These writers (who are all talented cooks as well) are in the photo below, getting our amazing lunch ready. From L to R they are Noreen Allan from Ravenshoe, moi, Mervet McClintock from Townsville, Becca Quin from Mareeba, and Shannean Moncrieff from Cairns. So you see, everyone had some distance to travel, which made the destination all the more appreciated, I believe, and although these galz might not be published just yet, stand back world. I'm sure it won't be long.
We had the most scrumptious lunch and afternoon tea while we brainstormed story ideas, teased out the subtle differences between the Harlequin lines, considered the benefits of collaging, and nutted out how to deepen story conflict.
Even though I was "supposedly" the mentor, being the most experienced, I'm sure other teachers will agree that there is always a lot to be gained from sharing knowledge. It's never a one way street.
To start with, I have "A Walk in the Clouds" to watch later today, a movie I didn't even know about until yesterday. And after so much brainstorming with others, I was lying in bed this morning at 4 a.m., thinking: now, how can I deepen the conflict and emotion in my next book?
I think we've all been inspired to set new writing goals... I'm going to think about plotting my next book instead of my usual method of 'flying into the mist'. Will keep you posted on whether it works...
