Writing can be very solitary work.
Think about all the hours that a writer spends in front of a computer crafting the words and story that a reader can inhale in a few hours.
I belong to American Christian Fiction Writers and a couple other loops as a way to connect with other folks who's brains work the same way -- or at least in a similar fashion -- to mine.
Last Thursday Rebecca and I traveled to Orlando for a writer's retreat with about 70 other published authors. (Okay, Rebecca's a tad young to be a writer -- we're still working on cooing -- but everybody loved her!)
The retreat was exactly what I needed. A chance to be with other writers. A chance to learn and think creatively. A chance to brainstorm with a friend who's plot imploded. A chance to relax and refocus. A chance to work on galleys with minimal interruptions. A chance to start my next novel and work on character sketches. A chance to reconnect with industry professionals. And a chance to step back and just be.
Then there were all the folks who loved on Rebecca. Colleen took her one afternoon. Karen Ball will always be the baby whisperer to me. Tammy Alexander rocking her like a pro.
I also got to attend the International Christian Retail Show otherwise known as ICRS. It was a reader and writer's dream to walk the floor for a day. I had so much fun joking with friends during their booksignings as I opened books for them. Maybe some day I'll have as many people as Brandilyn Collins, Michael Synder (Author of the clairvoyant dog) and Cindy Woodsmall did at their signings.
And running into so many people. It was a blast to meet Jennifer Rothschild -- we agreed it felt like we'd known each other for years.
All in all, I felt like a kid in a candy store living another part of this dream. And I feel smack dab in the middle of an awesome community.
4 comments:
I wish I could have gone. I'm only an hour and a half from Orlando.
It sounds like you had a great time! :-)
Writers definitely need the connection to other writers.
And did Rebecca get spoiled by all the attention?
I'm looking at the photo and wishing I could have gone, too. There's nothing like being with God AND other authors. Wow. What was the most exciting author news you chanced upon? Was there any news that gave you pause? Do tell!
Hi, Ellen. Yep, Rebecca is one spoiled Mama's girl now. Oh well -- she's only two months LOL
Pamela, The editor and agent panels were interesting. Krista was on the editor panel, and it's always good to learn more about the inner workings of publishing houses and how much acquisitions editors go to bat for the writers they want to work with.
There's a lot of uncertainty on electronic rights, but that will work itself out eventually. :-)
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