Tuesday, January 31, 2012

When My Tribe Gathers

The most common representation of the writer in popular culture is a solitary and miserable misanthrope locked in an airless upper room, facing a concrete wall, pounding on a keyboard in frustrated anguish.  That image probably has some grounding in fact, but it doesn’t bear much resemblance to any of the writers I know.   Especially not when I consider the writers who visit San Diego in February when my tribe gathers during the Southern California Writers’ Conference.   

The SCWC is first and foremost a joyous celebration of writers.  Whether the conferees arrive from nearby cities in California, winter-weary regions of the United States, or other continents around the globe, there is no doubt that when they step up to the registration desk at the Crowne Plaza San Diego they’ve entered a special world.  At this particular professional conference, words matter and imagination is prized.  For those of us who occasionally feel adrift in a Jersey Shore/American Idol-dominated pop culture, the long-weekend immersion into an enthusiastically biblio-centered community is heady stuff. 

And while there are agents, editors, and representatives of publishing to pitch to throughout the conference, the most personally enjoyable aspect to me is connecting with other working writers.  Hearing a young unpublished writer eagerly talk about a work-in-progress in a workshop or having a New York Times bestselling novelist (thank you, Gene Riehl)  invite me to lunch so I can talk with him about the motivation of one of my characters is not just priceless, but also part of the foundational DNA of the SCWC. 

This year’s Southern California Writers’ Conference takes place over the Presidents’ Day Weekend, February 17 – 20.  If you’re thinking about writing, if you’ve written something you’d like to publish, but aren’t sure what to do next, or if you’re looking for a chance to improve your craft and refine your manuscript, I urge you to consider this conference.  And if you join us this year, I look forward to offering a personal welcome.

10 comments:

  1. Rick:
    See you at SCWC!
    Are you bringing something to my Read & Critique Workshop???
    Hugs, LT

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    1. Hi Laura, I'm definitely bringing something for your Rogue. Looking forward to seeing you.

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  2. So, I'm thinking if you're not the tribe leader you're the tribe communicator? Have a great time!

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    1. Hi Kathy, not really either one ... more like an avid advocate. Always happy to hear what you have going on. Keep On Writing!

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  3. Great beating of the drums here, Rick! And nobody better to get folks settled in and feeling comfy than those at registration who make it all seem so effortless. You're much appreciated!

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    1. Thank you, Jean. I'm still grateful to you and Cricket for warmly welcoming me and gently guiding me back to earth. See you in a couple of weeks

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  4. I've attended this conference twice and enjoyed the experience. It's big enough to get great feedback, yet small enough to really feel welcome. Won't make it this year, but I hope it's a fabulous event.

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    1. Hi Robena, I still regard our meeting at SCWC as a very fortunate event. I'm glad we get together more often these days. I'll carry your good wishes and spirit to the conference.

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