Writers Unite!

    It seems that no matter what shifts my life takes, I always end up just as busy as ever.  I retired from teaching school full time so I could write.  Now, upon immersing myself in the writer's world, I've found myself as the Regional Advisor for the state of Montana for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.  I've been a member of SCBWI for many years, and have benefited from an untold collection of events, programs, and connections.  Now I'm a coordinator to bring those benefits to other Montana writers. 
    This past weekend SCBWI Montana hosted a workshop series titled "Writing Craft - Creative Life".  We held four workshops in four cities across the state.  In Bozeman, Janet Fox led a class on crafting characters, and the participants created scrapbooks.  In Billings, Annie Downer led a class on scene perspective, and the participants sketched storyboards.  In Missoula, Kent Davis led a class on character arc, and the participants did improvisational theater.  In Helena, I led a class on plot, where we also did some yoga to free the flow.  Each workshop combined elements of writing with some creative, right brained activity.  Each workshop has gotten rave reviews. 
    What do you get when you combine writing elements, creative play, and hard-working people?  Personal growth.  Breakthroughs.  New friends.  Success.  Here's the call:  Writers Unite!  Bring yourselves together to bring out the best in each other. 
    I've touted for years the benefits of a wonderful, active writing critique group.  Now my group has just expanded statewide.  Look out world!

---