A few days ago, Karen Witemeyer wrote a lovely blog post (read it here) about the spiritual aspects of a recent writers retreat we both attended, along with Inspired By Life members Jody Hedlund and Becky Wade, as well as authors Katie Ganshert and Courtney Walsh. (Sadly, Dani Pettrey and Katie Cushman were unable to join us this year.)
I will just add a few things. There is something so refreshing about spending time with people who share similar passions, quirks, struggles, and joys in this (writing) life.
Jody at her writing desk.
We stayed in a lovely house with a lake view near Branson, Missouri, found for us by Karen Witemeyer, research prodigy. We each had our own room, writing desk, and best of all for 6 women—our own bathroom. 🙂
Becky Wade devised menus, shopped, and did most of the cooking. Thank you, Becky!
Becky also arranged for us to participate in a Christian Fiction Panel Discussion at the library in Branson.
Becky, Karen, Katie, Jody, Courtney, and Julie
Library volunteer Adele prepared insightful questions in advance and did an excellent job moderating the discussion. I found it interesting to see each author in her “professional role” answering questions about research, inspiration, and writing with wisdom and humor. We had a great turnout and thoroughly enjoyed meeting and talking with readers (and writers). Several area writers joined us for lunch afterwards, too. Fun!
We also attended a show, went out to dinner at the “Top of the Rock” with beautiful sunset views, and just hung out at the house, talking about our projects and—my favorite—brainstorming.
The four days went far too fast. I loved catching up with everyone and getting to know Courtney Walsh, whom I had never met before. Best of all, I came back with added inspiration and ideas for my next book. A win-win-win-win.
I really like spending time with like-minded women. How about you? Do you regularly meet with friends who share your faith, hobby, or profession?
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Wow, Julie! This makes me think so much. I’m a mom of a 2 and 4-year-old, both on the autism spectrum, so my job is a bit harder. Being a mom feels all that I am currently. (I used to be a literature teacher.) I look at you and these other ladies and hope that there is more one day beyond the piles of laundry… please don’t misunderstand me. I love my sons! But when they are this small and this needy, sometimes I wonder when I stopped being me and became MOM 24/7. I look at you ladies and wonder if some day there will be something more to me once again. I guess I am trying to say it is awesome seeing you moms write such amazing books, and I hope someday to being a small percent of how awesome you all are!
Oh, Courtney, you are in a demanding season of life for sure. You are the one with the important job! My sons are mostly grown, so it easier for me to get away now. Several women on the retreat have younger children and I know a few days away was a welcome and refreshing break. I realize getting away isn’t always possible, but I hope you can manage to spend some time with another mother or two “in the same boat” for encouragement and support. Hang in there.
I have loved everyone’s posts about your writer retreats! I meet weekly with a lady who has become a dear friend, I had known her on the surface for years as our kids are the same age but got to know her better when she started coming to the same church as me. We live around the corner from each other and meet to walk the neighborhood and pray for each other. I also meet once a month with a widow’s group from church. It has been helpful to meet with people where you don’t have to explain about that part of your life, they just know. And once a year I go on a road trip with another dear friend, we haven’t lived near one another in decades but this is a great time just to share our lives. I travel with other people but this trip is always special because of our shared faith. And this year (in a few weeks) we are going to Branson!Then there is the Christian Fiction Readers Retreat, where one can gush all day with like-minded readers and authors!
Linda, I’m so glad to hear about all the connections you’ve made and the friendships you treasure. I hope you have a great time at the readers retreat, too. I hope to attend one of these years!
Loved seeing your pictures, Julie! How clever you were to piece together two different shots to get our full panel table. Such great memories. And you’re right, the brainstorming this year was rich! I’m looking forward to seeing how your next project shapes up with that mysterious island.
Thanks, Karen, O’researching AND brainstorming aficionado! And thanks again for all your help coordinating the retreat.
I love this. I went on a beach retreat recently with three writer friends! We’ve known each other for years and they are all dear to me. We brainstormed and chatted about life and the business of writing. We walked the beach and enjoyed the view. It’s nice to be with people who “get” me!!
Glad you had a good retreat. We all need that sometimes. I know I sure enjoyed mine and yes, I needed to take some down time and reflect on my blessings.
Sounds wonderful, Lenora. You said it so well. And a beach setting sounds perfect. May have to consider that for the future…
I loved our time in Branson, Julie! I agree — it went WAY too fast. 🙂
It’s so nice to see how much fun you all had. Glad you had the chance to get away and gain so much from your cameraderie with each other.
What an awesome bunch of authors! This looks like the MOST fun! I love that photo with the giant books! What a perfect backdrop for y’all! 🙂