Where do I start to rave about When Words Collide? Our numbers were up–over 400 attendees. The Keynotes were inspiring, especially Adrienne Kerr’s and Anthony Bidulka’s. Personally, I sold 4 paintings, read at my own reading, two book launches (and had a new story come out in OnSpec) and IFWA’s Bedtime Stories, attended a really well-run Aurora Awards banquet (I didn’t win for best short story, but congratulations to Suzanne Church, who did! Woot!) and some really fun parties. AND, I launched my first collection! But of course, the best part, as always, was the incredible energy of the participants from so many different genres of writing. And exhausting, but very satisfying weekend.
Adrienne Kerr workshop was awesome!
What an opportunity twelve of us had, to have our cover letter, synopsis and five pages of novel critiqued by Adrienne Kerr, acquisitions editor for Penguin Canada. First, just reading everyone else’s submissions was an education in itself (they were all very different), and I learned tons just from putting myself in an editor’s shoes and thinking about why I would or would not ask an author to send me more material. Then there were the critiques themselves, listening to everyone explain their thinking on pieces I had already made my mind up about–very eye-opening. Next, there were the critiques I got on my own writing–thanks, everyone! And finally, there were Adrienne’s observations, from the position of someone who does this work professionally every day. An unforgettable experience.
Critiques done!
Love holidays, but sometimes it is hard to find time for commitments, like critiquing for the upcoming workshop with Adrienne Kerr. However, as I didn’t have to do the driving myself, I was able to get 3 days’ worth of critiquing in the car. Of course, I had read all the submissions ahead of time, so it was just the second read and putting together my comments. Done!
A Day for Painting
We have decided to stay in Prince George for a day as we wend our way back from a holiday in the Yukon, as Don wants to see the railway museum here–so I am taking a day to paint! I have made probably a dozen sketches in the last couple of days and it will be wonderful to paint again. A couple of weeks ago, I had a painting day and completed 3 small paintings!
Sketching
Not sure how many sketches I did today–we drove the Cassiar Highway and boy, is it beautiful. I think I must have done about 15 sketches. Can’t wait to paint again!