Sorry to have gone radio silent for so long.  Sometimes it’s not so much the big events – like deadlines and illness and travel – but a swarm of tiny stresses that makes blogging difficult.  However something monumental did happen recently that put me back in writing mode.

This past Friday through Sunday I participated in a writers’ workshop here in Austin.  Several local children’s/YA authors gathered at the beautiful home of the equally beautiful Cynthia Leitich Smith and Greg Smith.  The official title was the Awesome Authors Writers Workshop (or AAWW! for short).  And it was awesome.  In both the colloquial and official dictionary sense of the word.

[Note: Try saying “awesome Austin authors” five times fast.  It’s a good way to warm up your tongue for a spirited discussion.]

AAWW was part clinic and part spiritual retreat.  Participants had previously submitted 10-page samples of a work in progress (or two short works) and one by one they were analyzed in 40-minute critique sessions.  Each comment was helpful – and often humorous and thought-provoking.  And everyone lent his/her strengths.  Some people were experts at rhythm and structure … others had keen insight into character and emotions … others had a wealth of literary knowledge.  There was no problem we couldn’t tackle.  Together our group could take over the world!

(But not to worry.  We’d rather just write about it.)

Not only did my draft get a spit-shine, I came away feeling renewed.  I have greater confidence, increased motivation, and a better understanding of myself as a writer.

Again … wow.

I have to confess to some pre-workshop jitters.  Although I already knew about 9 of the participants, I was somewhat of a new kid and wondered if I would feel like an interloper.  But by the end of the weekend, I truly felt I had become part of an extended family.

I know I’m gushing, but I’m completely sincere here.  I was with my people.  Fellow human beings who have gone through the same struggles, doubts, slumps, and triumphs.  It was like finding long-lost relatives.  They understood me in ways other people simply can’t.

Said one new pal as we sat and discussed the problems of juggling family and writing during one of our breaks: “This is like therapy!”  Ditto to that.

Alison Dellenbaugh and I both compared it to our days in high school drama.  It had the same revitalizing energy – the same cosmic blast that comes from so many creative minds converging.  Only no one mooned anybody (at least, I don’t think so).

Some special shout-outs:

To Cyn, who made moderating look easy:  Thanks for steering the discussions so brilliantly.  You are truly the patron goddess of children’s lit.

To Greg:  Thanks for co-hosting and sharing your home, your wife, and your keen, logical insight.  (We have to continue our spirited debate on “tragedy vs. tragic story” sometime soon.)

To Helen:  Thank you for welcoming us into your lovely home Saturday evening.  And for passing on so much wisdom in the discussions.

To Donna and Carmen, our pages:  You were invaluable!  So helpful and cheerful!  Thanks for being your wonderful selves.

To Julie and Meredith:  Thanks for helping to get the ball rolling.  Our little literary world would be lost without your leadership.  (I swear that alliteration was unintentional.)

To all the participants … I consider each of you a friend and a kindred spirit.  And I thank you most sincerely for all that you have given me.  Happy writing!

And finally, I can only say …

AAWW!  It’s over!