When I got an
email from the Illinois chapter of The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) inviting writers to get
lost in the tranquility of nature and find your
Words in the
Woods
at a June retreat, I couldn't resist applying.
And, yes,
I'm very glad I went to the Words in the Woods 2012: Moving your Story
Forward retreat. Here are ten
benefits I and other writers experienced in just one long weekend, Friday, June 22 to Sunday, June
24 at Villa Maria in Springfield, IL:
Face-to-face
critiques with an editor, agent or writer
 |
| Alexandra Penfold, "Ty" King, Marissa Moss |
Front-row seats
to listen and learn from guest speakers: editor Alexandra Penfold
(Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers), agent Kristy “Ty”
King (Writers House), and author/illustrator/publisher Marissa Moss
Workshops on
creating characters and developing vivid settings and
plots for page-turning middle-grade and young adult novels, as well
as picture books
Speaker panels on
revision, marketing and career-development
Manuscript
exchanges and camaraderie with other writers sharing stories and ideas
in a cozy environment
 |
| Lake Springfield, our backyard |
Open mic time to
read stories and works-in-progress
Lovely natural treasures such as the Lincoln Trail and Lake Springfield right in our backyard
Delicious meals
and freedom from time spent cooking and caring for family members
Singing by the
campfire under a starry sky
And, yes, even
dancing in pjs at a pajama party
What a wonderful
event! If you have the opportunity
to go on a writers' retreat, take it.
A heartfelt thank you to the Words in the Woods retreat committee (Louann Brown, John Bowen, Anastasia Ely, Sara Latta and Alice McGinty) for awarding me the Becky Mabry “Go for It” Words in the Woods scholarship covering full tuition, a professional critique and room and board. Thank you!
to go on a writers' retreat, take it.
A heartfelt thank you to the Words in the Woods retreat committee (Louann Brown, John Bowen, Anastasia Ely, Sara Latta and Alice McGinty) for awarding me the Becky Mabry “Go for It” Words in the Woods scholarship covering full tuition, a professional critique and room and board. Thank you!
Thank you,
Illinois SCBWI, for bringing in such high-caliber publishing
professionals.
Now I am inspired
to write, write, write!
Have you been on a writers' retreat? Like them? Don't like them? Know of any great ones? Please share your experiences below in comments.
 |
| Pajama Party art goes hog wild |
 |
| Quiet writing time in the library |
Kathy on Google+
Congratulations on your well-deserved award, Kathy. One of my take-aways from this great retreat is amazing energy to work on my writing. My critique group met Monday morning after the retreat and I felt as if I was on fire--everything I heard and saw suggested story ideas to me. What a great way to recharge the batteries by going to a retreat.
ReplyDeleteSallie Wolf
Yes, it was a fun way to recharge. Kind of wish I were still there! Best of luck with the moon project book. Can't wait to see it!
DeleteHi, Kathy. I've never been on a writing retreat but have been thinking that it would be really helpful. I've even thought of just planning my own by myself. It wouldn't have all the benefits of the retreat you went on, but I would be able to be alone with my thoughts and give my writing my undivided attention....something that is very hard for me to do at home with work and a family and everything else. Thanks for sharing your experience, and I'm glad it was so inspiring for you!
ReplyDeleteHi, Kerry, I hope you find the retreat of your dreams! I'm already ready for another.
DeleteThis sounds amazing! I would love to attend a writers retreat like this!! Sounds heavenly!! :)
ReplyDeleteBest of luck finding a retreat that will inspire you!
DeleteGreat post. I totally would love to go on a retreat. I've been to conferences but I think a retreat would take it to a whole other level. I tweeted your post!
ReplyDeleteI hope you get try a retreat. Usually, they give more time to focus on writing than conferences do. Thanks for tweeting this post!
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