Home from another River City Romance Writer’s retreat and once again I have to say it was the best one ever!

Yes, I say this every year.  But I meant it every year too.

This year, author Candace Havens was our featured speaker, plus we had Karen Block, Turquoise Morning Press editor, and Pasha Carisle, Entangled Publishing copy editor.

We had a great time!  Everything from story element editing  to copy editing tips, research (in the form of a lap dance lesson and a mixology session-woot!), and networking (met some wonderful new writers and editors, plus caught up with several I’ve known for years).  But  most importantly, I’ve got inspired again.  As an author, writing is your business.  It is what you are and what you do.  Period.  Doesn’t matter if you feel like it, doesn’t matter if what you just wrote is the biggest pile of donkey crap ever, and it doesn’t matter if distractions are in overdrive at the moment.

Writing. Is. What. You. Do.

Since writing, the actual process of putting words on the page, is largely a lone activity, I find it quite easy to get caught up in the everyday ups and downs of life and the usual speed bumps that come with trying to balance everything.  So while writing is what I do, I sometimes lose a bit of my excitement, joy, and “Feel Good” mojo for it.  This doesn’t mean I get to quit. Oh no, this means I have to dig in harder and keep pushing.

After participating in Candace’s Dream Big and Fast Draft workshops, my “Can Do” spirit is back and shining brightly.  We had a good time learning new things, getting some writing done, and bonding over our respective journeys on this road to publication.  Sometimes, what you need is a break in your normal routine to focus on why you’re doing this to bring your happy feelings back.

I’ve been committed to my 2013 goals since January 1 and I’ve not wavered.  But now a new fire has been lit, a new energy is flowing, and I am chomping at the bit.  It’s the promise of a new day.

And if that’s not the hallmark of a good retreat, then I don’t know what is. 🙂