Our June 2025 meeting is about tbe challenge of writing, in any genre, with Bob Dylan in mind. The discussion will be led by Bob Dylan Book Club member Jeff Passe, the founder of the Come Writers and Critics Bob Dylan Writer’s Group, and a member of that group, Deborah Viveros. The members of the Bob Dylan Book Club have had many opportunities to hear from the authors of published work about our hero and HIS creative process. But what about the creative process of writing about Dylan? In this session, we will discuss the ways that Jeff and Deborah approach writing about Bob Dylan’s life and work as well as the challenges and joys of the process. They will share portions of their works-in-progress, one essay and one fictional piece, and discuss the creative decisions they’ve made. Our readings for thie meeing are excerpts from Jeff’s fiction and Deborah’s essay in progress. If you are interested in joining this group, email Jeff HERE.
The Come Writers and Critics Bob Dylan Writer’s Group is a communal space for those writing about Bob Dylan’s music, art, performance, and impact. It is designed to allow participants to share their original work with other Dylan enthusiasts. Written works shared may include book projects, essays, papers, poetry, and fiction.
The group meets weekly via zoom. In a typical meeting, each participant reads a 10-15 minute excerpt from their work for an opportunity for their work to be engaged and receive constructive and thoughtful feedback. Feedback usually includes words of praise for particular words, lines, ideas, and format. Participants may also make recommendations regarding additional sources, formats, and technique. In terms of feedback, we do not critique each other’s grammar, usage, spelling, etc. because it is understood that the works being shared are first or second drafts.
The purpose of the group is to provide an encouraging, engaging, and fun space to share written creative efforts about Dylan and his art. No previous writing experience required!
Jeff’s Bob Dylan Origin Story
The 15 year old me was listening to his clock radio one morning in 1969, a time when every musical artist was putting out singles in the 45 rpm format. I was hoping to hear something new by the Beatles or the Stones or maybe the Temptations when Al Kooper’s organ caught my attention, and a nasal voice asked, “How does it feel?” The way to discover an unfamiliar artist back then was to buy the Greatest Hits album, which I did that afternoon. It included a cool poster which I taped to my wall next to ones of Jane Fonda and Easy Rider. Over the next few weeks, I went on an album-buying binge, followed by a binge of buying and reading everything I could find about the enigmatic young man whose music burrowed into my soul. I am happy to report that I never stopped. Even today, after a long career as a professor of education, the retired me is writing a novel about a collection of Dylan fans who travel to his shows over a fifty year period.
Jeff Passe is a writer who lives in Seattle. He retired as Dean and Professor of Education in 2022. He has authored dozens of publications including books, articles, essays, and op-ed columns over his forty year academic career.
Jeff is a father to two children and grandfather to four (with one more on the way.) In his spare time, he can be found hiking, attending musical events, watching sports, and reading.
Jeff was interviewed on Pod Dylan Episode 304
Deborah Viveros is a lifelong learner with a passion for ideas, creativity, and community. Now in her third career, she holds degrees in creative arts and public administration and began her professional life in urban planning. After many years devoted to raising and homeschooling her four children, she entered seminary in 2015 and is currently pursuing ordination in pastoral ministry.
Deborah is the Executive Director of a clergy care ministry that is part of a broader movement within the church to develop innovative expressions of faith and community beyond traditional frameworks.
Deborah lives in South Florida with her husband of 42 years. They have four sons, four daughters-in-law, and two granddaughters.
Deborah was interviewed on the New Way Podcast.
Deborah’s Bob Dylan Origin Story
I was born in 1964 to parents who, among other things, played guitar and were big fans of folk music. So, I grew up listening to Pete Seeger, the Weavers, Peter, Paul and Mary—and, of course, Bob Dylan. I have vague memories of being at a Pete Seeger concert as a small child with my parents.
Over time, my parents’ tastes shifted, but Dylan's music was always around in one form or another. I passed that love for folk music on to my own kids. In 2014 one of my sons got into Dylan, and he introduced me to Dylan’s later work.
I discovered Blood on the Tracks—and fell in love with it instantly.
In 2024, my son and I saw Dylan live on the Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour. From there, I started listening more widely and was drawn in by the depth and variety of his music. I started reading about his life, his writing, his art. Somewhere in that process, I began experiencing Dylan’s work on a whole new level and in a way that I can’t put into words.