Writer's Retreat 2012

Each year I get together with a group of ladies for a local writer's retreat. We meet at this lovely cabin for a few days to brainstorm book ideas and chat about the publishing industry. It's a wonderful time of fellowship with like-minded friends. Below are some photos from this year's retreat.

 Our annual porch photo

Brainstorming book ideas

Suppertime

An afternoon walk

The cabin entrance

Here with friend and critique partner, Christy Miller.

Brainstorming book ideas for fellow Kansan author, Deborah Raney

A view from the loft

Portia Murphy, the owner of the cabin bringing us food and a new coffee maker! 

All together now--say cheese!

Writing Retreat

Earlier this month I helped host a writing retreat with fellow Kansas author, Deborah Raney. It is always such a blessing to gather with other writers, chat about the business, learn about the craft, and brainstorm new ideas. 

This was our second year to host the event for unpublished writers, and we've already scheduled our date for next year! 

Here with Susan Hollaway, Susan Mires, Sara Meisinger, Julane Hiebert, and Deborah Raney. Below are a few more pictures from our time together.

 Murphy's Landing - The cabin we stayed at.

 Getting settled in the kitchen. All of these ladies are great cooks! 

A view from the loft above. 

Having lunch (and pie) at Murphy's Cafe. Did I mention we enjoyed some delicious meals while at the retreat?!!

 Doesn't this fire look comfy, cozy?

Brainstorming ideas! I'm happy to report that we were able to work through some problem areas in my manuscript . . . and now I'm pushing toward my deadline goal of January 27! 

Enjoying a cool afternoon on the porch. It's only been a few weeks since the retreat, and I'm already looking forward to next year! 

Brainstorming Retreat

Last week I had the honor of joining fellow Kansas authors, Deborah Raney, Judy Miller, and Kim Vogel Sawyer for a brainstorming retreat at Kim's house.

We had such a good time visiting, 

drinking coffee, 

eating fabulous meals created by our hostess, (creme brulee and spinach quiche) 

and of course, brainstorming. 

One afternoon we were treated to lunch at the Carriage Crossing. I'd heard about this restaurant, and let me tell you, if you ever have a chance to visit Yoder, KS, do yourself a favor and eat at the CC. Wonderful service and excellent food! 

A sweet picture of Kim with her chocolate-peanut butter pie. Thanks girls, for all your help with my stories and to Kim, for being such a lovely hostess!

Autumn Writer's Retreat

This past week, Deborah Raney and I hosted a writer's retreat at Murphy's Landing in Stark, KS. We began with an invitation list of eight, but due to illness and family death, our count went down to four. And even though we dearly missed those who couldn't be with us, it was almost a blessing, as I think we would have been a bit crowded with ten.

Entrance to our retreat headquarters.

We had lovely weather for the retreat. High's in 60's and lows in 40's.

However, we missed our chance to sit out on the porch one day, and the next seemed too cool and windy.

Each person brought food to share for each of the meals, and boy, were they delicious. Seemed like we were always eating.

But we worked, too! Deb and I each led writing workshops.

And then we had some fantastic brainstorming sessions.

And debated and answered lots of questions.

And of course, giggled.

One of our inside jokes was that the cabin had only one bathroom. Can you imagine ten women sharing one bathroom? Well, if we had an emergency, we could always use this one!

Quiet time with a good book?

Breakfasts were served at Murphy's Cafe in Stark.

Let me tell you, the pies and biscuits are the best! So good. And we did enjoy them!

Deb and I held a booksigning at the cafe on the last morning of the retreat and visited with many of the cafe patrons. I'm so glad I had this opportunity to share Deb's books with my local readers! I'm sure all of them will become new fans for her!

None of us wanted the retreat to end, so we've already picked our dates for next year.