Memoirs

This is the beginning of the Writers’ Storytelling weekend.   It began with a reception at one of the school halls and they had a lovely buffet of small sandwiches, veggies, desserts, etc. and almost a small bar.   We spent a lot of time with a man from Sarasota who had graduated from the University of Florida but we also walked around and mingled with others.  Afterward the University had lists of a few Gainesville restaurants where the participants could continue conversations if they wished.   Wes took me to the Bistro (have been there before and thoroughly enjoy it) and our table was very close to one where a young man, his young wife and 11 month old son, Hans, sat.  We talked all through dinner and it was very enjoyable.  Two of the waitresses had been Wes’ students and both wanted to wait on us.   I have met and like Andy, a young man who works with Claire and did work with Wes.  He has decided to take the summer off and go on a bike trip along the West Coast with a friend of his.  To celebrate this, they met friends at a variety of restaurants;    Wes and I joined the group, including Claire, at  Common Grounds, another interesting restaurant and that was fun too!  Of course, regaled Deb with our adventures when we got back.

Michael Connelly - Storytellers Summit at UF 2010

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Wes made breakfast and we left the house around nine for a full day of sessions.  There was so much!  It started with a major author speaking in the auditorium; Wes and I had front row seats.    I had purchased one of his books in Savanna and read it. He is one of my daughter, Beth’s favorite authors (and she reads like 40 books a week). He was interesting; afterwards I asked him to autograph the book to Beth.  He did and I did not notice that he wrote Beth: Hang tough, which is a phrase from his book. Wes also took pictures of him and me so that I can send them to Beth.  He actually emailed the pictures to Beth and she was elated.  Said she was green with envy at my having met the author and getting an autograph.  Did not tell her it was to her!  Need to mail as soon as I can.

One of the sessions was on getting an agent and very informative and helpful.  I got a card from the agent who gave the talk and asked her whether I should find an agent locally, and she said that the publishers are in NY so get one there -  in fact, send something to her!   So do I have an agent even though I have not submitted anything yet!!!!  Exciting!

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Another jam packed day of fun and learning.  Highlights were getting that autograph for Beth, getting an agent, the session by Lane DeGregory,  who was so funny, interesting and informative and gave a handout that will help me at home,  (I met her later in the rest room and she encouraged me to keep writing!) plus the final speaker Roy Peter Clark who wrote Writing Tools and also gave out a handout.  Wes and I both ordered his book and I took copious notes of the whole weekend. We said goodbye to the event videographer and he said he would post the authors’ presentations on the Summit blog.

Although this was a wonderful weekend of receiving a lot of valuable information and to laughing so much as the authors told stories from their lives, to go over each and every session would be boring to others.     For several years I have been going to the Storytellers Festival in TN with dear friends and thought nothing could top that but this Storytellers Summit with Wes was even better!! Perhaps because we sat beside each other during so many of the sessions and could turn to one another to laugh or nod about something we agreed on.   The days were magical and food for thought and discussion long afterward.

As if this is not enough, on Saturday after the summit, we picked up Deb and went to their friend, Lynne’s house for a party celebrating her move to NYC and her new job which she loves very, very much.  Have been to other parties at her house and knew many of the people; everyone brought food and this was so much fun.  She urged me to visit her when I get to NYC (after thought: perhaps when I see my agent?)

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