Monday 12 March 2012

The Morning After the Weekend

Once again, we had a wonderful weekend at the Scottish Association of Writers Conference. Just imagine members of writing groups from all over Scotland getting together for workshops, seminars and competition adjudications. Not to mention the eating, serious chatting, after dinner speakers, laughter and fun. And of course the Saturday evening disco, or poetry penthouse - I think you'll probably guess which one I stayed at until 11.20pm!

More importantly, almost every writer who attends the weekend goes home more inspired and encouraged to continue writing and sending work out. I had to work for my bed and board this year by judging a competition and giving a talk, but it was a great pleasure to do so as I do love sharing information with other writers, and hopefully encouraging newer members to realise the possibilities available.

We were lucky to have Nicola Morgan judging the Competition for children's writing, and Cathy MacPhail as an entertaining and inspiring after dinner speaker - just two of the well-published authors sharing their expertise.

So, even if I yawn my way through today trying to catch up on sleep, writing and proofs, I can't wait until next March!

Rosemary

20 comments:

Joanna said...

It sounds like a perfect weekend, Rosemary; very inspiring as well as lots of fun. Make sure you catch up on sleep.
I feel tired too today after getting up at five on Saturday and Sunday to work on the novel for an hour or so. At weekends, it feels like the best time of day to write, but leaves me yawning through the rest of each day and falling asleep before nine in the evenings!

Teresa Ashby said...

That sounds just perfect, Rosemary, very inspiring and a lot of fun too x

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks, Joanna - it takes time to catch up, doesn't it? I'm impressed that you could get up so early to write!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Thanks, Teresa. It really was an inspiring and fun weekend - just have to keep up that enthusiasm now!

Talli Roland said...

Oh, fantastic! Sounds like a great weekend.

Frances Garrood said...

There's nothing quite like being with other writers, is there; people who understand the rollercoaster of success and rejection! I'm glad you had such a lovely week-end.

Edna D'Lima said...

Wow ,sounds like great fun was had by all.
I keep promising myself a treat,maybe next year I will join you.

God bless
Edna

Diane Fordham said...

Glad you enjoyed it. Lucky you, what a wonderful experience. x

Rosemary Gemmell said...

It was, thanks Talli!

You're right, Frances - that's exactly why it's so successful and such a pleasure!

Hello Edna - that would be great!

Thanks, Diane - and I didn't even need to travel very far!

Maggie Bolton said...

Yes,as always a thoroughly enjoyable weekend. Greatly inspired now to 'deal with' a piece of work that has been lurking unfinished for way too long. Many thanks to everyone involved in the organisation and adjudication and to the speakers and workshop leaders.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hello Maggie - thanks for commenting. I always come home inspired too!

Vikki said...

I definitely came home feeling motivated and inspired!

Carolb said...

Sounds like everyone enjoyed the weekend and gained inspiration. You are clearly made of strong stuff, Rosemary, to be back to the blog writing so quickly.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Me too, Vikki!

I've also been very tired, Carol!

K.C. Woolf said...

"eating, serious chatting, after dinner speakers, laughter and fun" - I hope there was wine, too! =)

Seriously, it sounds like an amazing weekend. Great fun, and above all: plenty of inspiration and support.

Diana said...

I'm so jealous right now! Sounds like such fun.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hi K.C. - oh yes, wine too! Thanks for commenting.

Hi Diana - it's as much as fun as it is inspirational!

Joan Fleming said...

Yes, it was a great weekend, Rosemary, well worth a few days of tiredness. I'm still trying to decipher some of my notes!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hi Joan - I can't even find any!

Patsy said...

I've given up reading books because tiny details are wrong. It might seem an insignificant point, but if it reminds the reader too forcefully that it's all just a story then it can ruin the whole book.