by Paula Gail Benson
Sometimes you have to dedicate time to your writing craft. In pre-Covid-19 days, that was accomplished at writers’ conferences. You spend some time listening to master classes and panels, then you learn what’s going on in the business by talking with fellow writers in the hall and bar.
Now that travel and in person gatherings are extremely limited, how do you recapture the experience and energizing effects of a writing conference?
Fortunately, virtual meetings have become the norm. By scheduling carefully, you can piece together the perfect writing retreat. Just be sure to build in some breaks so that you don’t exhaust yourself.
On August 7 through 9, I stayed at a local Airbnb (more on that in tomorrow’s WWK ) and set up to spend a day virtually with writing buds. I started with Murder on the Beach’s presentation of John Dufresne’s “How to Write a Story.” For $35.00, you got the program, plus the bookstore sent you Dufresne’s Storyville without shipping charges. I found both to be extremely helpful and inspiring. The book is one to read brief passages from each day to keep the encouragement going.
The following week, I attended Debra H. Goldstein's excellent program on writing conflict. John and Debra's events were part of what Murder on the Beach calls Florida Authors Academy Workshops. Future events are listed at this link. It's a great and very economical series.
Next, I attended the Triangle Chapter of SinC program to hear Lori Rader-Day talk about “Turning an Idea into a Novel.” She spoke about her own journey in writing The Lucky One and shared some of her experiences in writing her current work in progress, a mystery based on Agatha Christie housing children refugees during World War II.
Here's a link to Triangle Sisters Website.
At the end of the day, I joined the business meeting of Sacramento’s Capitol Crimes Chapter of SinC. Hearing about how that chapter is regrouping and planning for the future gave me ideas to suggest for our local chapter. Here's a way to access the future events planned by Capitol Crimes. It has some great upcoming speakers.
What virtual programs have you been watching during the pandemic?
Jackson Hole Writers shifted to small zoom meeting classes when the summer conference was cancelled. It worked well, with some time built in at the end for questions and comments.
ReplyDelete(But I miss in-person conferences and catching up with new and old friends!)
Me, too, Cathy! I hope we’ll be able to return to gem soon!
ReplyDeleteSorry. Then not gem!
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