The third Arrowhead Writers Retreat was held this past weekend and such good writing -personal essays, chapters of memoirs-in-progress, poems and also fiction - amazing stories that made you cry or laugh so hard your ribs hurt. One of the essays read (and written the night before) was "The Thin Club" - how, when the writer lost weight, she realized there was something called the thin club because people treated her differently when she was thin. And it got me to thinking about clubs - and how we're all more or less organized into clubs not all that different from high school's popular kids, jocks, nerds etc.
Since we're writers we all get to be in The Writers Club - and this quite frankly is the coolest club of all. The only condition of membership is that you have to write. Once you stop writing you get kicked out of The Writers Club.
(Thanks to Rob for this photo. One member missing - Loren.)
Uh-oh, i'm in serious danger of being kicked out! Grace period?!?!?
Posted by: Rossana | November 09, 2010 at 07:56 AM
Rossana, maybe you could write about your wonderful conference!
Barbara, I am so jealous of the retreat members. I know it was a wonderful experience. Almost 1 semester into my MFA, I write until I drop all the time and tell everyone who commiserates with me that I love it. I mostly do, except for the dangerous patches. But writing with the Arrowhead Retreat members is a world-class experience.
cheers,
Laura Hoopes
Posted by: Laura Hoopes | November 09, 2010 at 08:40 AM
Hi Barbara. Another great weekend. So appreciated all the feedback on my novel in progress. First time to read to a group -- felt like diving off the high board. Sorry I did not get into the picture. Enjoying some anniversary time with my hubby. Maybe we need to come up with a card so every time we reach for our wallet, there it will be. A trigger device to remind us of our special status. Loren
Posted by: Loren Stephens | November 09, 2010 at 08:46 AM
Wow Barbara! I am so glad that you are continuing this wonderful tradition. What a magnificent club of writers. Sending lots of love!
Laura Beasley
Posted by: Laura B. | November 09, 2010 at 12:26 PM
Rossana - OK you get another week.
Both Lauras - you were both missed.
Loren - Love the Writers Card idea -
Posted by: Barbara | November 10, 2010 at 11:14 AM
When's the next one?? I miss all of it and everyone and the trees and the wind and the limitless possibilities that Barbara reminds us of.
Posted by: Barbara L. | November 11, 2010 at 01:00 PM
Sounds divine...
Posted by: Frume Sarah | January 02, 2011 at 02:04 PM
Well, look at you. going all professional and what not.Site looks a treat Laura. Really lonoikg forward to reading some of your stuff soon.
Posted by: Jiyoon | July 30, 2012 at 08:16 PM
I am continuing to be exetemrly disappointed by this whole thing, over and over again. The 2011 awards had lots of promises but so many were not delivered. Last minute change of venue (cock-up), late start (cock-up). Food was pretty awful (cheap, cold and not a lot of it) and the wine worse. Whole event had a real Blue Peter feel of over-enthusiasm. People were sent rather bullying emails beforehand telling them to mention Brit Writers in their speeches .big up the organisation. No one should be directed in this manner. Nibbles and mingling with agents'? We were all shuffled out without any of that. As for Violet B's anagram .I think it more likely to be Maria Potter. Disgusting to offer veiled threats like lose your credibility as a writer.'There is some sly, nasty and amateur stuff going on under the surface here. Not all of it very clever Violet B, indeed.Saw Catherine Cooper at the awards and she did indeed seem a very inspirational soul. May she rise and rise. Laptops taken from office? What a load of crap! Also, I did have a chat with someone very close to the organisation at the ceremony and their comment? Lots of passion but you can't trust em.'
Posted by: Maria | July 30, 2012 at 09:24 PM