This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending the Maine Romance Writers Retreat. This is an event I look forward to every year. It may be in part because I plan/run/organize it, but mostly because of the amazing people who attend year after year, and the fantastic people who attend for the first time. We attract the best of the best.
Those of you who know me know I'm quite busy. I work full time, have three children who are involved in every sport under the sun. Princess works and has her permit so she can't drive herself, but now needs to log in 70 hours of driving with an adult. So there's that as well. I'm extremely involved with the Maine Romance Writers, I'm trying to write as often as I can, and maybe even read a book here and there. So, yeah, I'm busy.
However, organizing this event, the MRW Retreat, does NOT stress me out. It's therapeutic. I'm a social person and love connecting with our speakers and newcomers. I love coming up with new ideas to make each retreat even more fun than the last (we played an awesome game of Man Candy Bingo!). And I absolutely love getting swag in the mail from authors all over the country and making THE BEST swag bags for our attendees. Knowing how excited everyone else is about the retreat gives me energy to keep doing what I'm doing.
It's amazing to see it all come together. The laughs, the learning, the networking, the new friends. Whether you're a published author or barely have your pinky toe wet in the writing world, our intimate retreat of 45 seems to be "just right" for everyone. We have authors come from across the country to speak and I'm constantly in awe with how genuine they are.
Those of you who know me know I'm quite busy. I work full time, have three children who are involved in every sport under the sun. Princess works and has her permit so she can't drive herself, but now needs to log in 70 hours of driving with an adult. So there's that as well. I'm extremely involved with the Maine Romance Writers, I'm trying to write as often as I can, and maybe even read a book here and there. So, yeah, I'm busy.
However, organizing this event, the MRW Retreat, does NOT stress me out. It's therapeutic. I'm a social person and love connecting with our speakers and newcomers. I love coming up with new ideas to make each retreat even more fun than the last (we played an awesome game of Man Candy Bingo!). And I absolutely love getting swag in the mail from authors all over the country and making THE BEST swag bags for our attendees. Knowing how excited everyone else is about the retreat gives me energy to keep doing what I'm doing.
It's amazing to see it all come together. The laughs, the learning, the networking, the new friends. Whether you're a published author or barely have your pinky toe wet in the writing world, our intimate retreat of 45 seems to be "just right" for everyone. We have authors come from across the country to speak and I'm constantly in awe with how genuine they are.
I remember being a newbie at the MRW retreat ten years ago. I was welcomed with open arms and didn't interact with anyone at MRW until he following year, and they remembered little 'ol me! I joined the chapter and slowly got involved, learning from the best. It's my way of giving back to this amazing network of writers.
Now that the 2017 retreat is all over, I'm a little sad, but my wheels are already spinning for the 2018 retreat. We sold out this year and are sure to sell out next year as well. I can't wait to see the speakers we round up for next year.
The writing world truly relaxes me, whether it be the actual writing of words (I need to!), networking, attending conferences, or reading, it all helps me escape the craziness of the work world and my children.
Writers are awesome. And so are readers! I'm looking forward to attending the Fall in Love with New England reader event this fall. Talk about nonstop FUN!! Oh, and there will be Man Candy Bingo there as well :-)
Now that the 2017 retreat is all over, I'm a little sad, but my wheels are already spinning for the 2018 retreat. We sold out this year and are sure to sell out next year as well. I can't wait to see the speakers we round up for next year.
The writing world truly relaxes me, whether it be the actual writing of words (I need to!), networking, attending conferences, or reading, it all helps me escape the craziness of the work world and my children.
Writers are awesome. And so are readers! I'm looking forward to attending the Fall in Love with New England reader event this fall. Talk about nonstop FUN!! Oh, and there will be Man Candy Bingo there as well :-)
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