On the Squaw Valley Community of Writers
Yours truly just returned from a week at the Squaw Valley Community of Writers. It may very well have been one of the best weeks of my life, certainly of my writing life.
If there’s a dominant emotion among the maelstrom of feelings the Community stirs up, it is Gratitude. I can’t say thank you enough to the Hall family, all the staff and the participants. I learned so much about the craft this week, got to read amazing work by published and unpublished writers. I now see more of what is possible.
I am just as grateful for the sense of tradition and belonging at the Community. None of the many wonderful moments would exist if the founders of the Community had not believed in what we do as writers. In the 42 years since, their families, friends, staff and participants have continued to believe. I believe.
Also, it was just fucking cool to meet and learn from Janet Fitch, Dagoberto Gilb, Amy Tan, Leslie Daniels, Lynn Freed, Elise Blackwell, Mark Childress and many other writers, agents and editors. Best of all, I got to hang out with some young (in career) writers you don’t know yet (but you will, I promise), writers who are right now slogging through the beautiful mud of creation. They will be soon be ready and they will amaze you.
I finished a new draft of my novel two weeks ago. I thought it was finished but after everything I learned at the Community of Writers this past week, I know it can be even better. I am going to write another draft. I am not afraid.
If you ever get a chance to attend the Squaw Valley Community of Writers, you do so.
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All the best Mayowa.
Thanks Myne. Hope your arm’s better.
Congratulations on finishing your first draft and best wishes for what lies ahead.
Thank you, Judy. This new draft will be draft number five (or is it six?). The week at Squaw was so helpful, I don’t much mind slogging through again.
Congratulations to you too. When do revisions begin? Does this mean we’ll be seeing more of you on the blog?
Glad to hear you had such a great time – congratulations again and keep up the great writing!
Thanks, Amy!
Mayo — Great to hear from you! Tell me more about the Squaw conference. Bonnie and I just returned from the South Carolina Writers’ Workshop Conference — October 21-23, which was great as always. Lots of agents. I want to find an additional conference fro 2012 that concentrates on writing. I’ve heard Sewanee is good.