We writers are a unique kind of people. I love being blessed to bring a small group of like-minded, published and pre-published authors of the, “Fellowship of the pen” together to chat.
My May TV show was a blend of Young Adult and Middle Grade genres with three lovely young ladies, Shannon Dittemore, Kimberly Norton, and Sarah Armstrong Garner, as my guests.
I met these women at different times and in different places, all writing related; a conference, critique group, and small press Barnes and Noble read/book signing.
Sometimes I wish the TV station could air our three minute breaks in between the four twelve minute segments we film LIVE. That relaxed time when the cameras are off and the sponsor ads flash across the screen, my guests and I banter uninhibited.
The content of the show is different each month but the individual creativity and chemistry always brings a fresh, interesting view to the audience into the writing world.
Why do writers write? How do they pick their genre? How long does it take to write a book? Did you always want to be an author? Do you have a day job? Are all of you really rich and famous?
Every writer is on their own personal journey, and the answers to these questions vary.
There are a lot of misconceptions about the writing life. We laugh, share inside insights, dreams, disappointments, REJECTIONS, encouragements, and our stories.
My guests write in both the CBA and ABA markets. They write for the glory of God, out of passion, out of incredible drive because they can’t help but write, and write, and write…
When I first meet Shannon Dittemore two years ago she was at an Inspire Christian Writer’s Conference with her friend, Jennifer Lundquist. We shared a table for writing and brainstorming time. Both of these young women made an impression on me with their energy, sincerity, and humor. (Jenny couldn’t make the show because she was on an extended family vacation.) Both were already agented, had book contracts, and were deep into meeting deadlines.
Shannon’s YA trilogy is beautifully written. My viewers got a brief taste when she read an excerpt from the second book on the show last night.
You can meet both Shannon and Jenny at their next book signing on Saturday, June 8th at the Face in Book Bookstore, El Dorado Hills, CA from 11am – 1 pm. (Jenny writes MG)
Sarah Armstrong Garner joined my Amador Fiction Writers Critique Group three years ago. We share a creative side that ventures behind the photo lens also. She is about to sign her first contract for her YA supernatural book, and is looking for an agent. We critique each others manuscripts and Sarah also writes screenplays. She leaves today for a three-day screenwriting pitch conference in L.A. Hoping to hear good news upon her return.
Kimberly and I met at a Manzanita Writer’s Press, Barnes & Noble Read/Book signing in Stockton two years ago. I am on the press board and was reading one of my children’s books. She was there as a guest of the press to read her newly published YA fantasy. It was a wonderful experience for both of us and an opportunity to network. Her book has an amazing cover that draws people to her story. Yes, that book cover in important too.
All four of these women have small children at home. They nurture their families and carve out time to tap away at the computer keys until a chapter is born, only to birth another, and another until the actual delivery.
And believe me, the gestation period comes with morning sickness, exhaustion, mood swings, sleepless nights, long days, and oh, yes, those wonderful intense labor pains.
What our children’s minds take in, process, and share as a result of what a writer writes, is a huge responsibility for the author.
I was privileged to share an engaging hour with these talented and committed wordsmiths, and in turn open the door for others to meet them.
Watch for the YouTube link to be posted and spend forty-something minutes getting a glimpse into our wordy world. Unedited and uncensored.
kathyboydfellure 