Category Archives: Creativity

San Francisco Writers Conference

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I enjoy planning ahead and the organizational detail that goes with it. So, when I thought I could have arthroscopic knee surgery a few days before the February, 2015, San Francisco Writers Conference, I had carefully considered my options. Optimism ruled my heart.

I compared this surgery to the same one I’d had years ago on the other knee. I had suffered little pain and walked without aid right away. Not this time. The day after surgery, the pain had intensified and I used crutches to relieve it when I walked. Oh, woe is me, I thought. And the recommended exercises were to start day three – the day the conference started. I questioned my sanity about attending. What had I been thinking to say yes to this surgery? I did have other options. I could have waited until after the conference. But the meniscus had torn in September and I was tired of the pain when I walked and which often kept me awake at night. I had worked it out that I would take a taxi from my hotel to the front door of the Mark Hopkins, the site of the conference.

One of the organizers of the conference sent an email two days before it started saying the area around the hotel would be blocked off (two blocks) around the circumference of the hotel in order to protect the comings and goings of President Barack Obama, who was in town for meetings. My heart plummeted to the floor.

The Hilton hotel I planned to stay in was several blocks away from the Mark Hopkins. Cars and taxis would be barred from coming close, and there were expected traffic delays. Much to my chagrin, I realized I could not attend the conference. My knee would not withstand the pressure of the strenuous climb up or down the hills for three days in order to gain entrance to the hotel. Even people with healthy legs had trouble carting their suitcases up the hill. However, I decided unless the conference would refund my money, I was stuck. I’d attend anyway.

I phoned the event organizer and told him about my problem. I asked if he would refund my money. He said no, but he could carry my registration fee over to the 2016 conference. I’m thankful for the generous gesture. I contacted hotels.com and was able to cancel my room without penalty.

The day the conference opened I thought of my friends attending and fell into a blue funk I enjoy being with other writers and I had been told the presenters gave inspiring classes and were helpful on a personal basis. I had also paid extra money for the privilege of “pitching” my now complete novel to a few literary agents. The advantage of that meant they might say they liked my idea and wanted me to send a query letter via email. Seeing them at this prestigious conference would give precedence to me over non-attendees who submit their books cold to agents.

Well, there’s next year. Often in life, the missed opportunities give way to something better. I don’t know what that is at the moment, but will look for it in my future. In the meantime, I’m excited about next year’s conference. I’m sure another great group of writers, presenters, agents and editors will be present. And I will reserve my room at the Mark Hopkins hotel early.

Written Across the Genres

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I was privileged to read an excerpt from my novel, My Side of the Wall, at Towne Center Books in Pleasanton, California. It appeared in the anthology, Written Across the Genres, edited by Julaina Kleist- Corwin and is available on Amazon.com.

Julaina wanted to give new writers an opportunity to have their work published. She and Linda Todd worked tirelessly to make it a valuable piece of art. The cover, designed by Julaina, is exquisite – something of which to be proud.

It is this type of opportunity that keeps me working on my novel. My characters are complex, and the drama of their lives leads them to different paths. The theme and plot of the book have developed to the point of near conclusion. I plan to be done with my third rewrite by the end of May. I will then submit copies to several beta readers to read and give comments. Even though my novel critique group gives me important feedback, I need fresh eyes and points of view to enhance the edits already given.

To borrow the title of Hillary Clinton’s book, it takes a village to write a book. Without the input of other writers I’m afraid my novel would not be as well developed as it is. I take courage from the writers who publish their works. We’re a supportive community who understand the complexities of writing, and also, the hard work it entails.

It’s also helpful that family and friends urge me to continue writing. My husband respects the quiet I need to write. All I have to say is, “I’m writing,” and he proceeds to works at his computer or attends meetings of the committees he serves. I appreciate the help of all who have supported me and know that their efforts have helped me bring my work much closer to a quality finished product.

Determined to Write

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About seven years ago a good friend invited me to attend the California Writers’ Club, Tri-valley branch. I attended the meetings once a month and heard published authors speak about how to build a story. Sometimes the enormity of what I wanted to do overwhelmed me. However, I joined a short story critique group and to my dismay realized I had much to learn. Determined, I continued.

Approximately six years ago, I learned about NaNoWriMo  – National Novel Writers’ Month, held in November every year. Suddenly, I felt inspired to write the challenge of a 50,000 word novel in one month. If you’re a writer, you know that’s a daunting task. I thought of a vague storyline, but something was missing.

In a dream my mother said, “You need a plot.” My mother had died in mid-October and this message seemed surreal. She didn’t know I wanted to write a novel. I traveled to our vacation home on the coast and started the journey on November 1st.  With my hands poised on the keys of my laptop I was ready to start. What to say? A few words came, and then more. As I wrote, inspiration struck me and the plot came to mind.

About mid-way through the writing of the novel, my laptop died. Frantic, I called my husband. I thought he might know how to revive my computer or at least advise me to get a new one. I couldn’t reach him. I left a voicemail message and waited a while. Time passed and I decided to take the plunge.  I drove to the nearest COSTCO about eighty miles away and purchased another laptop.

After I returned, I realized I didn’t have a copy of what I wrote previously. However, I had emailed one copy to my husband, and he sent that back to me. I also learned a lesson – have a back-up plan.

When I didn’t know what to write next, I paced the floor or looked out the window at the ocean or took a walk. I’d return to my computer and continue. Even though we observed the Thanksgiving holiday, I finished the first draft of my novel. I uploaded it to the NaNoWriMo site two days ahead of time and received my certificate. Excitement filled me. I decided to call myself a writer.