Friday, July 15, 2011

Spilled Water

The more you learn, the more you realize you don't know squat.  I've know that for a long time and it's somewhat humbling.
I registered for a writer's conference so Jilda and I drove north to Huntsville, Alabama. The conference kicked off at 6:30 with registration and a meet and greet. Networking is one of the best things about conferences. 
I learned that almost every one I talked to tonight blogs. Some blog intermittently and others blog daily. 
I talked to a lady who is a writer and she too loves to read. She reviews books on her blog. She said that she now gets books in the mail from publishers who what her to read and review the books of their authors. 
Some of the publishers provide her with extra books that she can give away as prizes. It sounds like she's doing a lot of things right.
We also had three writers who teach creative writing and they talked about things like voice, point of view, and angle.
Many of the things they discussed, I'd never considered. I sometimes wish I'd studied creative writing in school instead of pursuing the masters in business, but there's no sense in crying over spilled water under the bridge, right?
I think you can study about things too much. I'm not sure if it's my age, or simply the way I'm wired, but I learn by doing.
I put words on the page, and I read them over and over. I make the font REALLY BIG and read it again. The thinking here, is that the mistakes in grammar or fat fingered miscues will jump out at you. I've learned that they don't.
But there is no substitute for practice. Reps are the key.
I am excited about the conference because there are a lot of interesting people, doing some interesting things. 
It did get started on a shaky note however when the bellman asked Jilda if I was her dad. I wanted to smack him.
Y'all have a great weekend.



8 comments:

  1. Great idea to go to a writing conference. Do let us know what else is making you interested. Enjoy the time! :)

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  2. Ouch on the bellman's comment!

    I know what you mean about wishing you'd studied creative writing. At least you studied something useful, you know how useful sociology/social psychology is? :) However, I firmly believe we are the sum of our experiences.

    Enjoy the conference.

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  3. As per the Bellmans comment...my husband has been asked the same of me a time or two. May I say I'm sure Jilda thought it was funny, and I know I'm always thrilled it wasn't a question in reverse!

    The conference sounds fantastic and I am looking forward to hearing some garnets you may gather!

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  4. Was he trying to hit on Jilda or something? That was rude!!! Glad you got to attend this conference and that Jilda got some rest and relaxation for a change.

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  5. Sounds like an interesting conference. Jilda must have liked that comment! I took creative writing in college and enjoyed it immensely. You don't need to take it.

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  6. Isn't it amazing how many blogs are floating around the blogosphere? I think it would be fun to go to that kind of conference..it would also be fun to take a creative writing course. But then I would be too embarrassed to let anyone read something I did...P.S. I hope you didn't tip that bellperson.

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  7. Hope that while Jilda was smiling, and you were fuming, you also learned a lot and had some fun!

    And thanks for your recent encouraging comments on Spots and Wrinkles.

    Have a good one - Marsha

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  8. Not sure you NEED a writer's conference...I think you are inspired from the word "go"! Jilda is too but how neat that you can do something like this that you both enjoy!! Have a great time!!

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