Take a number of writers eager to
share their craft, sprinkle with some enthusiastic book lover volunteers then
add several interested readers to the mix and what do you get? A full day to discuss,
share, learn and teach writing at the Alpena Book Festival. And, yes, we were
encouraged to promote ourselves and sign our books. Stocked on the shelves in a bookstore no less.
You may remember the last time I
posted here on September 23rd, fellow Rose Diane Burton and I were just
heading off to take part in the event. Blasted out of my comfort zone big time
when I accepted her invitation to attend and wondering what to expect, I
needn’t have worried.
What a fabulous experience. Everyone
was friendly and accepting. The venues, an ‘old fashioned’ bookstore, a
charming loft meeting room, an art gallery space all were homey and unique.
As traveling companions, Diane and I
mesh pretty well. She is an excellent driver with a solid sense of direction,
qualities I lack on both counts, although I have been known to read a map correctly
when pressed. As roommates go, I hit the jackpot. She’s tidy and courteous, who
could ask for more? Since we have a lot in common, we had plenty to talk about.
Our families, our writing, various author groups we both belong to. The current
state of publishing and such.
Even our individual nighttime
rituals and early morning routines seemed to be complimentary. While she reads
before bed, lights on as I settle in don’t bother me at all. I’m up early to
spend alone time with my beloved coffee, and hopefully don’t disturb Diane as
she catches another hour of shut eye.
All in all, it was a week-end
saturated with the who, what, where, when, why and how of the profession we all
know and love.
The only down side was the lengthy
drive in and around your typical week-end traffic. Easy enough to solve. Next
year we’ve decided to arrive earlier and stay longer.
It doesn’t get a whole lot better than that.
My days to blog here are the 11th and 23rd. For more about me and the stories I write, please visit my WEBSITE
