Another Writing Experience



Myself and two writing buddies traveled about an hour and half away to join other writing friends for a weekday noon meal at the Der Dutchman Restaurant. Several were there for the first time (seven), one for the second time, and the rest of us have joined together in writing events more than that.



It was a great time of fellowship with good food and a pleasant atmosphere. We called it a meet and greet meeting. After introductions, we asked the blessing, and enjoyed a delicious buffet. Then on to the important things--writing! It wasn't strange or unusual for our talk to center on writing. It's our favorite topic.



It was exciting to hear everyone's progress (some of those present were published. Yeah! Some have agents.) and the great diverse ideas being plotted from different brains. We ranged from regency historical set in England to western historical, German Baptist stories, suspense, romance, childrens, women's fiction, and probably a lot of other ideas germinating in creative minds.



We discussed a few problems we have and how we deal with them. We talked about getting ideas and how we carried them out. We discussed agents and editors, and what we liked or disliked about different publishers. We passed on encouragement and praise. We talked about our upcoming ACFW conference in Minnesota this year.



We explained how our close-at-home writing groups work (or don't work) and what a help it is when they do. We teased each other, laughed, listened, loved, and had the great kind of fun together that only another writer understands.



We argued (agreeably) why some of us wrote what and how we do. Why it works for us. Why we like and want to write certain things.



Two middle graders were with us for the first time and we encouraged and listened to their dreams and thoughts about writing. Three new people who haven't yet joined our group were welcomed and encouraged to become a part.



Donna won the book give-away (even though I tried every which way to get it! Laugh!)



Happy sigh. I'm looking forward to more rewarding days like this. I needed this day. It was an encouragement when discouragement about my writing has been nibbling at my heels.





Quote:

Trouble shared is troubled halved. --Dorothy Salyers



Blessings

Fun! Fun! Fun!


Gotta say, I had tons of fun Saturday. Met with some of my writing buddies and had a very enjoyable afternoon.

We listened to some interesting and valuable information coming from a published peer who challenged us to "get out there to promote our books." Linore Burkard is her name.

We relaxed in a pleasant and lovely home of writing buddy Kathy who fed us until we were stuffed with tons of delicious food, including grilled hamburgers and brats, fruit, salads, deviled eggs, chips and dips, candy, cookies, brownies, cheesecake, and drinks. She made us feel right at home.

We re-introduced ourselves (for the new ones) and talked about our writing genres and interests and what we had already accomplished and also what we wanted to do. We socialized in a good atmosphere and talked about our upcoming conference and other closer writing opportunities.

It was nice hearing about everyone's current projects, and some of the lesser known authors were able to do a little promoting so that we could have an idea of what books from our friends are available.

THEN: I won the door prize of a writing book. Yeah! Of course, I'm always up for a laugh, so decorated my name's paper, with the words, "Pick me." Mean ole Sharon (our chapter president--just kidding, she's a sweetheart and such a wonderful leader!) made sure the person who drew a name didn't get a chance to see my note!

I couldn't believe it when she called my name. I'm so excitable, you would have thought I'd got the call from a publisher! LOL.

Have a great evening, friends. We've already had one storm and sounds like another one's making it's way across our gray sky.

Stay safe!



Quote:
Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it. --Anne Shirley


Blessings!

Ohio Meeting

I went to my first (but the ACFW Ohio second meeting) today. What fun. Tiffany Colter did a great job of inspiring us to really think and plan about our writing being a business. Set our goals, shoot for them, and do the adjusting we need to, but at least do something. Get somewhere.

Loved seeing old friends and meeting some new ones and Lisa did a great job of hosting us with lots of delicious snacks and drinks.

We left home with a drop in temperature but no snow. By the time we reached the meeting destination, we were in for what looked like a snow storm. But . . . fortunately that promise didn't materialize.

We made it home safely, thank God. Tired, but happy and looking forward to a fun and productive time in April when we get the tremendous privilege of visiting a publishing house. Yeah! Can't wait.

Just thought I'd stop in and record some new writing developments . . . maybe more some other time.

See ya later!



Love this quote:
Every path has its puddle. --English proverb

What's yours?

Blessings