Last Saturday, I attended my first writers conference sponsored by the Writers Center of Indiana. "The Gathering of Writers" at Indiana Landmarks Center proved to be well worth the money. I enjoyed my chosen sessions -- all on fiction.
Melissa Fraterrigo's session focused on effective openings that captured the reader's imagination. Sarah Layden led us through exercises and discussions on "mapping fictional places and spaces." And last, but not least, Ben Wintes gave "a fast-and-furious, down-and-dirty lesson" on plotting and structure. I am still in awe of all three!
OK, this will sound very strange! I learned nothing, but learned an amazing amount about writing. Here's what I took away from listening to these three generous writers --
You are the producer, the director, the set-designer, the costumer, the actor, the actress, the screenwriter... It's yours totally to own. No one can take it away.
You take common (and not-so common) words turn them into any sized story you want. Treat it like silly putty and stretch it any direction you want, into any space or time, and create characters who can be simple or complex.
You take your reader by the hand and say "Hey... Come with me and you'll be in a world of pure imagination." (Thank you, Gene Wilder's Willie Wonka!) Be it down the river, up the mountain, through the woods, under the earth, up to the moon or beyond. Anywhere.
You have the ability to escape and take a few readers with you.
I just have to remember that it's a rough road filled with patience, perseverance, tough choices, tears, fears, laughter, and simple joy.
Now, when's the next conference? I'm ready!
Melissa Fraterrigo's session focused on effective openings that captured the reader's imagination. Sarah Layden led us through exercises and discussions on "mapping fictional places and spaces." And last, but not least, Ben Wintes gave "a fast-and-furious, down-and-dirty lesson" on plotting and structure. I am still in awe of all three!
OK, this will sound very strange! I learned nothing, but learned an amazing amount about writing. Here's what I took away from listening to these three generous writers --
You are the producer, the director, the set-designer, the costumer, the actor, the actress, the screenwriter... It's yours totally to own. No one can take it away.
You take common (and not-so common) words turn them into any sized story you want. Treat it like silly putty and stretch it any direction you want, into any space or time, and create characters who can be simple or complex.
You take your reader by the hand and say "Hey... Come with me and you'll be in a world of pure imagination." (Thank you, Gene Wilder's Willie Wonka!) Be it down the river, up the mountain, through the woods, under the earth, up to the moon or beyond. Anywhere.
You have the ability to escape and take a few readers with you.
I just have to remember that it's a rough road filled with patience, perseverance, tough choices, tears, fears, laughter, and simple joy.
Now, when's the next conference? I'm ready!
Great summary, Chris! I find that the encouragement I get from a conference or class helps to keep me writing or working regularly for a while.
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