This weekend I took a vacation from the writer's life and escaped to the Southern California Writer's Conference in San Diego, which is a total misnomer because I didn't see a thing of San Diego. The entire weekend I was holed up in a hotel with single-minded, wide-eyed, sleepless writers; none of whom minded my lack of business cards or loud laugh because they were too consumed talking about writers, rights and writing. It. Was. Heaven!
Some highlights included seeing my friend and mystery writer Gayle Carline. She likes to laugh so there's no mystery why I like her.
Hearing writer Greg Gutierrez talk about this short story collection Zen and the Art of Surfing while looking at his oil paintings. What a cool dude.
Buying books! After hearing Janice Steinberg speak of her process I'm looking forward to reading her novel The Tin Horse. It was inspired by Raymond Chandler's detective novel The Big Sleep with Philip Marlowe, which is an excellent pedigree for fiction. I also met Mary Vensel White, author of The Qualities of Wood. If her book is half a good as she is nice it's going to be a thrill to read. I can't wait to crack it open!
Meeting new friends--sweet children's book author Sheri Fink;
And gregarious writer Kimberly Robeson.
The final highlight; hanging with old friends Dale and Gayle Carline.
It was a dynamic, mind-opening, glorious weekend! It was so stimulating to be among all those writers I felt like I could write a book, screenplay and a 14 volume poetry collection in iambic pentameter--all before lunch.
However in its aftermath, the hardest part is sitting alone--again--and writing--again. I know, I know, this is the writer's life I signed up for. I look at the blinking cursor on my white computer screen. Despite my best efforts, the screen remains blank.
So... when's the next writer's conference?
Next conference? That would be the La Jolla Writer's Conference in November. See you then!
ReplyDeleteBut by then you must have the book and screenplay written! (The 14-volume poetry can wait! ;-) Slay that white screen and that mocking cursor! Remember, the keyboard is mightier than the sword.
Thanks , Jim!
DeleteLa Jolla sounds great! Apparently if I attend San Diego's writer's conferences I will see nothing of San Diego but continue meeting cool writers like yourself.
I have to stop writing my 14-volume poetry collection? What?! There goes another project to the back burner. Oh yes, I will slay the white screen with... little black marks.
Thanks for reading, commenting and keep writing yourself! Let me know when you're next in L.A.
Best wishes,
Alicia
Hey Alicia,
ReplyDeleteI was at SCWC, too!!!
(But I'm not in any of your pics... whatever, dude :)
We should totally, like, get together with some of the others and start our own critique group.
We could call it "Delta Readers."
(Whispers...)
Oh....
Hi Mark!
DeleteIt was great meeting you at SCWC and I noticed: I'm not in any of YOUR pictures. Payback?
Delta Readers", what a catchy name. Who thought that one up? I can't wait for Delta Readers to start... well, reading.
See you in print soon! Best wishes,
Alicia
Alicia,
ReplyDeleteSo nice to meet you!! You sparkle with life.
See you on stage,
Greg Gutierrez
Zen and the Art of Surfing
Hi Greg,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments and feedback! It was a pleasure meeting you! Your writing pulses with emotion and wisdom.
Thank you!
Alicia
Yasou Alicia!
ReplyDeleteIt was so wonderful meeting you at the conference. I already miss your laugh! Can't wait till we find time to have lunch somewhere in between SD and LA. I hope your writing is going well and let's chat soon!
Kimberly :)
Hi Kimberly!
ReplyDeleteIt was a pleasure meeting you and I'm excited to connect and talk books, blogs and Greek food! Let's meet sooner rather than later!
--Alicia