This week I've been attending LitFest at the Lighthouse Writers Workshop in Denver, and it has been fabulous. You all should come next year! We have a lovely guest bedroom ;) Since I don't have much time, I figured I'd just share a couple things that I've learned and experienced, so others can learn them as well:
- A panel of agents ALL said that they don't care what kind of online platform an author has. They only care about the work, and will worry about platform later. This flies in the face of a lot of things I have read, and I've been chewing on it for several days.
- Some agents are, indeed, really intimidating. Others are super sweet.
- Authors are some of the best people out there. I have found my flock. I haven't felt so 'with my people' since summer camp.
- The Jesus story fits almost perfectly into the Three Act Structure that Aristotle wrote about. (draw your own conclusions from that)
- One of the women who taught a writing session did so one hour after finding out her father had passed away. She stole wine from the party downstairs and turned the session into a celebration of her father, who was known as a great teacher. I am glad that kind of beautiful act happens in our world.
- Stories are everywhere if we know where to look for them. Occasionally getting the full story will require getting out of our introvert caves, but it's so worth it.
- On a related note, I think I really do want to try some freelancing. Eek.
- A reminder: write the damn words. You can edit later. If you realize you need to edit something, make a note and write the rest of the piece as though you've already changed it. Will save your mind now, and time later.
- Imposter syndrome: We all have it. Even people whose books have made NY Times bestseller lists.
- It is possible to run 10 miles in the morning and sit through class all afternoon. But... you probably want some caffeine to do that.
Ok I have to go! I will check in with the blogging world this week, I promise!
