to learn and share our work. She recognizes that writing is an intimate process, and that sharing that process and its results can be daunting at first. But the rewards of expressing yourself freely, without fear of censorship or criticism, are great, and in doing so, you leave each of Nynke’s classes with new comrades and a more profound understanding of yourself. She brings out the writer within each of us. She compels us to delve into our souls, unafraid, and we unfailingly come back stronger than we knew we could be. —Nina Benjamin, writer, editor
SOUL BONE LITERARY FESTIVAL TESTIMONIALS
It was such a feast of poetry & it’s a blessing to know you & to be part of the Soul Bone community. The Soul Bone Festival still resonates with me all these weeks later. Every year I think it’s not possible to top that & yet you do time after time. Out of all the classes I’ve attended none have come anywhere close to the excellence & spirit of Soul Bone, with you steering the Mother Ship. I feel such blessings & gratitude to be part of it & always given such a beautiful welcome from you. I’ve been looking forward to the next Soul Bone, as soon as this one finished! It must be challenging to keep everything fresh & unique & yet you achieve that too, time after time. Such an excellence of speakers & facilitators each & everyone. I also love to see how your students’ talent grows & flourishes in such a nourishing environment.
You are a Wonder Woman & I’m so happy & grateful our paths intersected when they did. Thank you for everything & for your grace & the essence of you, which also makes it so special & all those souls of the light that are part of the cohort, which flock to you, Soul Bone & the MFA. If I’d found out about your degree, when I was going to study, I would have signed up in a heartbeat. I feel you’re all part of my Clan. Wishing you, Soul Bone & everyone all magical blessings in life.
— Mandy Beattie