Posted on by Christi

In Case You Don’t Hear From Me

… It’s because I’m getting ready for this:

http://saltcaywritersretreat.com/about-the-salt-cay-writers-retreat/You might think “getting ready” means sit-ups and squats and tanning salons. And, based on my natural skin tone and the number of blueberry muffins I eat in a year, that would be a good idea. But, sit-ups hurt and squats threaten my sciatica and I don’t tan. Indoors or out. Call me Scottish, call me Irish, call me Freckles and Burn. Besides, that island holds more than beautiful skies, clear waters, and walks on white sand (though, that would certainly be enough).

In late October, it serves as the hub for the Salt Cay Writers Retreat, a retreat I am lucky enough to attend. What this means is

  1. I’m in shock. I never imagined I’d be attending a week-long writing retreat, or a writing retreat with such amazing faculty on the agenda, or a retreat to the Bahamas (!). This means so much to me as a writer, but as a Mother and a Wife with a day job, it presents plenty of challenges. I owe lots of thanks to some key folks. If you don’t know who you are, just wait until your name shows up on the acknowledgements page in that novel I plan to finish.
  2. Speaking of said novel, I’ve got to get my manuscript in better order. When I silently prayed a while back for a real kick in the butt, I had no idea….

So, I’ll be cracking away at a rewrite for the next month or so, but I won’t be lagging behind on blog posts. There’s a ton in store for you, including a few book giveaways:

  • September 11th: Q&A and giveaway with Amy Sue Nathan
    author of The Glass Wives.
  • October 2nd: Q&A with Stevan Allred,
    author of the short story collection, A Simplified Map of the Real World.
  • October 16th: Guest post by Trish Ryan,
    author of He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not.
  • October 23rd: Q&A and giveaway with Susanna Daniel,
    author of Sea Creatures.

There’s more, but those are the biggies. I’m excited to spotlight each one of these authors, and their books.

In the meantime, I could use all the good vibes you can send my way as I tackle this manuscript and prepare to break in my passport.

Me, with a passport. That really is funny.

Tell me, what’s kicking you into gear this fall?

12 Replies to “In Case You Don’t Hear From Me”

  2. What an amazing adventure and treat for you! I’m so happy (and a wee bit envious) you get to do this. Promises of fall colors and mugs of hot chocolate are keeping me motivated to write; as well as the support of friends asking that encouraging and humbling question, “How’s the writing coming?” As the leaves turn color and fall, I’m picturing them falling into pages of my manuscript, coloring in the plot turns and chapters as I write.

  6. What fantastic news, Christi! I attended the Backspace conference in NYC in May 2012 and loved it. It was so well-run and I learned a lot. I hope you have a great time in the Bahamas! with the great Backspace folks. And, Godspeed to you with your writing!

  7. Wonderful news, Christi. And oh my goodness, what a fabulous place to write and be inspired. May the muse be with you every step of the way!

  8. Thanks so much, everyone. This will be so exciting, a little nerve-racking, and a lot of work. But, I couldn’t ask for more reasons to put all my attentions on one story. Jennifer, thanks for sharing a bit of your experience with Backspace. It seems like a wonderful organization, and I can’t wait for the workshops. And Emily, Fall is such a wonderful time to write. Enjoy the season!

  9. Sounds like a great retreat, Christi! Enjoy every minute. I was lucky to get a week away from the family to write this summer and it was invaluable, even though it was nowhere as exotic! This fall, though, my goals are around Stevan Allred’s book, not my own work. We’re so glad he’s on your interview schedule!

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