Life Lessons from a Writers' Conference

It feels good to be back at my desk after being gone for five days. However, that's not to say I didn't enjoy myself visiting friends and relatives back in my hometown of Manheim, Pennsylvania, or that I didn't have a fabulous time at The Write Stuff conference in Allentown. 

I came home with a feeling of contentment I haven't felt in awhile. I can take deep breaths and they don't catch somewhere in my chest, even for a second. The funny thing is that nothing has changed externally. No circumstances have necessarily improved; I'm just not responding to them the same way. I'm pretty sure that's what vacations are supposed to do. Even though this was not a 'vacation' per se, it was still a change of scenery, and sometimes that is all it takes to develop a new perspective or to learn to breathe again.

I came away from the writing conference with one major life lesson -- I want to be known as an encourager. I want people to see me as someone who builds up others, in a completely non-competitive way. I want to model myself after others I know who do exactly that. 

Hank Phillippi Ryan and the lovely little Lady L

People like Hank Phillippi Ryan. With 30 EMMYs, 12 Edward R. Murrow awards and dozens of other honors for her ground-breaking journalism, she is also the best-selling author of six novels, garnering even more awards for her fiction.

Based on her 'status,' Hank could easily be aloof and conceited. After all, she's earned that right. But when you meet Hank, you quickly discover she's neither of those things. Hank is accessible, gracious, classy, kind, talented, and giving. And after knowing her for two years, I'm honored to say she is also my friend. 

When my mother died, she cared. When I shared good news, she celebrated with me. When I took my granddaughter to meet her at a book signing, she lifted the lovely little Lady L onto her lap. When my husband finally met her on Friday, she cozied up to him for a picture.

Hank Phillippi Ryan and my husband, Bill

This past weekend, as I struggled through ideas of where to go with a novel I'm writing, Hank graciously spent time discussing it with me. That is the kind of person I want to be. Gracious, giving, accessible. 

Another member of the conference faculty took the time to discuss my novel and lend her ideas and thoughts. Karen E. Quinones Miller is the most vibrant, full-of-life woman I've ever met. She refuses to let MS steal her joy, even as it saps her energy. She is ALIVE! When she told me she can't wait to read my finished manuscript, I believed her. Those weren't just words.

I was in a workshop with another member of the "Giving Club," the marvelous Kathryn Craft. She asked the question, "What do you want your fans to say when they're gathered around your casket [or something to that effect]?" My answer was immediate -- "She cared." 

That's what I want people to say about me. And I feel honored to have writer friends who model that for me.

I learned much from the talks and workshops these women presented. But it was 'off-the-clock' when I learned even more.

Life lessons. They're all around us. We just have to open our hearts to receive them.  

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today is my birthday. It follows a really incredible weekend where I was able to hone my craft.

As a writer, I can't tell you how much I enjoyed spending three days immersed in the writing community at the 25th annual Pennwriters Conference in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. To be surrounded by like minds who really get each other, was exactly what I needed in this season of change in my life. I felt like I belonged in a way we writers don't always experience. Plus, I was able to stay in a beautiful room at the Eden Resort, enjoy really good food, share stories and laughter, meet new friends (and some old ones who I only knew electronically), rejoice in others' success, and lead some workshops -- one of my very favorite things to do in life! It was a good weekend.

As if all of that wasn't enough, I also was honored that my poem, Prodigal, tied to win 2nd place in the poetry competition. Little happy dance. I was surrounded by so much incredible talent, that this was truly an honor!
 
Our keynote speakers, Hank Phillippi Ryan and Maria Snyder, inspired and motivated me. Hank shared something especially meaningful to me ... as an investigative reporter in Boston, she didn't get around to writing her first novel until she was my age (as of today). So, I've decided this is my year!

Topping off my incredible weekend with Pennwriters, was the time I was able to spend with my mother on Thursday night and Sunday through Monday. I never take the time we have for granted. I know how blessed I am to still have my mother with me, even if she doesn't understand my passion for leading a life with less chemicals!

And then there was dinner on Sunday night with my best-friend-for-50-years, Dawn. She treated me to a birthday dinner that was both delicious and soul-soothing. Dawn has always had a knack for making any problem in my life seem smaller and any success in my life seem sweeter. Always. I treasure our friendship.

I drove back to Pittsburgh yesterday, listening to the second book in Richard Paul Evans' The Walk series, and was left wanting more. I was so disappointed when the final words were read, that I popped the first CD back in and started listening to the book all over again! I love Evans' work.

Bill and I made dinner with the groceries I brought back from Lancaster County -- fresher, cheaper and simply more delicious, and sat down to watch the final two hours of my favorite television show. I wept as the last credits rolled for HOUSE, knowing that, this too, is a change I have to adapt to.

Although it was a Monday, I did not work yesterday. And so, Monday was my Sabbath this week and this is my accounting of my Sabbath Experience. It was sweet. It was relaxing. It was necessary. And now, my friends, it's time for me to get to work ... oh, after I go eat my free Build Your Own Slam at Denny's. Aren't birthdays wonderful?