Writers and writing.....

Hi Everyone!

I just got back from doing a week-long writing seminar on St Simons Island, GA for the Southeastern Writers Association. It should have been work, but I have to admit, it was more like a wonderful, relaxing vacation. The conference was held at Epworth By The Sea, a Methodist camp, which was more like a small city than a camp. The entire grounds were festooned with ancient live oaks dripping in silvery Spanish moss, there was a small lagoon where dolphins came to put on a show for us daily, and I got to share it with my best friend, Vicki Hinze.

Even more attractive than the setting were the people attending the conference. What a diverse group with amazing talents and so very eager to learn. As a teacher of writing, it is very gratifying to see that kind of dedication to their craft and their overwhelming need to absorb everything they could, then put it to use. I was blown away.

Part of the layout of out-buildings is a place called "Miss Ellie's," which is a quaint, small building used for social events -- receptions, book signings, etc. Miss Ellie's has a big front porch, just like the ones that graced many old southern antebellum mansions. But, to our delight, it also has rocking chairs. I love rocking chairs, as does Vicki, so we spent many hours sitting there, rocking and talking. Eventually, people began to look for us there to talk writing. What a refreshing time for me, and Vicki. We could go on and on about our favorite subject and weren't met with that deer-in-the-headlights look our hubbies and non-writing friends adopts after a few minutes. But best of all, we got to share our knowledge with all these writers.

Beyond the setting and the camaraderie was the intense curriculum of study set up for the attendees. There were expert speakers on all aspects of writing: screenwriting, non-fiction, poetry, fiction, humor, and even limericks. Classes went from 8:30 to 4:30 every day. On Wednesday, they had "open mike night." The students voluntarily read what they'd created during the week. All I can say is it was amazing. The talent and creativity the students exhibited could only be described as purely inspirational. On Thursday, they held awards night. The students who had entered their work for evaluation by the speakers in their genre were rewarded by being chosen best in their category. What a delight to see the people we had come to know and admire all week receive recognition for their talent.

When it came time to leave on Friday, we both, though eager to get home, hated to leave. If you're looking for a conference that will send you home champing at the bit to write and a warm feeling about yourself and your fellow writers, I highly recommend you try this one. It's held every year in June. Check out their website at http://www.southeasternwriters.com/ Believe me you won't be sorry and Vicki and I may be there to chat with you on Miss Ellie's front porch.

Happy reading!
Elizabeth

Everybody into the pool!

Well, I'm out of here in a few minutes. My dear friend Vicki Hinze and I are doing a week-long seminar on the nuts and bolts of fiction writing for the Southeastern Writers. We get to spend a whole week on beautiful St Simons Island, GA. The best part is (other than not having to cook for five days) our workshops are first thing in the morning, and we get the rest of the day to kick back, relax and do what we want. That would include visiting the lagoon where the dolphins put on quite a show or just walking beneath the huge, ancient oaks dripping in Spanish moss. Chances are, however, that you'll find us sitting in the rocking chairs on Miss Ellie's front porch and talking writing to people who don't look at us with that deer-caught-in-the-headlights stare that we get from non-writers.

Before I go, I promised Mary Stella, another good friend, that I'd tell you about what Lily has been doing recently. Lily had a visit from her BIG sister (and I do mean big), Lulu, a few weeks back and shocked me when she immediately recognized her sibling. Watching their antics for the rest of the day was like watching my kids at play when they were little. They raced around, fought over toys, wrestled in the dirt and then . . . they discovered our hot tub.

For the remainder of the day, they were in and out of the hot tub and dripping water all over everyone. But they had a blast. So much so that my husband decided Lily needed her own pool. So we went to Walmart and got her a hard-sided kiddie pool.

Since we got the pool, after Lily goes out in the morning to do her . . . business, she doesn't want to leave it long enough to come in and eat. I've had to start serving her breakfast on the back deck. So now Lily gets up each morning, has her dip in the pool and dines alfresco. Seems a dog's life isn't that tough after all.

I don't know if it's all that water or not, but she's growing by leaps and bounds. I sometimes have to remind myself that she's only 6 months old. However, as fast as she's growing, she still hasn't grown into her enormous feet. I'm hoping to have some pictures to share with you soon.

Ripley, our other furry child, has really taken to her new sister, but sometimes we have to separate them to give Ripley a break. After all, you can stand those "young whipper snappers" chewing on your ears for just so long before it gets old.

Happy reading!
Blessings,
Elizabeth