by Alena Wendall, @alenawendall
Ten years! It’s been ten years since Susan May Warren and Rachel Hauck started holding a Deep Thinkers writers retreat in Destin, Florida. I just arrived home from the final one and it was amazing.
Since I tend to stay in the background as the Retreats Hostess, I got a chance to observe and listen in on the teaching and brainstorming sessions. I noticed a few things.
Ignored Advice.
One of the hardest things I’ve noticed at each retreat? When someone paid to attend but were unwilling to listen and incorporate advice from the seasoned authors because they were too attached to their “book baby”.
You may not like changing your story. I get it. But try the advice on for at least one chapter, you may learn something. What have you got to lose? It may make it better. If it doesn’t work you can always change it back. ☺
Battle Uncertainty. I’ve heard, “I thought I had my story down, but now I’m not so sure.” It’s so easy to doubt yourself and question the validity of your writing. Just because a mentor or a teacher tells you the story needs to change, it doesn’t mean you can’t write. Listen to the voice of experience and be open to making the changes necessary to strengthen your plot and deepen the characters. In this case, change is good and proves your growth as a writer.
Expand Your Perspective. Brainstorming with others is a tremendous asset and gives you fresh ideas and insight. Even if you don’t use another writer’s idea, respect it.
Utilize Community. I’ve developed the most amazing friendships because I’ve attended My Book Therapy writer’s retreats. It’s awesome to have people around you, who speak the same “writing lingo” as you. They get it. They know what the Dark Moment is and when you get stuck, they can help pull you out.
Persevere. During the length of the last decade, we had several repeat attendees. They kept at it, and didn’t feel like they learned what they needed to, so they kept trying and came back to attend the conference again. Their perseverance will eventually pay off.
Application. Ultimately it comes down to you. Only you can apply what you’ve learned.
This writing journey is not for the faint of heart, it can be humbling and often times requires Wonder Woman perseverance. Keep trying, it’s well worth the effort.
Blessings!
Writing as Alena Wendall, Alena Tauriainen pens contemporary Christian romance novels that always end with a happily ever after. By day, she partners with her lifelong mate Clyde, to run the family HVAC business. She manages both business and family life with four lovable but crazy kids. She is the Retreats Coordinator for My Book Therapy. She is represented by Rachelle Gardner with Books & Such Literary Management. Visit her at alenawendall.com.