Thursday, February 28, 2013

Deep Thinkers Retreat 2013

I titled this post Deep Thinkers 2013, because I hope there's a Deep Thinkers 2014, 2015, 2016... I've been warned that many people who attend become repeat offenders. :)

This picture may not prove that we're deep thinkers, but
I assure you we are. :)
My heart is so full right now. Full of writing, full of friendship and full of hope. As a writer seeking publication, I can't think of a better place to learn about the craft of writing and I can't think of any other teachers I'd rather study under. Susan May Warren, Rachel Hauck and Beth Vogt are masterminds in this industry.

Susan, Me & Rachel
If you haven't read their stories, I'd encourage you to change that now!

Me, Beth & Lindsay
One thing I was looking forward to the most was connecting with my new craft partner, Alena. We met in person at the ACFW Conference in Dallas last fall, and then again at the Storycrafter's Retreat in Minnesota, but we were looking forward to rooming together at Deep Thinkers to get to know one another better and to work out a plan and schedule for our partnership.
 
Me & Alena
Alena is an incredible mom, writer and friend. She and I both have four children and I know that I will learn so much from her - not only about writing, but also about parenting. She'll be visiting me in June (along with Melissa Tagg and Lindsay Harrel) and I can't wait to spend more time together!

I was also really excited to reconnect with some other good writing friends. I've now been to ACFW, Storycrafter's and Deep Thinkers with Lindsay Harrel. She's so much fun! I feel blessed to have her, and Jeanne (and so many others!) in my life.

Lindsay, Me & Jeanne
We spent five days learning from the best and I can't wait to put all the knowledge to work in my novels.




But some of the best moments from Deep Thinkers 2013 were the laughs. When you put twenty-one writers together in one house, there will be some great storytelling going on!

Me, Bethany & Jeanne
What about you? Have you been to a writing retreat before? What is your fondest memory?

20 comments:

  1. Awww, your post made me remember so many wonderful moments during my own DT experiences. I attended in 2010 and 2011. Sadly the past two years I haven't been able to go. But I know without a doubt those two retreats shaped and prepped the storyteller in me in a way nothing else has. There's just something about spending five days in one house with some of the best writers out there. I'm so glad you had a wonderful experience.

    And I can't wait to see you in June! Oh, I'm also glad you and Alena had the chance to get to know each other more. I bet you'll just blossom as CPs. :)

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    1. Melissa, you were there in spirit with us. Can't wait until June!!!

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  2. I was hoping you would blog about your time at DT. Sounds like it was an awesome learning experience.

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    1. It was, Lisa! I hope you get a chance to go some time.

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  3. Still not unpacked from DT, Gabrielle ... but I know once the clothes are washed and put away and the sand is shaken out of my suitcase, the memories of DT 2013 will linger for months! It was a delight to have more time with you.

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    1. And you, too, Beth! Thank you for a wonderful week.

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  4. You looked like you had so much fun! Can't wait to see what God does with everything He's used to pour into you! And why did my husband have to go and turn 40?! ;) I'll miss you guys!

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  5. So important to connect and brainstorm with other writers. Looks like you all had a great time!

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    1. I'm finding it's vital to connect with other writers, Loree. It's so much fun. :)

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  6. Ah, it was sooo much fun! I'm so glad we've been able to experience so many "firsts" together, my friend! Here's to more great memories to come in 2013...yay!

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    1. Lindsay, you've made each and every one so much fun. :) looking forward to seeing you again on a few more months.

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  7. You did a great job and came very close to describing something too wonderful for words.

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    1. Dee, I'm so happy we finally met in person! It was an incredible experience.

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  8. I could tell from the FB updates that you were having a wonderful time. How could you not with such awesome instructors and wonderful writer friends there with you? So glad you had this opportunity.

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    1. It was a wonderful time, Keli. I feel incredibly blessed for the opportunity.

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  9. Gabe--it was so fun to spend days with you, and everyone at DT. :) I loved getting to know you better. Seeing your pics brought back fun memories. I am blessed to call you one of my writing friends!

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  10. Oh that looks like so much fun! I haven't been to a writer's retreat, but a friend and I spent a weekend at her parents lake house once and wrote for a couple of days. It was nice and quiet!

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