Whew! I don’t know about you, but when I get home from a really wonderful writing conference, my head feels like it’s about to burst with an info overload. My synapses are firing away with renewed vigor and ideas are popping into my brain like those Pop Rocks candy. I can’t wait to get to the keyboard, to put my splendiferous writing plans into action!
And then, after a few days, I begin to decompress and all that wonderful writing inspiration begins to drip, drip, drip out of me, perhaps landing on the kitchen floor, where I stand in front of the pantry, sneaking yet another Girl Scout cookie, and wondering what exactly I was so all-fired up about.
This time, I’m determined to keep the writing fire in my belly. It helps that the Southern Breeze SCBWI Springmingle Conference comes at the end of February, so now I can start March with my um, marching orders to myself. To wit:
Review my notes and apply all that learning and editor/agent wisdom to my manuscript. Honestly, I thought my manuscript sparkled with glittery brilliance, plus a dollop of awesome sauce on the top. Now I’m thinking it may need a splash of rewrites.
So, I’m going to need focus, discipline, my notes and maybe one of those books the presenters recommended. I’ll be sharing specifics over at Finders & Keepers for the next few weeks, if you’re in need of inspiration and marching orders.
And okay, I’m still going to need plenty of Girl Scout cookies. Don’t give me that look… they’re an excellent and tasty source of energy. (P.S. I’m not sharing the Thin Mints.)
Cathy C. Hall Writes 
I feel as inspired and jazzed up about writing as you do, Cathy, after the conference. And the benies? Met lots of new people, think I found a new local crit group- the one I was in fell apart, and had a super helpful professional crit from one of the speakers!Not to mention 2 boxes of girl scout cookies now in the freezer (out of sight, out of mind, except when they're calling you….really loud too!)
Gail, I'm SO glad you fouund a critique group! And your big name connection is AWESOME. I've got a feeling that book's going to be on the shelf. Let's hope you write fast! 🙂
Love that inspired feeling!!!Thin Mints are THE best, hands down!
You have me all excited and hepped up too — but more to find my Girl Scout cookies that should have been delivered by now! Very motivating and sparkling piece, Cath
Oh, I love that feeling, too, Cathy! Doesn't it just make you feel invincible…until it doesn't. Sigh. But I guess that's what chocolate is for. :)Looking forward to hearing some of what you learned!
I'm exhausted!! Send some of that energy my way. I'm going to spend this week messing around with picture book leftovers from the marathon and hope I can apply some of my spring mingle lessons to those.Happy writing and cookie devouring!
Ah, nothing like that after-glow, y'all! :-)And Kelly, heck yeah, Thin Mints are the best!I'm a little worried for you, Anita. Did somebody get your cookies?Now, off we go to write! Or eat chocolate! Or both!
Oh, Cathy, I do love that "on top of the world" buzz that comes after a great conference! My choice of munchie is chocolate–Lindt Intense Orange dark chocolate. Thanks for the great post. Now let's go write on!
Amen to that, Clara! (P.S. Chocolate is ALWAYS good. 🙂