Those who wish to sing always find a song. Swedish proverb
Let me start all over again. About ten days from now, I'll be on my way to the 32nd Annual Pennwriters Conference. This year, the conference in being held in Pittsburgh, PA. It's about a four hour car drive for me, but I like driving. I like it best when I'm driving by myself. Lots of plotting gets done during that time. Once at the conference, I'll reconnect with friends I haven't seen for a year and make some new ones. There's is an amazing amount of energy and positive vibes during the three day event. I always come away with dozens of ideas and the motivation to do something with them.
In addition, there are speakers and workshops that will give me new ideas for editing, promotion, and networking. I'm on the Pennwriters' board of directors and this conference takes a lot of man hours (mostly woman hours) to put together. A lot of the work is done before time, but there's also things to take care of on the weekend. And all those hours are put in by volunteers. Most people know that but few take the time to thank all those people working behind and in front of the scenes.
Many online communities are the same. Maintained by volunteers. And they give us so much as they use their time, their writing time or family time, to keep websites and blogs current and helpful. I don't want to start naming the ones I visit regularly and benefit from because I don't want to forget any of my favorites. What I want to say is THANK YOU.
The upcoming conference, the newsletter I subscribe to, and all those websites that give me ideas and motivation keep me going even when industry news tries to knock me down.
Not sure how I'm feeling about this season of GoT. I was so excited about the season going in, but I'm afraid they might drop the ball on all the buildup they've done over the years. All the hints and prophesies couldn't be misdirection, could they? I'll have to wait and see.
On the other hand, my other favorite show, The 100, had a great first episode for this season. Hope it keeps up the twists and tension. And season 4 of Lucifer is coming to Netflix this week.
Also, please return to visit on Wednesday when Diane Burton will be my guest to talk about her MG novel, Rescuing Mara's Father.
In the bad news category, weather forecast is for rain nearly every day this week. Blah. The weeds are taking over my landscape. Please send a little sunshine by way.
When the Sun rises, it rises for everyone. Cuban proverb
Are you a volunteer for an online or other writing group? What motivates you to stay with your writing career if not the income?
25 comments:
I have written four poetry books.......and pondering to attempt another. What keeps me going? well it's not the money but holding the finished book in my hands when it's been published.
Have a good week Susan.
Yvonne.
I'm sure it takes a ton of work to put together the conference. You know what it takes just to run one writing website.
Yeah, there are some issues with this last season of the show...
I don't know what I would do if I didn't write. I'm not good at much else. :)
I'm still enjoying GoT. I like to focus on the excellent acting and all those small moments between the characters.
Have a great time at the conference!
I'd love to go to that conference sometime. I've only been to Pittsburgh once.
Sounds like a great conference! I'm sure you'll enjoy your time. We got invited to a family member's wedding in Pittsburgh, but aren't going. It looks like a nice city though!
betty
I will often take long breaks from writing, just had a three year break, but what motivates me to go back is reader comments & reviews along with a desire within me to tell a story of some kind. Enjoy the conference!
It's been raining almost non-stop here, too. And considering that I don't make any income from my writing, I have to say I do it because I like the stories :)
Finally got sun here. Yeah, if one wants to get rich they are sure in the wrong profession haha just write and enjoy.
For me, it's just fun to meander and muse a bit.
Hope you get some sunshine very soon!
The conference sounds awesome, and it's great you're so involved. Yes, I bet it's lots of work. Have fun! And yeah, we've had rain and more to come here too.
At least we have Nora in our corner! She sounds like someone you don't want to mess with.
I love holding those books in my hands also, Yvonne.
Yeah, I know you understand how much work it can be.
There have been some great interactions between characters but I'm confused by some of the arcs characters are following this season.
We alternate sides of the state. Odd years we hold it in Pittsburgh and even years we have it in Lancaster. Would love to see you at the conference or any conference.
Pittsburgh is a difficult city for me to drive in. There are so many bridges and tunnels and always road construction.
So glad to hear from you again, Karen.
We've had an entire 36 hours without rain. I mowed half the yard.
Definitely the wrong career for fame and fortune.
You do meander. LOL
I like helping but some days I long for the days when I attended and soaked up the offerings.
Yeah, don't mess with Nora. Of course, she has the money to take the fight to the thieves.
I hear you on the rain. My lawn is going wild. The rain is making it grow but not letting it dry enough to mow. And God bless conference volunteers.
Hi Susan - enjoy the Conference and thank you (albeit I won't be there!) for all the extra work in organisation you all put in to helping others. We need the rain and have had some ... but I am looking forward to some cheery weather! Good luck - in the meantime Happy Mother's Day - Hilary
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