I am in Albuquerque. Whoa. Crazy.
The Women’s Fiction Writers’ Association, or at least 80+ of the 1000+ member association, have gathered here for the annual retreat.
I thought long and very hard about attending in the time of COVID. To wit, in case you’re faced any time soon with a similar calculation:
- I am trying to write fiction and it is not easy. So hard that I have put my “completed” first book aside and am halfway through the first draft of a second. It’s a romance. Whoa. Crazy.
- This association has been invaluable to my learning process so far AKA such as it has been AKA I know nothing.
- The speaker for this event is Donald Maass, whose book, The Emotional Craft of Fiction has been far and way the most useful in my (what do we call this, endeavor? folly? quest? project-that-feels-important-for-reasons-unknown?)
- WFWA also set up me with a four-person critique group; we’ve been exchanging feedback and support over Zoom since the January before the pandemic. Two from this group are here, having traveled from Oregon and Northern New Mexico. I deeply wanted to meet them.
- I have been fully vaccinated for less than six months, so hope to be relatively protected.
- Masks are required inside in Albuquerque except while eating.
- I eat outside.
- Inside, I wear an N95 and use a lot of hand sanitizer. I’m running out of the lavender scent, dang it to heck. By the way, N95s make your hair look not just like garbage but like fresh smelly garbage. Who knew? Medical professionals, probably.
- Last, but in no way at all least, one of my college roommates lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico (I add the state for the international contingent). She was game to meet me for a night here.
I had imagined that come Saturday, the final day of the retreat, I could whip off a post before the morning session. Whoa. Completely crazy. Having first tried to put my underwear on sideways, and then cursed wildly at my innocent jewelry, well, um. All my words have flown to what I’m learning here, like iron filings to a strangely-shaped magnet. Hence, photos.
My college friend and I spent the first night at Los Poblanos, an organic farm and resort. The website, here, conveys the ethos really well.
Lavender fields outside our room.
View from the restaurant patio.
Night in a courtyard.
Lovely bedroom, with very personal aesthetic.
Breakfast. Boy-oh-boy do I love chile!
Cottonwoods on arrival. Such poetic trees.
Gift shop. Those copper ladles are pretty poetic too.
And this morning, at a different, more business-centered but still charming, hotel, everything’s clouds and words.
What is it about New Mexico skies? Have a wonderful weekend. All of you.
23 Responses
Don is a FABULOUS teacher. I can’t fangirl him enough.
He’s been absolutely spectacular. And he liked my calling a passage’s language “monastic,” so, of course, I will cherish that moment forever;).
Sounds like a wonderful conference. I’m glad you were able to go.
Thank you!
Hi Lisa,
I am impressed that you continue to pursue your book adventures now by joining others to learn. I am too much of an introvert for all of this. You are
an inspiration.
Luci
I’m going to say that 90% of the people here would call themselves introverts. Seems like all being writers makes it much, much easier to be in a group.
So glad you are enjoying your visit there, and the conference. I have a friend who is in Albuquerque this weekend for the hot air balloon fest so perhaps you’ll get in on this special event and get lifted by sighting some balloons.
I love N.M. and have been on retreats at Ghost Ranch, in Abiqui near where Georgia O’Keefe lived out her life, and also have stayed in Santa Fe, shopped the Alb. flea market. Enjoy !!!
Thank you! Ghost Ranch sounds fascinating!
FANTASTIC! You go girl. I love NM. Was there just for one short but lovely visit. You will get there (with your writing). Lovely photos and post.
Well, thank you extremely so much a lot:). Much appreciated. Come back to Enchantment!
So lovely to see your New Mexico images and hear about adventures here. Not trying to write fiction and admire your bravery. Very much enjoy your Saturday morning missives.
I recently wrote about Santa Fe for my own blog and you might enjoy it given your appreciation of NM, chiles and all.
Nancy
https://www.newvoodou.com/blog/2021/9/15/falling-in-love-with-santa-fe
How on EARTH did I not realize that you write a blog? Everyone go read this post right away, it’s beautiful and witty, both.
Whoa! Crazy ;-)
Happy for you. . . and happy this might be a step that brings one of your books a bit closer to a bookshelf near me, someday. xo
If so, we’d have to say Giddyap, instead, right? xoxoxox
It looks amazing and it’s so great you got to meet up with friends, old and new. Hope you’re feeling refreshed and inspired!
So. Always said I could not live far from the ocean (and was probably unbearable in my repetition of that thought) until I got to NM and realized the sky is the ocean there. We can learn things.
Welcome to Albuquerque, Lisa! What a treat to find that you’re here in my town, right now. Please enjoy yourself, and thank you for still taking the time to share your thoughts this morning. Your writing is a breath of fresh air… and so evocative.
So glad you’re at the conference and continuing to learn, and stretch yourself. So important right now especially. It’s beautiful there, actually reminds me a lot of Ojai (without the mountains) – so peaceful.
The conference sounds outstanding. NM is a fantastic place and you are absolutely right, the landscape is magical.
Sounds like you are in the right place at the right time! Enjoy the retreat; it sounds amazing.
It is said that everyone has a first novel within them – but the real question is having a second one. So I am glad to know that you are forging ahead with yours!
What is it to be called? “Stars Over Albuquerque”? “Love Strikes in Silicon Valley”? “Old Flames Flame Again”? “Princeton P-Rade Passion”? “I Found My Heart in Menlo Park”? etc…
Based on the extraordinarily romantic beauty of your second wedding, your second novel should be a real winner!
Many hearts to you, dear Lisa – Victoire
I am considering a much longer trip from central CA to the UK for a writing retreat in January. There, I may be able to meet a few people from my writing group (creative nonfiction) IRL for the first time. I really want to go, but am trying to be logical and make a responsible decision. I’m not too proud to admit to being willing to talk myself into it. Resisting those cognitive biases is hard. Resisting, resisting, resisting….
I think at this moment all signs point to safety, but of course, it may depend on a Christmas surge:(. I cross my fingers for you and I really hope you can go.
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