You
can tell I’m excited when I blog about a conference that hasn’t even happened
yet. Next weekend, however, I will be in writing nirvana as I attend my second
Claytons conference.
Yes,
I would love to be attending RWA’s official conference in Fremantle, Western
Australia (I spent part of my honeymoon there many years ago) but attending the
Claytons conference is by no means second best. (That’s right, the virtual conference
you attend when you’re not attending the physical one.)
Last
year I came away with invaluable knowledge given by expert writers and
publishers, won some amazing books and even came first place in a fast fiction contest.
(My banner was one of those wonderful prizes.) But the most important thing I discovered
was some amazing, supportive writers who to this day check on my progress and
offer their encouragement. Three of the lovely ladies I met last year have
since acquired contracts for their stories. How exciting is that?
This
year, we have pre-conference exercises. We had to create a scene in which the
cleaning of a bathtub had to be mentioned. Doesn’t sound that romantic, right? Oh
it was fun though – when I managed to get an actual 'scene' written and not the
short story I kept writing instead. I do hope we get to read the winning
entries because I know there will be some fabulous ones.
We
also had to complete a paragraph on sensual tension by adding another 200 – 250
words to the original text. Again, I’m hoping we get to read each other’s
entries and see how everyone worked their magic. :) The exercises were all in
good fun but more importantly they’re all building blocks for our skill levels.
While
two of my favourite authors will be in Fremantle, (and yes I’m disappointed I
don’t get to meet them in person) this year’s Claytons team has provided a
fantastic group of writers and publishers ready and willing to share their
knowledge and experience with us regardless of our individual skill levels.
Next month’s blog will, no doubt, be a bubbling mess of indecipherable babble
as I share my experiences with these generous people – if I can last that
long...
To
add to this month’s excitement, my family and I attended the wedding of two special
friends. They married on Heron Island (it’s off the Central Queensland coast
for those who don’t know.) The weather couldn’t have been more perfect. Not a
cloud crossed the sky, crystal clear water caressed powdery white sand in
effortless ripples and the beginnings of a spectacular sunset served as
backdrop for the ceremony. I managed to deliver the reading without my usual
nervous stuttering. I even remembered to turn on the microphone so I could be
heard before stepping back to witness those wonderful words – ‘I do.’
The
story of how they met belongs to them, but to witness their happiness on their special
day is something I simply must share. My personal highlight was their wedding
dance. My first dance as a married woman was a sedate waltz to the Honeydrippers’
Sea of Love. Theirs was a beautiful re-enactment of Dirty Dancing’s amazing
finale. To the tune of ‘I’ve Had the Time of my Life’, they had it covered from
‘Johnny’ leading her on to the stage to ‘Baby’ leaping in to his arms. YouTube
may have found itself another wedding sensation. :)
Before
all the excitement gets the better of me, I’ll sign off. Think of me next
weekend glued to my computer chair, my eyeballs drying out as I refuse to blink,
hoping like hell I’m taking notes in my notebook and not on the desk and that no
one dares to knock on the door and disturb me. (Of course, I will be taking my
WH&S breaks as commanded by Dana, this year’s co-ordinator). ;)
D, you're a gifted author. You transported me to your friends' wedding and it was lovely. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHave the best time at Claytons!
You say the loveliest things, Jenny. :) A pity I'm not in Fremantle meeting you properly and hearing that in person.
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