Monday, August 25, 2008

INSPIRATION AND PERSPIRATION

This was the 'butt in chair just do it' day...

So many good talks so far at the retreat. Today it was WILLIAM BERNHARDT
He passed out contracts and schedules and said to make a binding agreement with yourself to write every single day.
William said the devil will tempt you or discourage you but don't listen. So, I told Tooloose to stop distracting me and let me write...
We worked hard on our pages. Already I see improvement in other's work. I'm doing all my work and getting very little sleep. (HOLLY I MISS YOU!!!!!!)
The talk this afternoon was with the two Ann(e)s about setting and using all the senses to show the reader where your world is.
ANNE LECLAIRE and ANN HOOD.
So afterward I went out to dinner and talked writing all night. Now I'm home. I had to let Tooloose know what I learned.
Tooloose is working on his own book.
"Letting the Cat Out of the Bag: A Memoir"
It's all about his drug problem with catnip and his addiction to laser pointers. Holly got him his first one and now he's out of control...
I don't remember him going to prison and being the head of a gang...he said he did...
If it's written down it must be true.
Questions. Questions.

8 comments:

Travis Erwin said...

William Bernhardt was the keynote at my local conference a few years ago and he was an outstanding speaker. maybe the best we've ever had.

ORION said...

He's really funny and a great speaker. Each of these authors are bringing something different to the retreat. Keep in mind that all these authors are not only doing lectures like this they are teaching homerooms with 8 to 12 writers for this retreat every day- We are getting a lot of attention from authors who know what they are talking about and getting wonderful feedback on our writing.

kreed said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog...I did thoroughly enjoy Lottery - our book club here in small town Kansas read it this month. Keep on writing and enjoy beautiful Maui (my family vacations at Napili every Christmas!).

Dawn Anon said...

"We worked hard on our pages. Already I see improvement in other's work. I'm doing all my work and getting very little sleep."

Do you feel like you've had any "Aha" moments with your own work?

I worry that I'd feel so overwhelmed, or bashful about sharing my work, that doing the writing wouldn't feel enjoyable.

Bookfool said...

Oh, Pat, it's so refreshing to read your blog. I missed you while I was away from blog-hopping. My husband just told me he's going to Hawaii without me, soon. Think I can stow away in his luggage? :)

ORION said...

The lovely thing about the retreat is that there is no adversarial mentality- You find everyone can be helped in some way and everyone has the capacity to learn.
It's an important step to feel comfortable to share your work face to face - But it's critical in your growth as a writer...But trust me no one laughs and no one is disparaging...
Kreed- thanks!!
hey bookfool...I think you should stow away!

Holly Kennedy said...

So glad to hear you are having fun at the retreat. Wish I were there!

Chris Eldin said...

Um, that photo looks phallic.
Am i the only one to notice?
;-)