Creative Rites: Writing, Performance & Creative Expression

04/11/2026

Happy Birthday to the person who changed my life Dennis Clontz

He’s the reason I was able to become a WRITER, GET AN MFA in WRITING & start Creative Rites: Writing, Performance & Creative Expression

Dennis was a brilliant poet, acclaimed playwright, TV/Film writer Nichols Screenplay Fellowship winner & gifted, supportive, magical writing teacher

He taught me everything I know abut the creative process

He was my Annie Sullivan at the water pump- teaching me how to access what was in my head onto paper after years & years of getting paralyzed whenever I had to write & eating so many donuts I thought I’d die. I can now write DONUT-FREE

Thank you Dennis for making a magnificent difference to so many writers & actors.

You taught from a place of love, generosity, wisdom & magical inspiration, with brilliant knowledge of Myth, Literature, Drama & Ritual

I remember & honor you forever & always.

02/12/2026

02/11/2026

So lovely to wake up to so many happy birthday messages. Cheers!

01/30/2026

Beyond grateful to be served fine English tea, alongside Paul.

Cheers to finding moments of joy & soothing

01/26/2026

2 yrs ago today- Look what happened!
TED LASSO, TED LASSO, TED LASSO

He was kind & gracious (just like Ted Lasso) to pose with me because he was not making a promotionsl appearance, but supporting his friend & co-star, co-producer of Ted Lasso 

I met Jason Sudakus after seeing Brendan Hunt’s brilliant & hilarious One-Man Show about meeting Paul McCartney, so of course I had to see it

I never expected 2 things that I love- the Beatles & Ted Lasso to intersect 

01/23/2026

I'm delighted to have been featured in HER FORWARD

Storytelling is the most profound way to connect, inspire, make a difference & understand ourselves, each other & the world

This is why I founded CREATIVE RITES Workshops & Coaching

It's the joy of my life to help you release the critic, be heard & uncover the gold in your stories
Whether it's for Personal Expression, or-- Memoir/Personal Essays, Solo-Shows, Storytelling for Business: TEDx Talks, Keynotes

I want everyone to know they have a voice & their experiences can be transformed into Story Gold that'll enrich both the Story Maker & Story Receiver

LINK IN COMMENTS FOR ARTICLE STORYTELLING TIPS

For more Story Tips - Put STORY in comments
I'll contact you to be added to my Newsletter: Story & writing Tips, Creativity Resources, Storytelling Shows, Class Discounts

01/14/2026

From Marissa Sasak- If you’re looking to improve your writing skills, embrace your creativity, or get help coming out of your shell & into the wild world of storytelling or performing,
please consider connecting with my dear friend & writing/creativity coach Terrie Silverman.

She is PHENOMENAL at what she does.

I just took her last class Uncover Your Story Gold & it truly transformed me & helped me move through my block of playing & creating more music.

it’s not too late to join her class!

For Info, To register for UNCOVER YOUR STORY GOLD - https://view.flodesk.com/emails/695cccdb6421edee2efa2734

01/14/2026

From Marissa Sasak- If you’re looking to improve your writing skills, embrace your creativity, or get help coming out of your shell & into the wild world of storytelling or performing, please consider connecting with my dear friend & writing/creativity coach Terrie Silverman.

She is PHENOMENAL at what she does.

I just took her last class Uncover Your Story Gold & it truly transformed me & helped me move through my block of playing & creating more music.

it’s not too late to join her class!

DM me with your email for info or leave it in the comments

01/10/2026

David is mondo talented & funny. If you want to laugh & be moved-GO SEE HIM TONIGHT
I’m honored it was developed in my SOLO-SHOW MASTER CLASS & Directed by me

Adventures In Caregiving, on Saturday, January 10, 8:00pm
The Zephyr Theatre, 7456 Melrose Ave., LA 90046.

TICKET INFO - go to bit.ly/aictickets - enter discount code, friends, for half-off the general admission. Or, just pay $15.00 cash at the box office by mentioning same discount code, friends.

01/04/2026

OTD a few years ago- Nothing like being with royalty (even if they’re from The Crown tv series)

I’m also doing my best Fleabag expression (brilliant series by Phoebe Waller Bridges)