No shoulda, woulda, coulda's sit on the window ledge blocking my view of the world outside my door. There's not a moan in sight. The weekend writing retreat at Fern Resort was everything I had hoped it would be and though I did not do much writing, I did accomplish my goal. The goal seemed simple enough: to re-engage with the manuscript that has languished for nearly a year in the bottom desk drawer. Did the story still have energy? Was the story still worth telling? Did the writing still excite me?
I'd been to the writing retreats offered by Writescape's Gwynn Scheltema and Ruth Walker and knew the fine talent and support that this weekend would have on offer. The companion workbook for the retreat announced the theme of Turning Leaves 2014, "Bridge to Your Words"
I was dumbfounded when I saw that -- I had no idea that the entire program had been designed for ME. I'm sure Ruth and Gwynn didn't know that either! But there it was in my hands, and the rest, as they say is history; well perhaps not quite so dramatic nor of any great import on the world stage but still, for me, a really big deal!
I crossed the bridge into the pages of the memoir. It was like entering the old family homestead, full of smells, tastes, sights, sounds, and touches. I took the time to reintroduce myself gently, politely, allowing the tale to reintroduce itself to me. And I fell in love with the manuscript again. I fell in love with the words and the story.
I am profoundly grateful not only to Gwynn & Ruth for their expertise and generousity, but also to Barbara Kyle, the guest author at the retreat. Her enthusiasm and insights on the craft of writing as well as her interest in each one the participants, was pure gift. The opportunity to explore, learn and write in community with other writers of all genres, all experience levels, for a weekend was also a gift. Thank you all!
Now, I gotta get to work. Catch up with you later.
©2014 April Hoeller
April, this is a lovely post. I'm so glad you re-discovered your muse at the retreat. It was a real pleasure meeting you. Stay in touch!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear you're back at work on your manuscript April!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your awesome (for lack of a better adjective) writers' retreat experience April. The energy that I feel coming through this post is inspiring. Your photos of the fall coulours, the fallen leaves and the still water are an autumnal treat for a desert dweller like me; we only get hotter and hottest here:)
ReplyDeleteThank you Arti for your kind words. Writing retreats are such a rich source of inspiration for me, and for many writers. No huge agenda, no chores, just open space with support when needed. Take care.
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