It is always amazing to me how fantastic I feel after a writers retreat or conference. Last weekend was a wonderful writing experience for me. I started early on Long Island with a Meet & Greet event with our newly established local Long Island Chapter of SCBWI. That was a fun evening and I got to see some familiar faces as well as some new.
The very next morning I was off to Pennsylvania via ferry from Port Jefferson to Bridgeport Connecticut. Ok, I’m sure that makes no sense to those of you who know the area, but I like to AVOID bridges when I can and this is a perfect way. I live east of Port Jefferson so it makes a lot of sense to me. Since I still read actual maps, I’m happy to plot out a course on my own and let the GPS catch up to me.
Once I departed the ferry, I headed north to Danbury and made a left towards Pennsylvania. Four hours later I arrived. GPS said it would have been the same if I had gone through New York City – Ha! –
Anyway, once I arrived at the Highlights facility. It really felt like home and they work very hard to make it so. Kudos to the entire Highli
ghts Staff, Faculty, and Family for a wonderful weekend event.
The SCBWI Eastern PA Poconos Retreat celebrated its 25th year. Although I don’t belong to the Eastern PA chapter I was made to feel welcome and very much a part of their event.
- I left the retreat knowing more than I did when I arrived.
- I have more writing and industry connections.
- I have more writing courage.
- I have raised my writing bar.
As an SCBWI member, I encourage anyone to attend an event outside of their chapter. You gain a broader network and knowledge base. You get a chance to see new ideas and processes in action.
Go, do, see, write.
Speaking of which, I’ve got some revisions to work on.
Happy Writing!
Pam Jones-Nill - Children's Author 