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| Credit: WallaWalla.edu |
I'm here! I'm finally here! It's been
a solid year of planning, one month of organizing all my family's
schedules, seven and a half hours of driving, and one all-nighter
filled with preparations to make it happen, but I'm here!
I'm at Rosario Beach in Anacortes,
Washington with sixteen amazingly wonderful women who share my love
of writing and are equally driven to tell the story that's inside
them. And you know what's even better? Tomorrow our numbers will
more than double.
We're surrounded by lush greenery, a
fog-covered eddie lapping onto a river rock shore, and just enough
mist to make the retreat feel magical. Oh, wait. That's because it
is!
Tomorrow we will listen to Lisa Mangum,
Managing editor of Shadow Mountain followed by a variety of breakout
sessions put on by some incredibly talented women who are kind enough
to inspire and enlighten us on how to improve our craft, and to make
it in the publishing world.
Oh how blessed we are to live in this
day and age where we can come together, share our talents, and become
better together. How blessed we are to have such a wonderful group
of ladies to learn and grow with, while encouraging and celebrating
their individual goals and accomplishments.
This is my second retreat at Rosario
Beach. Last year I was a tag-along with almost no writing
experience. I came, I observed, I cowered in the corner, and in
spite of it all, I made friends, memories, and came home inspired to
do and be more. This year, I come alone, determined to overcome my
fear of not being good enough, and prepared to absorb everything I
can from this experience.
For me, ANWA has been Heaven sent. I
cannot imagine any other organization who is more focused on helping
each other succeed. I look forward to a weekend without my children,
gleaning from those who are further in the process than I am, and
making a whole other group of life-long friends! Thank you, ladies,
for welcoming me with open arms. I am truly blessed to be a part of
this group.
Oh I am so excited for you...and a little bit jealous. I have a goal to go next year. Happy writing!
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