People: VCFA Novel Writing Retreat

Isn’t it funny how you (and by you I mean “I”) can be going along not really knowing that things suck until you (again “I”) go somewhere where things don’t suck at all. The void of suck makes you (you got it right?) wonder how you let it get so bad–how you allowed the insecurity, stress and lonely trolls to creep in and squat in the corners of the room with the dust bunnies and dog fur.

This was my experience over the last week when I attended the VCFA Novel Writing Retreat. I was wonderfully surrounded by people. People who love books and writing and who struggle with the insecurity that seems to go hand in hand with writing books. People who support you and are there as a sounding board for plot issues and word choice and grammar. Add to that three square meals a day, no laundry, no bills, no carpools or volunteer requirements and you’ve (I’ve) got paradise. A huge thank you to Sarah Aronson and Cindy Faughnan who create the heavenly space for all who participate.

The retreat, with its lectures and critique opportunities, turned into a week long rediscovery and love affair with my Work In Progress. I only hope that I can keep the momentum rolling and the trolls at bay.

People who need people
Are the luckiest people in the world,
We’re children, needing other children
And yet letting our grown-up pride
Hide all the need inside,
Acting more like children
Than children.