After years of listening to other people rave about the West Texas Writers’ Academy, I finally made up my mind to go. I signed up for five days of intensive instruction, critique, and focused writing time and packed my bags.
Diego had to stay home. He wouldn’t have cared for the car ride anyway.
The drive was…considerable. Here I am at the start of the journey.
We stayed in dorm rooms at West Texas A&M, so we brought our own bedding. Private room, double bed, and a kitchenette and sitting area shared with a suitemate! Downright luxurious compared to my own undergraduate dorm experience.
The intensive class I chose was The Western: Writing the Great American Gift to Literature, taught by S.J. Dahlstrom, an award-winning native West Texan who was mentored by John R. Erickson, author of the beloved Hank the Cowdog series. Our group elected to use some of each day’s class time to write and critique–which was good for me, since I had to have the first three chapters of Book 7 finished and sent to my editor by the end of the month. It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with these thoughtful and intelligent men and women.
l-r: J.V. Cohorn, Marty Kuhlman, me, Alice V. Brock, C.S. Kjar, S.J. Dahlstrom
I was happy to get a chance to visit with fellow Texan and Harlequin author Jolene Navarro.
I also made some new author friends…
…including the fabulous Jodi Thomas, the original founder of WTWA, and author of about a gazillion romance novels!
The event organizers held a reception to honor Jodi. She is as lovely and gracious a person as I’d always heard she was.
So glad I got to go to such an amazing event, and thankful to Greg for feeding Georgette her bottle while I was away!
Kit, I think that you are an awesome author. I love your books and your monthly letter is very entertaining. I know it was an honor to meet Jodi Thomas. She is a wonderful author. I bet that you learned a lot at the seminar. I am looking forward to getting your new book. Maybe a book containing a snowstorm will cool me off, since I also live in Tx. as you know, Kit. It is wonderful to hear about Georgette. She has turned into a precious little princess. I do wish you the best always.
Thank you, Kathy! You’re so sweet and I’m always happy to hear from you. I hope we have a lovely Texas fall this year.