I have belonged to a writers' group at the Jericho Town Library for a number of years now. In fact, I just realized I have participated since its inception. The group has changed members over the years, numbers growing and falling off.
Right now there are three of us who meet on a fairly regular basis--the goal is every other week, but of course life sometimes intrudes on that plan. We work on our separate projects and meet to share and offer feedback and support. This has become such an important part of my life as have the the two women who have become writerly colleagues and friends.
Sometimes we go on a field trip together. Yesterday we went to a public event that was part of this summer's Middlebury College writer's conference at their Bread Loaf Campus. You can see a video and a slide show of the campus HERE. You can get more information Here.
We attended a reading from a novel in progress by Margot Livesey. I could only sigh at the craft in the hands of a master. And Alan Shapiro read poetry that striped down to the bone. And to shamelessly name drop, Julia Alvarez sat just across the aisle from us. We were cool--Jen and Margaret and I--but on the inside we were like teenage girls at a Beatles concert in the late '60s. Wow.
I consider the Bread Loaf Campus sacred ground. Mike and I were married in the nearby Robert Frost forest. This was a trip that fed my soul and affirmed my spirit. And I needed that.
Right now there are three of us who meet on a fairly regular basis--the goal is every other week, but of course life sometimes intrudes on that plan. We work on our separate projects and meet to share and offer feedback and support. This has become such an important part of my life as have the the two women who have become writerly colleagues and friends.
Sometimes we go on a field trip together. Yesterday we went to a public event that was part of this summer's Middlebury College writer's conference at their Bread Loaf Campus. You can see a video and a slide show of the campus HERE. You can get more information Here.
We attended a reading from a novel in progress by Margot Livesey. I could only sigh at the craft in the hands of a master. And Alan Shapiro read poetry that striped down to the bone. And to shamelessly name drop, Julia Alvarez sat just across the aisle from us. We were cool--Jen and Margaret and I--but on the inside we were like teenage girls at a Beatles concert in the late '60s. Wow.
I consider the Bread Loaf Campus sacred ground. Mike and I were married in the nearby Robert Frost forest. This was a trip that fed my soul and affirmed my spirit. And I needed that.
If only that talent could rub off on those neaby!!
ReplyDeleteI used to love writers' conferences, but I haven't attended one in ages. Glad you enjoyed yours.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful. We all need to regenerate our souls now and again. Better yet when you can do it with friends.
ReplyDeleteI finally Googled your town of Jericho to see where you live. You are quite northerly! And I didn't quite get the name "Bread Loaf" until I realized it was a mountain!
ReplyDeleteGood for you for feeding your soul. We all need to do that more often.
Wow! It is not often that one can be exhilarated like girls at a Beetles concert, shamelessly name drop, and attend to the spiritual needs of one's Soul. Lovely trip. It sound like your friends are a wonderful match for you.
ReplyDeleteWell, good for you! I am glad you enjoy these outings. I used to belong to 3 writers groups but have stopped going to meetings due to sheer laziness. I prefer to knock around the house with David.
ReplyDeleteSounds rewarding in many ways, and I'm sure that campus is beautiful in the summertime.
ReplyDeleteMiddlebury is where I wanted to go to college - an impossibility because of the cost. However, they have a glorious campus and Bread Loaf is iconic. Glad you were part of it all.
ReplyDeleteAt a quick glance I thought your post said "Winter writers group"! Not Yet! -- the campus looks wonderful! What a fabulous place! I bet you had such a wonderful time! I would love to go on such an outing! My good friend who was a poet and a writer passed away a few years ago. She was my inspiration! I plan to work on my writing of children's stories this fall. Thanks for sharing! Maybe you could share some of your poems!
ReplyDeleteUse to belong to a writer's group here but they disbanded. It was fun and stimulating. Never been to a conference. Lucky you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely thing to do!
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