The "Stowaway" on this Weekend's Writing Retreat

This morning is super busy since I went straight from work on Friday into the 5am writers club retreat, hosted by Ralph Walker.

So a full retreat recap won't be today, since I want some time to reflect and then write a thoughtful piece. 

But I will share this.

When Ralph opened the retreat on Friday night, he emphasized that the next few days would  be a safe place, where all the writers (and he made certain everyone realized they were indeed writers, no matter where they were on their writing journeys) coud be free to be fully creative.

At that point, I wondered if I should introduce everyone to Bertrand, the only attendee who didn't pay.

Although Bertrand is not technically a writer in his own "write," he does have his own line of books, and he does want kids to love reading.

And since he and I hang out quite a bit, it was natural that he would hang out on this retreat. But the right time to mention the "elephant" in the room (well, crocheted mouse) never appeared, so I let Bertrand just absorb the wonderful weekend and hang out.

Plus, he was enjoying his dinner and the opening remarks, and it's impolite to pick up a crocheted mouse when he's pretending to eat just to show him off to all your new writing comrades.

But he did enjoy all of the fun exercises that Ralph had some mysteriously tucked inside the "Do Not Open" envelopes in the program binder he had sent all of us.

In fact, Bertrand had so much fun...

...he was extremely sad to see the weekend go...

What Bertrand doesn't yet realize, although I hope he will in the days to come, is that the end of the retreat was the beginning.

It was the beginning of new ways to assess our writing.

It was the beginning of new books to discover, for most, if not all, of these writers have published books.

And, most importantly, the retreat was the beginning of new connections that, hopefully, only continue to grow and strengthen as we support each other on our writing journeys.

I'm forever thankful for Ralph's invitation to join the group and his acceptance of me into the retreat.

Follow Bertrand the Mouse at bertrand_bryonyseries on Instagram.

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: New Writer's Group Begins Feb. 2, 2012

Monday, January 30, 2012

New Writer's Group Begins Feb. 2, 2012

The Three Rivers Arts Council (TRAC), 413 Mondamin, Minooka, is hosting a new writer's group, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. every first and third Thursday of the month. Stop in with your latest (or not-so-latest) project, enjoy some coffee, and share and learn with fellow writers. We're laid back and friendly, so please, don't be shy!

Friday night's writer's assessment was tons of fun (Yes, assessments is how we writers define fun). I had the opportunity to read a variety of fiction, and also, in some cases, had the privilege of being the first set of eyes (other than the author) to read those printed words. In addition, we raised a little money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties, so it was a great night.

From January's two assessments came a core group of people eager to meet more often to give and receive feedback on their works. Since writing is a solitary occupation, it was refreshing for me to meet others whose idea of a perfect evening is transferring their creative ideas from brain to paper.

On another "note," two of my sons accompanied me to TRAC's first open mic night. Timothy, who sings well, but only for family, friends, and empty warehouses, took the stage with three songs and "wowed" those present.

Way to go, Timothy!

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: New Writer's Group Begins Feb. 2, 2012

Monday, January 30, 2012

New Writer's Group Begins Feb. 2, 2012

The Three Rivers Arts Council (TRAC), 413 Mondamin, Minooka, is hosting a new writer's group, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. every first and third Thursday of the month. Stop in with your latest (or not-so-latest) project, enjoy some coffee, and share and learn with fellow writers. We're laid back and friendly, so please, don't be shy!

Friday night's writer's assessment was tons of fun (Yes, assessments is how we writers define fun). I had the opportunity to read a variety of fiction, and also, in some cases, had the privilege of being the first set of eyes (other than the author) to read those printed words. In addition, we raised a little money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties, so it was a great night.

From January's two assessments came a core group of people eager to meet more often to give and receive feedback on their works. Since writing is a solitary occupation, it was refreshing for me to meet others whose idea of a perfect evening is transferring their creative ideas from brain to paper.

On another "note," two of my sons accompanied me to TRAC's first open mic night. Timothy, who sings well, but only for family, friends, and empty warehouses, took the stage with three songs and "wowed" those present.

Way to go, Timothy!

Write Where We Are

Write Where We Are is the name of WriteOn Joliet's first anthology.

It is currently available on Amazon. And then come out to our anthology release party, meet the authors, and have them autograph it. Or pick up your copy there. If you're a writer, we will also have information about our group: its history, what we do, and how to join WriteOn Joliet.

Write Where We Are is a collection of original poems, essays, and short stories, as well as one novella and one excerpt from my BryonySeries prequel in progress, Before the Blood. The writing style are varied as is the content. There truly is something for everyone, whether you want to be inspired, informed, or even scared (with Halloween around the corner).

The following authors contributed: Maureen Blevins,Holly Butler Coop, Emily Duncan, Diana Estell, Joshua Henderson, Tom Hernandez, Beth Higgins, Sharon Houk, Mike Markley, Sue Midlock (writing as Sue Mydliak), Colleen Robbins, Jenny McCue(Russ), Stephen T. Saporta, and Duanne Walton.

And me.

In addition to the anthology release party, we have our semi-annual open mic event coming up. Details for both events are below. If you're in the area, stop in. We'd love to meet you. :)

WriteOn Joliet Open Night Mic

When: 6 p.m. Nov. 2

Where: Book and Bean Cafe, 3395 Black Road, Joliet (inside the Joliet Public Library)

Etc: WriteOn Joliet will read excerpts from their works and share information about the upcoming anthology and Nov. 17's anthology release party.

Contact: bryonyseries@gmail.com 

Visit: writeonJoliet.com or www.bryonyseries.com

WriteOn Joliet Anthology Release Party

When: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 17

Where: The Book Market, 2365 Plainfield Road, Crest Hill

Etc.: Copies of "Write Where We Are" (WriteOn Joliet's first anthology) will be for sale. Information about WriteOn Joliet. A chance to meet and talk to some of WriteOn Joliet's members, as well as purchase books written by individual WriteOn Joliet authors as well as browse the store and purchase others books. Chef-created refreshments. BryonySeries raffles. Free admission.

Contact: bryonyseries@gmail.com

Visit: writeonJoliet.com or www.bryonyseries.com