Virtual Breadloaf, Some Writer Conference Takeaways, and End of Summer Musings

Red and Yellow Sunflower

Virtual Breadloaf

Today was the last day of the two week journey of this year’s Virtual version of Breadloaf. There were at least twenty lectures from amazing writers of all genres, including non-fiction and screenwriting, several long workshop sessions, pitching sessions, hanging out in a virtual Barn, and even Breadloaf readings on Zoom.

I am so tired it feels amazing that I never left my house for any of this conference! I think the interactions, the intensity of attention, and of course, a lot of hours online took their toll, but it was a wonderful opportunity for someone like me – for whom travel can be a barrier (food allergies, multiple sclerosis-related disability, the costs, etc.) I also enjoyed the fact that I got to meet writers from Japan, Australia and France as well as from all over the US. I got the feeling the attendees were a little more diverse than usual because of the lower barrier to entry (it was also less expensive than the usual full-residency Breadloaf as well.)

Me in a local garden after workshop

I noticed that for me it was important to spent time each day, especially after the intense two-hours at a pop workshop sessions, outside in the fresh air, sunlight, and around living things like flowers. It was like re-grounding after a whole day – from 8 AM my time til about 6 PM – spent in an online format. Glenn took this picture after my workshop day after I had shed jewelry and makeup, and enjoyed a stroll around the garden at Willows Lodge (as well as a visit with their new set of potbellied piglets!) I actually did get a little sick about halfway through the conference – which isn’t unusual for me for August, but because of Delta, the extra stress of “is it covid?” make what was probably just a summer bug more scary.

The last talk was by Jericho Brown, who is always lovely, but his and Brenda Shaughnessy’s talks this week probably had the most emotional resonance for me. Both went a little off-book, which is always a plus in my book, and both had wonderful energy, which really did come through even in the virtual world. Both talked about the importance of being your true self and finding your voice – a theme that came through in several of the talks during the two weeks. It will take me a while to digest everything that I took away – but besides the official talks, the things I picked up hanging out with other writers in the off time, the pitches, and the workshop.

Some Takeaways from Breadloaf

Me post-Breadloaf reading, Glenn shot this while I took my glasses off in my garden

I was nervous that Breadloaf was only for younger writers, but I met people of all ages and backgrounds, which was great. I thought my workshop was full of really talented writers, and I was impressed by the level of writing at the attendee readings as well. The atmosphere of one of the oldest and most prestigious writers conferences in the country was much less stuffy or pretentious than I imagined it would be – could the virtual aspect of it make it seem more accessible?

I got lots of advice on publishing and lots of encouragement as well. A lot of kindness from people. I think it will have been a worthwhile thing to have done looking back. Now I need to actually apply the advice from workshop and on publishing and get to revising and sending out my work. I hope I stay in touch with at least a few friends I made, and crossing fingers for the manuscript that was sent in from one of my pitch sessions. You never know!

In a year (and a half) characterized by so much lack of socialization, going to a virtual writers conference was a great way to feel like I wasn’t totally isolated and that I was part of a larger writing community. It was also fun getting advice from other people who had been to Breadloaf before me about how to get the most out of it.

Field of wildflowers, Woodinville, WA

End of Summer Musings

It’s getting cooler here and more overcast, though barely a sprinkling of rain to relieve our long drought. The last flowers are blooming now – cosmos, dahlias, sunflowers – and they’ll be done soon, and we’ll be in the middle of autumn before we know it.

I realize that the last two weeks were full of disaster – from rising Delta cases and deaths and hospital overflow, to the Afghanistan situation, to wildfires all around the West Coast – and even if you feel helpless with nearly all of those problems, it’s important to feel like you can take positive steps to help, like giving to a charity or just trying to do what you can for those around you who might be struggling.

Food banks are still having a hard time, hospital workers are overworked, people who are chronically ill, going through chemo, or otherwise immune-compromised, could use at the least a friendly check-in because they probably feel especially vulnerable right now. Be nice to your friends who are doctors and nurses, who may be struggling with depression and burnout. A good place to send some money, besides food banks, is the excellent, well-vetted charity, the Malala Fund, https://malala.org. 

Hummingbird with last penstemon

For those of you going back to teaching or sending kids to school this fall, I know you are stressed out. Things will eventually get better. As as me, I am thinking positive: people will get vaccinated or they will have antibodies from having caught a version of this virus, even if we might need a booster shot or continue to mask up for a little bit longer.

Do be kind to yourselves, as well as others. It’s been a really long eighteen or so months. Here’s hoping for a peaceful and healthier winter season. It would be nice to be able to visit friends and family for the the holidays…