Monday, March 17, 2008

ARKANSAS--Writers' Heaven



I might as well admit defeat now. When it comes to Comment Wars, there's no competing against JoAnne's cute baby! But I did snap some fun pictures during the writers' retreat and booksigning event I attended in Hardy, Arkansas, this past weekend. I arrived home after midnight last night, so when the alarm went off at 5 a.m., I fought hard against the urge to send the offending device flying and snuggle back under the covers for a few more hours of ZZZZZs.

The weekend fun proved well worth the Monday morning suffering, though. We all hope to make this an annual event. I love those occasional forays back into the writer's life. And I came home excited about the plot my friends helped me brainstorm. That nasty ol' writing bug still infects my system! I don't think there's a cure.

By the way, if any of you writers out there are looking for a fabulous retreat/escape, I highly recommend The Old Stone House B&B in Hardy, Arkansas. (http://www.oldestonehouse.com)Everything about this quaint village is conducive to writerly inspiration!

(Last photo--pictured left to right: Authors Rachel Hauck, Jan Reynolds, Sandy Gaskin, Christine Lynxwiler, Tracey Bateman, Susan May Warren, and me, Susan Downs)

7 comments:

Janet Spaeth said...

It looks like fun! You all must have had a blast together!

Susan said...

Yep, we had a grand ol' time! I can't wait until next year. We're already planning an Saturday writing workshop for area authors. Then, if that's a success, we'll build from there.

Unknown said...

Hey, I'm from Arkansas. I'll comment on anything that has to do with God's Eden in America. Looks like you had fun.

Mary Connealy said...

So you had this booksigning but you also had a writer's retreat, too, right? I just love thinking of that. I get so lonely for writers!
They just talk a different language, I'm not even saying that's good (or sane) but I talk it too, so it works for me.

Wandering Writer said...

It's just so nice to be with people that speak your own language. Glad you had a great time, Susan. And, those pictures--well, some mother is saying, "look that's my baby!"

Beth Loughner said...

The retreat and booksigning sounds wonderful. Glad you had a great time.

Just a side note, Susan. I know you like the Sonic Drive-Ins. There's a new one in Grove City, Ohio (a great Columbus suburb),and if you want to "retreat" in Columbus, even for an hour, I'll treat you to a great hamburger. :-)

Susan said...

Oh, Beth, don't tempt me so! I'd make that 2.5 hr drive over in a heartbeat, just for a Rt. 44 diet cherry limeade! Of course, sharing time with your would be the extra cherry on top of such a trip. You've got a deal. I'll show up in Grove City one of these days.