Retreat to move forward

No sea lions were invited to the recent Books and Such writers’ retreat in Monterey, California.  They showed up anyway and barked all night outside the Monterey Plaza Hotel, reminding us of the spectacular setting even in the dark. 

Writers’ retreats and conferences are great places to connect with other writers, agents and publishers.  

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In this case the writers were all agented by the Books and Such Literary Agency that sponsored the retreat.  It was a good place to have relaxed time with my agent over meals as well as an hour or so together discussing the revisions of my current WIP (Work In Progress.)  I also enjoyed getting to know other authors she represents and writers whose names I have seen on the agency list-serve and blog.  We exchanged books, and I expect to see lots of new reviews on the Internet in coming weeks since we all know how important those of for drawing in new readers. It was exciting to hear about the new enhanced ebooks with video, audio and text embedded in the book.

Probably the most useful session to me was Robin Jones Gunn and Shannon Primicerio on using Facebook to care for your “flock.”  I first met Robin at the Litt-World conference in Brazil in 2007.  She has touched the lives of incredible numbers of teen girls and young women with her books.  She has a passion for sharing deeply and ministering to them as people.  

Books and Such is a Christian agency.  The devotions by Georgia Shaffer and Jennifer Degler were powerful.  In how many literary agencies do the agents pray for their clients? Various cutting-edge projects link authors, publishers and readers.  I feel privileged to be represented by such a forward-looking organization. 

With my agent, Etta Wilson. (No, I'm not mad; just squinting into the sun)

Lunch on the terrace at Monterey Plaza