Last day of what has been a great retreat. Here’s a recap from Lori.

Being a writer is sometimes like being a sailor in charge of your own craft. It’s exciting, dangerous and exactly what you want to do. But sometimes there’s that great big ocean and no one to talk to about your exciting, dangerous adventures and you wonder ‘am I the only one’?

Using water as the metaphor seems fitting given the flood situation in Calgary where what used to be rivers now resemble inland oceans. Despite the catastrophic nature of the environment, we authors found respite. A haven to share, to laugh, gather ideas and be inspired in a home so welcoming it was like being enveloped in a mother’s embrace.

It is here that the members of the Alberta Romance Writers’ Association met to focus on current works in progress, reacquainting with members and meeting other writers for the first time.

I was one of those authors meeting everyone for the first time. Oh my, I was so excited when the retreat was announced and planned my calendar to accommodate this specific weekend. It was unlikely a bit of rising water was going to keep me away. But when push came to shove and I arrived at the door, I put on a brave face but I was a nervous talker for the first while. I didn’t know quite what to say. Would they like me? Would I be a bust? Would I connect with the members? Sure we Skype, but this is face to face.
Of course I needn’t worried.

The retreat has been a success. We discussed various plots, ideas on moving the story forward, what inspired us as writers, how do we measure success and so many other topics sometimes on writing, sometimes not. I have been motivated to keep to my chosen craft and have learned new skills. And isn’t that the point.

I will look forward to the next opportunity to gather and share and look forward to meeting many more of the Alberta Romance Writers membership – in better weather!