Journey Through The Senses - JTTS

Stories in the City: Inside the San Francisco Writers Conference

In the latest piece for Journey Through the Senses, author E Hughes Martinez takes us inside the vibrant 2026 San Francisco Writers Conference—a four‑day gathering of aspiring authors, industry professionals, and seasoned storytellers all united by their passion for craft, community, and publication. From workshops on poetry and novels to screenwriting sessions and pitch opportunities, the event showcased the collaborative energy and creative drive that define this iconic writers’ forum. 

Martinez reflects on the rich conversations, hands‑on learning, and personal encounters that make conferences like these a catalyst for writers at every stage. Whether it’s connecting with mentors, honing one’s voice, or exploring the city’s enduring creative spirit, Stories in the City captures the heart of what keeps the literary community thriving. 

Read the full article via the link in our bio.

LiteraryCulture

Temple Grandin Advocates 3‑D Interactions for Autistic Children

Temple Grandin emphasizes the importance of real-world, hands-on experiences for autistic children. According to her insights, face-to-face interactions, cooperative play, and engaging in everyday activities help develop social understanding, impulse control, and practical life skills—beyond what digital experiences alone can provide.

By fostering meaningful, three-dimensional engagement, parents and educators can support children in building confidence, learning social cues, and thriving in their unique ways.

Read more about her approach here:
Link is in the Bio
#
ParentingTips Education

Latest from Journey Through the Senses magazine: Temple Grandin advises 3D hands-on interactions—like building, art, and real-world tasks—for autistic children, prioritizing them over screens to harness visual thinking and foster growth.
By Patricia Lynn Duffy, Literary Curator and advisor: Align experiences with kids’ interests for real impact. Fresh insights from Feb 27, 2026!
Read now: [Link in bio]

Tomorrow, Thursday, October 9, at 9:00 PM GMT, will be a fun and exciting online and live watch party and Q!&A with the performer and composer (a synaesthete) Helen Epega of the Venus Bushfires, regarding her new and wildly popular opera, OF EARTH AND QUILL.

This is a link to get your free tickets: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/tete-a-tete/watch-party-of-earth-and-quill/e-jogpqa

Please join us for all the fun.

It is a pleasured to share a link to Michael Torke's concert last Friday. Michael is a well-respected classical composer and a synaesthete.

Michael Torke: LAST FRIDAY Composer: Michael Torke Performers: Siwoo Kim, solo violinEast Coast Chamber Orchestra Recording Location: Concert Hall at Drew UniversityR...

Of Earth and Quill is a visionary opera by Helen Isibor Epega (The Venus Bushfires) that reimagines how stories survive.

Through African percussion, operatic voice and vivid visual worlds, she invites audiences on a multisensory journey of sound, colour and belonging. The work asks: how do we honour the past while shaping the future?

These are all themes JTTS is also highly interested in and we are happy to announce that we're collaborating with Helen Isibor Epega on this beautiful event.

Want to know more about the event? Link can be found in the comments and in our story.

Date & Time: Wednesday 1st October 2025, 20:30-21:35
Venue: The Cockpit, Gateforth Street, London NW8 8EH

Step inside the vibrant world of Joan Mitchell, a trailblazing abstract expressionist whose rare gift for seeing the world differently helped shape the course of modern art. Mitchell experienced synesthesia—her senses blending so that she literally saw sounds and emotions as colors. At a time when few understood this phenomenon, Mitchell called her unique perception her “secret magic.” Despite challenges and feelings of isolation, she embraced this magic, letting it guide the brush in some of her most celebrated works—including the breakthrough “Hudson River Dayline.”

Through adversity and artistic crises, Mitchell found strength in her distinct vision and fierce dedication. Her paintings pulse not only with color but the harmony of music, poetry, and nature.

The Q&A on Journey Through the Senses by our literary curator Patricia Lynne Duffy (link in bio!) offers a rare look behind the scenes—revealing how Mitchell’s synesthesia became a source of inspiration, resilience, and creativity, rather than a limitation.

Link is in the Bio and comments.

We are happy to announce that we are to collaborate with Jenny Q Chai on her new event!

Mark your calendars for September 14, and be part of a transformative evening that changes lives—human and canine alike. SEE COMMENT FOR ALL THE DETAILS.

Discover how classical artistry, creativity, and compassion come together to advance animal welfare in Shanghai and beyond. Let each note played and every act of kindness bring renewed hope to stray dogs, highlighting the deep, powerful bond between people and animals.

Wednesday, 14 September, 2025 at 3 PM
Venue: West Bund Central, Shanghai

Link to the event can be found in our stories and commentsection!

🎭✨ Just had to share this incredible event coming up at the Laugh Factory on Sunset—it's going to be a powerhouse afternoon of comedy, music, and heart!

The **Autism In Entertainment Workgroup** is hosting a one-of-a-kind fundraiser this **Sunday, September 7th from 1:30–4:00 PM**, and it’s packed with talent. Expect hilarious sets from comedians like **Willie Hunter, Josh Meyrowitz, Nic Novicki, Alice Payne, Jeremiah Watkins**, and more. Plus, the world premiere of *Extraordinary Character*, a short documentary by **Alex Astrella**, will shine a spotlight on the stories of neurodivergent individuals in entertainment.

And if that’s not enough, there’ll be live performances from students of:
🎶 Jazz Hands for Autism
🎭 The Miracle Project
🎤 Performing Arts Studio West
🎹 Spectrum Laboratory
🎷 Yes I Can Unity Through Music & Education

Tickets are just **$50**, and every dollar supports Autism In Entertainment’s mission to open doors for autistic talent in the industry. If you’re in LA or know someone who is, this is a must-attend. Every laugh helps make a difference 💙

🎟️ Grab tickets and learn more here: https://autisminentertainment.org/event/autism-in-entertainment-extraordinary-fund-raiser-sunday-september-7-2025/

It is time for a new article by Patricia Lynne Duffy!

This time she visited the exhibition "Painter of motion" by Maria Helena Vieira Da Silva with Pau365

"The complex, abstract works of Vieira da Silva constitute “mini-worlds” and lend themselves perfectly to a synesthetic immersive exhibition, complete with moving images and music. Da Silva aimed to create a sense of motion in her paintings. The undulating forms in the exhibition space are colorful environments that let viewers enter and explore their moods and mysteries."

Want to know more about their experiences! Link can be found in our stories and in our comments.

https://www.journeythroughthesenses.org/2025/09/02/painting-dancing-and-tasting-motion/

A throw back to the amazing 1 year jubeleum event Maike Preissing, from Synesthes_a, has organised in collabortation with us!

James Wannerton traveled towards Innsbruck to see a screenplay about synesthesia by Pete Carruthers

Want to read more about this amazing event? Check out our stories and comments!