It’s tough these days to get anyone together for anything.
All the conveniences we have are supposed to make things so much easier, but it seems like it just causes people to put more on their plate.
So when Sisters in Crime tries to get mystery writers across New England to gather for a two-hour session of reading and talking writing, it’s really a miracle anyone — most of whom have “day jobs” — can make it.
Anyone who focused on turnout, either by members or audience, for the past weekend’s events in Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire and honorary New England sister New York may have thought the weekend was a disappointment.
But those who attended know different.
Writing, as we say and are told countless times, is a solitary experience. It can be crazy-making. But getting together to talk to, and listen to, other writers is a validating and affirming experience.
A few writers at Maine’s event Saturday also remarked they had never read their work to an audience before and found it empowering.
The Maine group decided we should get together more often to talk about writing, socialize and share ideas.
Conversation, food, affirmation, empowerment. Once again, the Murder by the Minute weekend was a resounding success.
Barbara Ross
bethkanellbooks
Edith Maxwell
JH Authors
jpchoquette
Lisa Haselton
Liz Mugavero
Maureen Milliken
mowalsh
Nancy Gardner
patremick
sharon245
Great to read about the Maine event, Lisa. We had a grand time in Vermont, too, although we were using a different format (talking about “modern heroines” in mysteries). Hurrah for SinC inspiration and gatherings!
I’m sorry I had to miss it. Perhaps next time. Sounds like it was very inspiring.
Great post–it IS hard to get anyone to commit to anything it seems, but I enjoyed the “Vermont edition” of the March Reads very much. Beth and Nancy were wonderful, and it was great to talk with and listen to other writers/readers of suspense. Glad to hear about others great times, too.