...BUT we occasionally need to escape from the fantasy worlds we've created on our computer screens. We need to seek out other writers - sometimes the only people who understand the dual reality that we live within, splitting our time between real and make-believe worlds.
One of the best escapes I've found is belonging to and participating in a good writers' organization. In Wisconsin, we're fortunate to have a statewide organization (with numerous local clubs) dedicated to supporting and assisting both amateur and professional writers in their creative writing efforts.
The Wisconsin Writers Assocation was founded in 1948 (as the Wisconsin Regional Writers Association.) It offers excellent educational conferences, contests, book fairs, promotional and networking opportunities.
I just returned from the WWA Fall 2011 Conference in Stevens Point, Wisconsin - recharged, inspired, anxious to apply some of the things I learned there.
This was one of the best writers' conferences I've attended! There was something for everyone - sessions on flash fiction, memoir writing, poetry, science fiction/fantasy/horror, self-publishing, small presses, freelance writing opportunities, journalism in the e-world, and screenplay writing. There were opportunities to "pitch" your manuscript to an editor/agent and time to network with other writers.
We listened to Bruce Dethlefsen, Wisconsin Poet Laureate, read his delightful poetry. And we were entranced with the success story of Cayla Kluver, teen-age author of the best-selling Legacy Trilogy. Cayla's mother and agent, Kimberly Phifer, took us along on their journey to stardom in the young adult world of books.
The book fair offered an excellent selection of books by Wisconsin authors -and we were pleased with our book sales.
Yes, writers write...but we also need to take time to learn and network at writers' conferences like this one. I, for one, came away inspired and raring to go on my next novel!
Stay tuned and please stay in touch.
Janet Kay
http://www.watersofthedancingsky.com
Friday, September 30, 2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Remembering 9/11...
"Freedom itself was attacked this morning by a faceless coward - and freedom will be defended!" President George W. Bush, September 11, 2001
As the tenth anniversary of this insidious incident approaches, an event that rocked the foundations of our previously "secure" world, I, like many of you, still struggle to put this into perspective,to understand what has happened - and why...
Think about people like Jose Bonilla, New York City. In the last decade, he has helped to wage a war, had two children, and has been employed with crews helping to rebuild the soaring skyscraper that will soon tower over the ashes of the old Trade Center. When he looks back at the transformation he has seen since 9/11, he sees rebirth. It's like a phoenix rising up from the ashes, he says.
Think about those who have lost their loved ones in this tragedy, thousands of our friends and neighbors whose lives have forever changed.
While some of us have by now been lulled into a false sense of security and complacency, think again...
Never forget those who have sacrificed their lives for all that we believe in, for those who continue to fight to protect our country and our rights.
May God Bless America!!
Please stay tuned and stay in touch.
Janet Kay
http://www.watersofthedancingsky.com
As the tenth anniversary of this insidious incident approaches, an event that rocked the foundations of our previously "secure" world, I, like many of you, still struggle to put this into perspective,to understand what has happened - and why...
Think about people like Jose Bonilla, New York City. In the last decade, he has helped to wage a war, had two children, and has been employed with crews helping to rebuild the soaring skyscraper that will soon tower over the ashes of the old Trade Center. When he looks back at the transformation he has seen since 9/11, he sees rebirth. It's like a phoenix rising up from the ashes, he says.
Think about those who have lost their loved ones in this tragedy, thousands of our friends and neighbors whose lives have forever changed.
While some of us have by now been lulled into a false sense of security and complacency, think again...
Never forget those who have sacrificed their lives for all that we believe in, for those who continue to fight to protect our country and our rights.
May God Bless America!!
Please stay tuned and stay in touch.
Janet Kay
http://www.watersofthedancingsky.com
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