Writers Weekend

My goal for 2008 was to write a book. And even though I never sat down to actually Write any words, the process certainly began in April, 2008. I went to the Festival of Faith and Writing at Calvin College with my dear friend Holly. We listened to speakers, editors, authors, publishers. We were blown away. We sat on the Common Lawn and stared into the bright blue sky. We were dreamy. It was during this weekend that I fully realized just what type of book I wanted to write. I mean, Needed to write. The wheels really starting turning then.

A few months later I got an email from an online magazine that I submit articles to: Burnside Writers Collective. They invited me to come to the table, to join their team, to write. This was a huge validation for me. I was learning to say, "I am a writer" instead of "I like to write" and those were baby steps indeed.

Joining the BWC Team changed the last several months of my life. I met more authors who were out there, doing it. They were getting books published, encouraging each other, helping one another and I got to be a part of it. Then I went to Portland for Spring Break and that trip Really flipped me over. I finally met, in person, Susan, Penny, Don, a book agent and I sucked in a bit of their air space. It was good. It was motivating.

A week after my return from Portland I thought I was finally ready to take the plunge and start actually putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard, as it were). I booked myself a 3 night stay at a hotel in Traverse City. I started to read Anne Lamott. Anne helped me dig up old, old stories. I was ready to start writing My story then and there, but I had a Real job to do and I put all those thoughts on the back burner.

I am here now, in Traverse City. I arrived about an hour ago. I picked up some food at the local market, checked in an hour early, unpacked my bags and now is the time to start.

I'm nervous. Scared. Overwhelmed. And smiling from the Joy of this great ride.

I have a good life. I hope you'll get to read about it in my book.