(Nautical joke, to go with World’s Edge’s setting.)
Well, squiders, I’m off to my writing retreat tomorrow. I am mostly excited–I got a ton done last year, and it was relaxing, and I did yoga and walked the labyrinth and read a couple of books as well.
But there was also an element of…hm, how to describe it. Like, when we first got there, everyone was super welcoming and excited and the energy was super great.
But throughout the weekend I started to feel left out? But, like, not really. Definitely in my own head. I didn’t connect with anyone that well, and I started to get that feeling I sometimes get at writing conferences, where it feels like I’m not getting anywhere that fast and everyone else is passing me by.
(Like, everyone was super nice, and I sat with different groups and chatted at meals, and I’ve run into a few people since last year’s retreat and they all said hi and chatted and so forth. So I am aware that this is a Me Problem.)
It would be nice if I had something substantial to show since last year, but querying is a slow and frustrating process, and with Turtleduck Press’s demise, I no longer have an outlet for shorter works on a more regular basis.
But I also realize that the retreat is for me, and the point is to get my head in the game and really focus, and to maybe do some networking, and no one is going to be judging me, no matter where I am in my journey.
But recognizing that something is a Me Problem and knowing the solution so I don’t get all weird and mope-y are two different things.
Something for me to figure out.
(Maybe I’ll make some friends this year, and that might alleviate some of this.)
Between now and then, however, is going to be a little manic. I’ve still got to pack, plus I need to go to work for a bit, and I’ve got to take care of some things for the family, and I’m not 100% sure how I’m stuffing everything in. It’s an hour drive and it starts at 1 in the afternoon.
Main project is to work on the World’s Edge revision, of course. The critique marathon starts on Monday, and I’ve got an in-person critique meeting in a week, so the hope is to get a good lead on those. It’s unlikely I’ll get through the whole story during the marathon, but I should be able to get halfway, assuming I’m not getting a lot of substantial comments.
I don’t really foresee myself working on anything else, but I shall bring stuff for short stories and whatnot in case inspiration strikes.
So! Excited with a hint of trepidation, but it shall be what it shall be, and fingers crossed that I got a lot done.
See you next week, squiders, with the aftermath.
