The event went well enough, but our expectations have risen to a high level rather quickly. At 40 people in the room, it didn’t have near the attendance or book sales as the previous year, but Audrey, Michael and the gang were happy to see our return. Stories of World Travel is their leading non-guidebook seller, (After their signature packing book of course).
Carla, Danielle, Lynn and I were there to read from our stories, answer prepared panel questions, as well as impromptu questions from the audience.
This was my first time mediating a panel, and I loved it. I’ll be the first to admit, I like being up in front of a mike. When I began posing the questions to the panel, they had to tell me to give it up. Silly oversight! 🙂
The audience was great and were mostly interested in how to break into travel writing. At least a third of the audience was on that path. Afterwards, Wendy, a friend of Tanya Pearlman, co-editor of Travelers’ Tales Central America and The Soul of Service, complimented us on our questions. She said that at previous events she’d been to at Black Oak, the audience was asking ridiculous questions such as what kinds of candles to burn while writing.
Come on folks, there is no secret as to where you write, when or with what instrument. The key is to do it. A lot. In addition, read and take instruction whenevever possible to improve your craft and find what works best for you. That’s voice, genre, process and more. Check out the calendar section of our web site to find out where the Wild Writing Women are teaching classes.
Hey, Jen–
I just wanted to tell you that you did a great job leading the discussion and q/a last night. Really professional and personable at the same time–a hard combination to find but one that people really respond to, I think! Also, you have the greatest smile–it’s really one of those infectious ones. Kind of impish but clearly filled with a lot of joyfulness.