What is a schmooze?
Every fall, my friend Tamra Wight hosts a writers' gathering at her campground in Maine. She invites an editor to join our critique circle and share some knowledge about the publishing world. We drink a lot of coffee and eat a lot of... everything. This year, Cindy's whoopie pies were the big hit. And Denise's raspberry squares. YUM.
Anyway, the weekend starts on Friday morning. Cindy Faughnan and I pack up the car and make the long drive up, always stopping for our traditional iced coffee and box of munchkins for the ride.
I know I know. Munchkins. So. Bad. For. You. But it's only once a year!
Once we unpack, we walk through the woods to say hello to the lake.
Isn't it peaceful? Sometimes we go kayaking but this time it was a bit too cold.
This year, we had some time before meeting everyone for dinner so Val Giogas, Cindy and I challenged ourselves to use the time wisely and write. I started a new novel! Oh, Maine. You are so inspiring.
It was a wonderful weekend, as usual. Our guest editor, Sarah Dotts Barley, was just lovely. I knew Sarah a tiny bit from working with her on Pearl, and then Dear Bully, but we'd never met in person. She gave everyone fantastic feedback and wonderful advice. Thanks Sarah! :)
This is Tam, Cindy, me and Sarah on Sunday morning before we said good-bye (I stole this photo from Tam :-) ). Everyone but us left on Saturday so we hung out and chatted into the we hours on Saturday night. So much fun. And also why I am holding such a large cup of coffee.
The drive home flew by as Cindy and I chatted about everything we'd learned over the weekend. Mainly, that structure is a must for critique circles (this was our first year sticking with one and it worked beautifully), and that we need to stop being in a hurry and do the work that must be done. Also? We are awfully lucky to be part of such a kind, caring group of writer friends. THANK YOU, Tam, for organizing this event every year!
Last night, I left my bag on the floor and someone decided to take measures to make sure I either didn't leave again, or that I took him with me if I did. :-)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Monday Morning Warm-Up:
One of the things Cindy and I discussed on the drive home was the importance of being able to identify and understand the true source of the emotional arc in your work, whether it's chapter by chapter, or through the whole novel. What's yours?
Anyway, the weekend starts on Friday morning. Cindy Faughnan and I pack up the car and make the long drive up, always stopping for our traditional iced coffee and box of munchkins for the ride.
I know I know. Munchkins. So. Bad. For. You. But it's only once a year!
Once we unpack, we walk through the woods to say hello to the lake.
Isn't it peaceful? Sometimes we go kayaking but this time it was a bit too cold.
This year, we had some time before meeting everyone for dinner so Val Giogas, Cindy and I challenged ourselves to use the time wisely and write. I started a new novel! Oh, Maine. You are so inspiring.
It was a wonderful weekend, as usual. Our guest editor, Sarah Dotts Barley, was just lovely. I knew Sarah a tiny bit from working with her on Pearl, and then Dear Bully, but we'd never met in person. She gave everyone fantastic feedback and wonderful advice. Thanks Sarah! :)
This is Tam, Cindy, me and Sarah on Sunday morning before we said good-bye (I stole this photo from Tam :-) ). Everyone but us left on Saturday so we hung out and chatted into the we hours on Saturday night. So much fun. And also why I am holding such a large cup of coffee.
The drive home flew by as Cindy and I chatted about everything we'd learned over the weekend. Mainly, that structure is a must for critique circles (this was our first year sticking with one and it worked beautifully), and that we need to stop being in a hurry and do the work that must be done. Also? We are awfully lucky to be part of such a kind, caring group of writer friends. THANK YOU, Tam, for organizing this event every year!
Last night, I left my bag on the floor and someone decided to take measures to make sure I either didn't leave again, or that I took him with me if I did. :-)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Monday Morning Warm-Up:
One of the things Cindy and I discussed on the drive home was the importance of being able to identify and understand the true source of the emotional arc in your work, whether it's chapter by chapter, or through the whole novel. What's yours?
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