Wordless -- Importance of Live Support, Face time

I don't know what to talk about today. I'm working on Chapter 11 of Heart Journey and wanted it done but only have 7 pages, so I'll have to work this evening, too.

My Brenda Novak auction winners have contacted me. We have a new geographical feature on Celta, the Bluegrass Plains which WILL play a part in a subplot that I'm setting up for the next few books. I'll post a map when I get it done.

I am preparing for the quarterly retreat in Fairplay. So far I've only gone once. January was too stormy for me to feel safe driving alone in the Saab, and last October (like upcoming October)is too close to the November retreat in South Carolina.

Ah, there's my topic for the day, and I've changed the title. Yes, I communicate with people via webmail and during the wars, and that's important. I talk with my mentor at least once and usually several times a week. But. Still.

Get together IN PERSON with other writers. Watch as you talk with them about writing and their eyes DON'T glaze over. This IS important. Bodied (as opposed to disembodied) connection.

Writers (and this goes for readers, too) are part of a tribe. Participate in tribal gatherings.

May you enjoy all the company you keep today.
Robin

Networks

I have a friend I've known a long time through my sf/f reading group. She's been writing, but came along a different path -- the short story. But we've spoken of writing often (usually every Sunday at brunch) and she's found a workshop that really helps her -- in Oregon.

Last night I get a call from her partner that there's an emergency and he doesn't know exactly where she is (I suspect she told him multiple times but didn't write it down for him). Do I recall the workshop? I don't but I think I might have an email from her or be able to figure it out.

I do, but there is no info re: where it's taking place, city or hotel, but I do know one of the other people in the workshop. I'm on a loop with her. So I go to the loop and find an ad for an old workshop from 2007 and give the info to my friend (he's a friend, too) and note another hotel near by.

Then I post a note to my loop requesting help.

Five minutes later I have the current info. It's the same as the old stuff, so I sigh in relief. I can't tell you how much it meant to have a quick answer to my cry for help.

Bless your friends and your connections. They can all come in handy for more than publishing someday. They can be true support in every sense of the word.

Robin