My head is reeling. I'm not able to write. I'm buzzing with ideas and new thoughts about how to fix my story.
For four almost five days I have been at a writer' retreat in Matera, Italy. This was not your normal writers' conference- no way. We were 18 people plus Christine Witthohn, literary agent par excellence, leading the charge. It is a tad hard to explain the dynamics. Christine gave many pearls each day, but the essence was each of us.
We presented our current work and for nearly an hour (for each of us!) the entire group brainstormed the project. Why this? Why not that? What if...? Tell me what you were thinking when you decided that....? Had you considered? I love this, but truthfully, that doesn't get me excited. What does this mean from an industry point of view? What really is your genre? If you are a cross-over, how would you market this? What is the best way to enter- traditional print or e-pub? The questions and comments went on and on.
This was nothing like I've ever attended before. Some people shared huge imaginary worlds. Some shared new takes on given stories. Some told tales of their own lives that would make you cry and reach for a tissue.
Every single person shared, laughed, and joked later about the silly things that emerge when spending so much time together. But, I left with many new ideas for my book and the next one to come. I also left with a reconnection with old friends plus the grand addition of new writers who will make a difference in my world. This was an international group, an important component.
Christine, you were fantastic. If you happen to read this, please know that you should be very tired. No one could have been more supportive, more rigorous about the quality of our writing or more ready to help each of us figure out the right path.
9 comments:
Cassy, it sounds amazing. I can just imagine your head is buzzing with ideas! I hope I can do something similar in the future, because I think it's so helpful to interact with other writers.
What a wonderful time it sounds like you had. I love brainstorming. My CP and I brainstorm all the time. It must have been great to to that with a group. Wrestle those ideas down and get them on the page.
I am so jealous, Cassy. I belong to a smaller group and we call ourselves the Plotting Princesses. Two times a year, we get together and plot our books. I usually go with a title and a blurb. It's amazing how many great ideas you can get when you throw it out there. Since everyone writes a different genre, it;s even better.
So, now all you have to do is get those ideas on paper!!
Putting it all on paper is a little intimidating for me right now. My head is charging on one direction and then in another. So, I've decided to let it settle for a day or two. Then, ta da!! I'm ready to go.
This was brainstorming like I've never had before. So many constant days, so many people, so many genres, so many really thinking and being "there" for you. Plus, I'm not used to worrying about writing that is nothing like mine- dragons, fantasy worlds, edgy women's fiction as well as much more. It turned out to be great. I learned SO much and I know it will effect my stories.
The retreat sounded so intense and so amazingly helpful. It must have been interesting to hear about other worlds.
Wow..I can't even begin to imagine! Cassy, I too am jealous. My CP and I brainstorm alot and it always gets me hyped up and ready to go. And I've even done some brainstorming with some other BC babes - but nothing on as big a scale as you just experienced.
I can totally relate to the buzzing and whirling of the creative brain cells. I think If I had been there...I'd be in a writing frenzy! I wouldn't be wanting the everyday world to interfere with what I've been charged up to do.
I would write until I couldn't press the keys anymore! :-)
Hope once all the ideas gel, they fly from your fingertips to create your next great story!
and next time, I think I need to come as your personal assistant. You know...to sharpen your pencil, plug in your laptop, take photo ops, get your lunch order.........
What a great learning experience! I'm so jealous. Plotting is my favorite thing in the whole wide world. My favorite thing to ask is "What if?"
So glad you had such a great time. Maybe talk into a tape recorder while your mind is reeling.
Cassy - I'm just impressed you were able to put together a lucid blog post! Between the jetlag and the incredible creative overload, I'm barely able to do more than grunt and point! It is difficult to express the wild abandon with which everyone leapt into the fray, but when you have nearly 20 creative minds, some brilliant, bizarre and occasionally bewildering things happen. It was great finally meeting you face to face and I have a whole new appreciation for brainstorming. And adopted babies...
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