RWA Recap - The Joy of Writing and Walking the Land

Last Thursday, RWA was in full swing. I moderated two workshops and I share them with you:

The Joy of Writing (WRITER’S LIFE)

Speakers: Anne Elizabeth, Cathy Maxwell, and Julie Rowe

Best-selling, award-winning, and perpetually positive authors share how they savor their passion for writing while navigating the pitfalls of the publishing industry.

I submitted the proposal for this panel based on Anne Elizabeth's mantra to always find joy. The authors shared the challenges in their lives, both personal and professional. They offered techniques to take care of themselves and inspire the creative process.

I commend Julie for sharing the semi-colon tattoo on her arm; it represents it isn't over, just at a pause.

Walking the Land: Building a World That Makes Readers Feel They’ve Visited Your Setting (CRAFT)

Speaker: Jodi Thomas

Discover how to create the essentials to make the world of your stories come alive. Help your readers "walk the land" with you so they feel as if they’ve visited your setting, not just read about it.

I volunteered to moderate this panel since I admire Jodi and her writing. She uses the western setting for her historical and contemporary books. Jodi "walked" through how she researches her setting by walking among rescued horses, listening to ranch hands, and lifting items abandoned along the wagon trail. She taught the audience (and myself) that emotion comes from the five senses.

Authors, find someone who bought the conference recordings and listen to these workshops!

Readers, where have you "walked" recently? I walked all over the USS Midway in San Diego and "heard" the stories from sailors.  One randomly selected commenter wins a book choice from my convention stash. Comments are open through Saturday, July 23, 10 pm in Baltimore. I'll post the winner on Sunday, July 24.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City