Writers' Retreat at Squam Lake

Anytime you can try to block all else out and focus on your writing, that's a good thing. If you can do it with other writers--that's even better! One way to try to surround yourself with other writers and creative minds is to join various groups and participate in creative events or opportunities.

SCBWI (Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) is one of those groups that people don't always hear about and then don't know how they didn't know about it after they do. Often times you will need to leave the confines of your home, go out into awkward situations where you don't know people, do your best to be friendly, ask questions and share a bit of

yourself. Sometimes you're simply networking, and other times you're actually making friends or colleagues that will be a consistent presence on your journey. 

This past weekend I had the good fortune to participate in a Writers' Retreat organized by the wonderful Shawn Anderson, a volunteer for NESCBWI. Aside from his "real" life, he's trying to get his writing done but also trying to help others to get their writing done. It takes a village--not only to raise a child but to nurture a writer. So, get out there into your village and let them help you! And, help them:)

It's a domino effect. Here's an oversimplified (in the interest of time) bulleted list of how I found myself at a weekend retreat along with 21 other writers, some published authors, talented illustrators, an agent and an editor: 

• My town held a public event in collaboration with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council,
• I attended despite being tired and having four young children at home--maybe because of it:),
• I wrote that I was a writer on some poster board survey,
• an MAPC representative saw that and introduced me to another writer,
• she asked if I knew about SCBWI, which I didn't, but proceeded to join as a member,
• 
  I became a member and have been for the last five years-ish,
• other events have happened,
• I saw the retreat,
• signed up,
• had no business going because it was such chaos at the moment in my life, but went--
• met a great group of creators, ate food, took photos, wrote words, listened to others' words,
• got extremely exhausted doing it all, but--
• it was worth it . . . I felt I grew as a writer and a reader, and my creative community expanded.
• The End. (But not really, because the journey continues--but you get the gist of how one awkward and seemingly insignificant town event eventually opened up an opportunity to meet more writers and illustrators in a meaningful way.

So, even when you're tired and you feel like it's pointless--go join, attend, say, "Yes" because it's the in-person stuff that tends to be most impactful on your creative journey. 

It's not easy--it never is.

But, look at that photo below. Don't we look like a big family having a reunion? That's a bit what it felt like by the end of the weekend that began with most of us strangers.

Good luck:)