National Writing Project @ The University of Virginia's College at Wise
The Writing Retreat--A Massage for the Mind
I just got home from the 2009 Writing Retreat at the Breaks, where I have been writing, laughing, singing, and eating with some incredibly talented people. Before I go further, I want to thank Robin and Rita for their hard work in putting this together. I heard all three of the authors say it was one of the best retreats they'd ever attended (these are people who go to many, many of these in one year). Kate even said it was the best she had ever been treated at such an event.
I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I haven't attended one in a few years; a conflict of some kind has always kept me away. This year, several writing goals and a new appreciation for "me" time led me straight to the Grand Canyon of the South.
Karen McElmurray led us in a thought-provoking memoir-writing workshop, and talked about her inspiration for her book Surrendered Child. I bought a copy and it kept me awake for most of the night. The story about giving up her son for adoption when she was only sixteen is gritty, heart-wrenching and courageous. Her prose reads like poetry. I told her these things at breakfast the next morning. "I've been experiencing some self-doubt about my writing this year," she said, so it was good to hear something positive. I learned that even published award-winning writers feel insecure sometimes. I felt better.
Pamela Duncan, author of Plant Life, The Big Beautiful, and Moon Women discussed the dirty business of dealing with large publishing houses and what happens when they dump you like a bad boyfriend in the middle of a recession. Pam is a true Appalachian woman from the mountains of North Carolina. Her laugh is infectious. Like Lee Smith, Pam is generous with her time, advice, and contacts. She wants to see you succeed, and remembers when you're working on something you want to get published. I learned that no matter how far up you go on the bestseller list, remember to reach a hand to help those who are inspired by you.
Kate Larken is a teacher, singer, writer, activist and publisher. She is one of the most talented people I've ever met and makes me want to get my guitar out of the closet and use it to teach. This morning, she walked us through the writing process with her rendition of "Ode to Billy Joe." More than that, she is a kindred spirit. "I went through the Murray State Writing Project in the 1980's," she told us, "and even served as Director for a while." We were astonished at this bit of news, to hear that she is one of us! "So you see," she continued, "I feel like I've come home."
Home. That's exactly what it's like to be among people who share your love of words and support your goals. I realized that I packed my car to go home, to be among another kind of family. That's what continuity should do for us all year long. Maybe we can't always spend the night or sing around a campfire, but it's those little ways we get together that keep us connected to this support system, this kind of home, this kind of family.
Kate mentioned something she sometimes does at the retreats sponsored by her publishing company, Motes Books. They have a Knowledge Potluck; instead of bringing food, everyone brings a piece of knowledge they can share, something on paper everyone can take away. What a wonderful concept and a name for what we've been doing all along.
I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I haven't attended one in a few years; a conflict of some kind has always kept me away. This year, several writing goals and a new appreciation for "me" time led me straight to the Grand Canyon of the South.
Karen McElmurray led us in a thought-provoking memoir-writing workshop, and talked about her inspiration for her book Surrendered Child. I bought a copy and it kept me awake for most of the night. The story about giving up her son for adoption when she was only sixteen is gritty, heart-wrenching and courageous. Her prose reads like poetry. I told her these things at breakfast the next morning. "I've been experiencing some self-doubt about my writing this year," she said, so it was good to hear something positive. I learned that even published award-winning writers feel insecure sometimes. I felt better.
Pamela Duncan, author of Plant Life, The Big Beautiful, and Moon Women discussed the dirty business of dealing with large publishing houses and what happens when they dump you like a bad boyfriend in the middle of a recession. Pam is a true Appalachian woman from the mountains of North Carolina. Her laugh is infectious. Like Lee Smith, Pam is generous with her time, advice, and contacts. She wants to see you succeed, and remembers when you're working on something you want to get published. I learned that no matter how far up you go on the bestseller list, remember to reach a hand to help those who are inspired by you.
Kate Larken is a teacher, singer, writer, activist and publisher. She is one of the most talented people I've ever met and makes me want to get my guitar out of the closet and use it to teach. This morning, she walked us through the writing process with her rendition of "Ode to Billy Joe." More than that, she is a kindred spirit. "I went through the Murray State Writing Project in the 1980's," she told us, "and even served as Director for a while." We were astonished at this bit of news, to hear that she is one of us! "So you see," she continued, "I feel like I've come home."
Home. That's exactly what it's like to be among people who share your love of words and support your goals. I realized that I packed my car to go home, to be among another kind of family. That's what continuity should do for us all year long. Maybe we can't always spend the night or sing around a campfire, but it's those little ways we get together that keep us connected to this support system, this kind of home, this kind of family.
Kate mentioned something she sometimes does at the retreats sponsored by her publishing company, Motes Books. They have a Knowledge Potluck; instead of bringing food, everyone brings a piece of knowledge they can share, something on paper everyone can take away. What a wonderful concept and a name for what we've been doing all along.
Comment
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Comment by Patricia Lynn Kennedy on August 16, 2009 at 7:38pm -
Amy,
You're right! It was a fantastic retreat! These three ladies inspired me, and the comaraderie is something that every TC should come and experience. Thanks, Rita and Robin.
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