Maybe
I’m a little starry-eyed but I can’t help but feel proud of the lengths authors
will go for each other.
I
had the privilege of attending RWA’s (logo proudly displayed on the right) annual
Online Claytons Conference recently.
Claytons,
for those who are unfamiliar with the term, is the brand name of a non-alcoholic
beverage that was popular in Australia and New Zealand in the 70’s and 80’s. It was ‘the drink you have when
you're not having a drink’. Our Claytons, by association, was for those who
couldn’t attend the official conference at the Gold Coast. (Well deserved congratulations
to the winners.) J
The
online conference was by no means second best. I believe, apart from a few
technical hitches (that’s computers for you) that everyone enjoyed themselves
immensely. Again, I thank everyone involved and here’s where that wonderful
generosity came flooding in. I felt that everyone was committed, enthused and
excited to be there. Professional writers gave up their time to share their
experiences, offer solid advice and impart their wisdom. They welcomed
questions, provided thoughtful answers and in one case, graciously let me have
a little fan girl moment. :)
Again,
thanks to the generosity of so many wonderful authors, there were prizes galore
- signed books, book packs, e-books, offers of critiques – well almost too many
to mention. And it wasn’t all work. We had time to play, to chat and get to
know each other – the result of which, I hope leads to some firm friendships.
We
also had a Fast Fiction Challenge – 1000 words prompted by some excellent ‘high
concept’ suggestions. My condolences to the poor judge who had to choose
between so many fantastic stories, not a position I would have cultivated. As generosity
(again) would have it, I was fortunate enough to win the challenge, and I reiterate,
there was some very tough competition.
While
I hope to attend the next official conference and greet those wonderful people
I ‘met’ this year, if it doesn’t work out, I know 'the conference I attend when
I’m not attending a conference' will be just fine. :)
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