writing life update

Oh my! Can I just say I am now a huge believer in writing retreats? I wasn't sure if it would make that big of a difference in my writing life. I have a solid writing habit, and I feel productive as a writer. I wasn't sure if it was worth juggling schedules, hiring babysitters, and packing a suitcase.

I couldn't have been more wrong.

My list was ambitious. Although I didn't complete it all, there were many unexpected ways my writing life was nourished. So a little recap. (Well, it was going to include pictures, but due to slow tech stuff, words will have to suffice.)

On a swing overlooking big tall trees is where I worked on my annotated list of 50 article ideas. I only made it to 47 by the end of the writing retreat; but I gave others ideas, so I netted over 50. That counts, right? My list became a bit of a joke with the other writers, which makes me love it even more.

I also wrote an article on that swing. It's one that's been spinning in my mind, and I'm happy the words came out of my fingers so smoothly. I wanted to write two articles, but only completed one. The second is now close to finished.

Inside the cabin in an overstuffed rocking chair, surrounded by windows looking out at the big tall trees is where I almost finished Celebrating Writers. I revised the opening chapter, writing a new lead and reorganzing the parts. I also made a list of figures, images, citations, and appendix pieces I need to gather. Once these bits are collected, and I write the acknowledgments and closing thoughts, it will be sent to my editor. This will happen before I return to school or you have permission to send gremlins my way.

There were all kinds of nooks perfect for writing. I had several conferences and lots of time to sit and think. I made myself slow down. Made myself. I can't believe what a fast pace I move. It's good to slow down. Plus I came home with a new stack of books about writing. I find myself paging through all of them because I just can't choose one to read. 

I received some insightful feedback on my lead and query letter for my YA novel and spent some time thinking deeply about the characters in the opening scene, as well as how to use some foreshadowing to hook the reader's interest. I'm itching to write and spent several hours working on opening scene today.

I came home with a refreshed writing soul. I didn't even realize it was in need of nourishment. I think I'll be sustained for awhile, but now I know the importance of spoiling your writer self. I think you should go do some spoiling for yourself right now.

Join us at Two Writing Teachers
to share your slice and read others.