Overload

My mind is full of ideas — too full to absorb everything. The two days with James N. Frey (not the million little pieces guy) were full of work about the mythic structure of stories. I learned a great deal, and will gather more as I go over my notes several times to recall the whole experience.

More on this topic later — I need to sleep!

Days out of Time

Today I begin a mini-hiatus from ordinary time. No regular schedule, no class at RACC (Jill is subbing for me), no meals to prepare. I am in a room at the Four Points Sheraton in Allentown at the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Conference. When I leave my room this morning I will attend the first day of a two-day workshop on How to Write a Damn Good Novel, presented by James L. Frey, who has written two books by that title. He is NOT the Frey of Oprah notoriety!

I love these times out of time. I love learning new things and the opportunity to meet new people and get new ideas. Most important to me today, though, is the notion that I am a real writer, focused on my craft for three full days. Let the magic begin!

New Memoir Class Begins at Tel Hai

       I'm always excited at the beginning of a new class. I find it thrilling to gather ideas, plan what we will do, buy supplies, see what is new in the books I've been reading, and arrive with a cart full of possibilities. Of course, the best part — the surprise and delight of it all — is learning who the students will be and discovering the many gifts they bring to the experience of writing together. Time and again the memoirists have said that they have enjoyed learning about each other and hearing the many interesting stories about their lives. We become connected in a way that is far deeper than the casual contact people have with acquaintances. I feel it is a privilege to facilitate these classes!

       Our memoir class meets from 1 - 3 p.m. at Tel Hai Retirement Community's Garrett Community Center for six Wednesdays, beginning March 10.

Image Generator

As part of the 23 Things course at the library (which got me started on blogging and other new things), I have gone to an image generator site and at the bottom of the blog you will see the result!

One of my two writers groups meets this morning. I have a new chapter of my book to read, plus a 100-word summary of the book in preparation for the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group Conference at the end of March. I always get good feedback from these folks.