In less than a week, I will be a published author.
I just want to get that out of the way upfront.
And because people ask, here are the links to my debut YA fantasy The Dragoneer. Ask for it at your local bookstore or library.
If you would like to join me for my virtual book launch, I’ll be joining author Tracey S. Phillips at 6 pm CST on September 22nd to discuss the book. Find more info on that here. I’ll also be signing books purchased through A Room of One’s Own. Here’s a link: Room
An e-book version is available here: Amazon
A paperback (for the correct price) is available here: B&N
All right, now there’s something you should know. I would not be a published author without having attended my local conference, The Writer’s Institute. It was recommended to me by members of my writing group, without who, incidentally, I also wouldn’t be a published author, but I digress.
I’ve been attending the conference for many years, I can’t remember exactly how many, but it was canceled this year because of COVID. Now, because of budget cuts to the department of continuing studies due to the pandemic, there will no longer be a Writer’s Institute to attend.
That. Sucks.
Writers, for being such solitary creatures, could use time spent away from their writing instrument of choice and around other people. And if those other people happen to be writers, all the better.
I’ve met so many other great writers and peers at the Writer’s Institute and learned a ton. Attending the conference demystified so much of not only the writing process, in some cases, but what to do with my manuscript once I was done with it. The lessons learned there were invaluable and the relationships made, ongoing.
I’m saddened to see the Institute pass, after 30 years, into history, but I’m also filled with a sense of hope. I’m curious to see what type of event might take its place in the future.
As a writer, I know we can come up with a better ending for an institution that meant so much to so many emerging and established artists, but also, perhaps, a sequel?
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