As you read this, I’m fully immersed in all things writing
related, and have been since early Friday. Later this afternoon, I’ll arrive
home revitalized and inspired fresh off the Retreat From Harsh Reality week-end
put on by my own Romance Writers of America® Chapter, Mid-Michigan.
A complete week-end devoted to our craft, or profession if
one is so inclined. To talk, listen, learn, try, work, share, brainstorm,
implement, test, use, figure, discard, re-group. Even vent if need be.
We all need a Retreat From Harsh Reality now and then. Thirty
some years ago, Leila Davis, a fellow member in MMRWA uttered those very words
to me. I happened to be President of the chapter at that time, as I am again
this year.
A few months later, our chapter had one scheduled. Our first
Retreat From Harsh Reality was a bring your own sheets, blankets and towels,
pack your own food or call for pizza delivery affair held in one of the vacant
for the summer dormitories at a nearby university.
Over the years, the get together evolved to become more
formalized. A block of hotel rooms with all the amenities was rented, meals
were provided on site. Speakers were brought in to make presentations all day
Saturday and half the day Sunday. The time to simply immerse ourselves in all
things writing such as working on our own manuscripts, brainstorming plots and
events, critiquing ours and others’ works in progress, somehow went by the
wayside.
We became so focused on filling the allotted time with
activities at the event itself, we lost sight of its original purpose. Finally,
a few years ago, we came to realize what had happened and, thankfully, took
corrective measures.
We still have a speaker, but on a limited basis here and
there for only a few hours total all week end. The rest of the time is devoted
to writing. No talking please quiet rooms are available for personal writing
time and nothing else. Other areas are set up for get togethers to share.
A complete week-end devoted to our craft, or profession if
one is so inclined. To talk, listen, learn, try, work, share, brainstorm,
implement, test, use, figure, discard, re-group. Even vent if need be.
So what about you? Any Retreats, Conferences, Get Togethers
in your future? Maybe next year you can come to ours.
My days to blog here are the 11th and 23rd.
For more about me and the stories I write, please visit my website
