Friday, April 20, 2018

Fly On The Wall At A Writer's Conference

     Welcome to another edition of Fly On The Wall, hosted by Karen of Baking in A Tornado. Each month, several bloggers share posts on what would be seen if you were a fly on the wall in their homes. In my case, the fly went along on a road trip with me earlier this month.

     I recently returned from an adventure that proved to be one of the most entertaining weeks of my life. I'm not talking about a trip to Disney World or a vacation on a cruise ship. I'm talking about the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop, a special conference held in Dayton, Ohio every two years for aspiring writers. This was my third EBWW conference, and I swear, they just keep getting better every time. The conference offers a multitude of classes on the craft of writing, along with the opportunity to network with other writers, editors and agents. There's also a whole slew of famous keynote speakers to inspire us on our writing journey as well.

     As much as I enjoyed helpful classes on topics such as the secrets to getting published in magazines, memoir boot camp, using humor in the dark places, and busting writer's block, to me, one of the most important aspects of the conference was the camaraderie among my writer friends. We booked hotel rooms side by side, ate all of our meals together and brainstormed ideas for books, blogs, and personal essay writing. These people are my tribe, the people who encourage me to keep going when I feel like quitting. Because of them, I'm back to working on my memoir---something I had put off for awhile during a long bout of writer's block.

     Rather than go into detail about the incredible energy and excitement I felt at the conference, I'd rather express the experience in a collection of photos taken at the event. Enjoy!

My tribe of amazing friends and writers

Sooooo much laughter.....
   
Getting an autograph from Rita Davenport, author of Funny Side Up

Honored to be in the company of these wonderful bloggers and authors


Apparently pink and purple hair was all the rage this year at EBWW


One of my besties and a huge reason why I attend the conference---to connect with Linda!

Found my brother from another mother. This is David Henry Sterry of the Book Doctors.

Comedian Jim Hands was crowned King James of EBWW

Two hilarious writers, Parri and Brian, who kept me laughing throughout each meal

You know you're having fun when you stay out so late with fellow writers that you close down the bar.....with the bartender. 

This Florida girl got to see SNOW in Dayton! 22 Degrees!

The stand-up comedians who put on a great show. So proud of my friends in this group!

What would a conference be without a "professional" photo at the end of the weekend?

***WANT MORE MENO MAMA? This week I'm featured on THAT'S INAPPROPRIATE with my story on why I'm glad I'm no longer raising toddlers. You can read it here: https://thatsinappropriate.com/10-reasons-why-not-having-toddlers-is-kind-of-awesome/

Buzz around, see what you think about some of these other blogs by clicking on these links for a peek into their homes:

Baking In A Tornado                  https://www.BakingInATornado. com
Menopausal Mother                     http://www.menopausalmom.com/
Never Ever Give Up Hope            https://batteredhope.blogspot. com
Spatulas on Parade                   https://spatulasonparade.blogs pot.com

23 comments:

  1. An amazing time!!! Was that 2 weeks ago already? I miss y'all! Thank you for posting these excellent memories. Bring on 2020!

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  2. The pictures speak a thousand (edited, of course) words. Thanks for the memories, Marcia.



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    1. Miss you, Anne. We had a great time, didn't we? Time for you and the ladies of #473 to come visit me at the Doyle tiki bar!

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    1. It truly was. Sadly, I have to wait two more years for the next one!

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  4. I've been to two writers conferences in America and I'd love to go to another one but it's not likely to ever happen all the way from South Africa. R is for retirement.

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  5. I am SOOOOOOO jealous :) This looks and sounds awesome and just what you needed, I bet! Happy for you

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    1. Thanks! I loved every minute of it---it soothed my writer's soul.

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  6. This is so great article .. thankyou very much for this well written informative article ... hope to see more in future.. vex 3 online

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  7. What an awesome event with awesome people! Love the photos, Marcia. They say it all. I would love to try this conference. I've only heard rave reviews. Of course, I get wonderful support from peeps like you and other blogging friends via digital world. But to meet up in person would be a dream!

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    1. It really is! Many of these writer friends were my online support group---to actually meet them in the flesh was amazing, and we became close friends immediately.

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  8. That looks like so much fun!

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  9. That sure looks like a wonderful time. So much spirit of laughter and joy! Happy to hear you are back at work on your memoir. I'm sure it will be hilarious and inspiring:)

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    1. It will be quite different from the last book......

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  10. Marcia, it sounds like you had a hoot... I have been enjoying your Instagram posts... what did you think of all that snow?... I personally could do without another snowflake in my life but that will not happen in Halifax... lol

    I have missed you greatly, I am finally back to writing, it took me a long time to get back but it feels good... now I taking my time getting caught up with everyone... have a great week xox

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    1. I loved the snow! And I've missed you, too. Going over to check out our latest blog now!

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  11. Sounds like a great time was had by all. And I agree, at events like this it is often the interaction with writing/blogging friends that is so motivating. And your pictures convey the warmth and fun.

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    1. It really was one of the best weekends of my life.

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