The life of a writer can be a lonely one, sitting alone at a desk, working in isolation, perhaps with a cat or a goldfish for company, and the promise of a gin or chocolate reward at the end of the day.
Getting together with other writers isn't for everyone, but it can be really helpful if you're so inclined. There is nothing quite like being around others who 'get it', know where you're coming from, and understand how hard the 'getting it all down' can be. Unspoken connections develop, a camaraderie brews between fellow travelers, ideas are shared, inspiration grows, motivation moves towards action.
This past Sunday I had my Summer Writing Salon, an annual writing day I have here at my Writing Place in Arkles Bay. Seven writers joined me for a day of timed writing exercises, discussions and sharing of our work.
What a super day it was, full of creative energy and the generosity of sharing.
And how well they did! I challenged them with a series of 3-minute and 5-minute timed sessions, writing to prompts. How I love the sound of pens scratching on paper, fingers tapping on keyboards, and the sight of heads bent in concentration. Writing to a time limit can become an excellent part of our arsenal as writers, especially when we're starting our writing day and need to 'warm up,' or those times when we want to write but the ideas just won't appear. Getting the thoughts flowing to a prompt that may be as simple as, 'I remember ...' can start the wheels of imagination turning.
It's always a real delight to have the writers come to my place, to enjoy time together and produce some good work. Often the writing done in sessions like this can be taken away and worked on, having sparked a thought, or a beginning, or a continuation. It's all worthwhile.
Would you like to join me for a writing day? Advance notice is given in my newsletters so please sign up to receive one in your Inbox.
Join the group. Do some writing. Have some fun.