Have you ever pinched yourself to see if you’re awake? Do you ever think to yourself, at this moment, there’s nowhere I’d rather be, no one I’d rather be with? Have you ever looked back on a week known there was nothing – absolutely nothing – you'd want to change?
I’ve recently enjoyed such a week.
It started on Sunday, 2 June when I showed up at the Florence Filberg Center in Courtenay as one of the Comox Valley Writers’ Society volunteers hosting Margaret Atwood. Yes – Margaret Atwood. In the space of an hour, we welcomed 400 excited people who had come to listen to Margaret read from Babes in the Wood and answer questions about her writing. For two hours she held the audience entranced by her literary wizardry and puppetry skills.
For some of us, the event was followed by dinner with Margaret. I remain lightheaded with the honour of being at that table. An evening of conversation with Maragret Atwood is an experience to be treasured. Surprises at every turn, diverse topics of conversation and then the inspiration that provided the impetus I’ve needed to begin my next book. I drove home in the late spring twilight, buzzing with ideas. Ideas that are now settling onto pages. Pages of notes and one story – a first draft complete. Revisions underway. The excitement has not waned. Thank you, Margaret.
The stars had aligned in such a way that the following day was the first of a long-planned writing retreat at my place. We had endowed it with a fine title: the Fernwood Writing Retreat. To say I hosted the event would imply I provided meals, refreshments and what not. I did not. Five writing friends came equipped with their own snacks and meals. All I contributed was the space and time we desired to throw off myriads of other commitments and get on with our writing projects.
For five days our creative juices flowed, keyboards heated up, and screens filled with our beautiful words. As her novel nears completion, Janet unravelled more details of her protagonist, Sonia’s, ordeals. Fifteen months after a head injury, Martha returned to her novel in progress while still struggling with post-concussion symptoms. During our critique sessions, Paul captivated us with his philosophical explorations of fleeting moments in nature. Dave continued his research into the development of alternate fuels for increasing container ship traffic around the globe. Despite family commitment interruptions, Ian was able to shelter his novel’s protagonists, Barry and Mac, in a London tube station during an air raid. I wrote that first draft of a short story, perhaps the first in a new book of unlikely tales and spoofs.
Jane Dawson, PhD in adult education, came and provided us with an excellent revisions tutorial, emphasizing revision as the main event in an author’s process. While sharing a wrap-up dinner, we made unanimous proclamations that our time had been well spent and then set the dates for next year’s Fernwood Writers’ Retreat. Thank you, dear writing friends, for making and sharing precious writing time.
On the afternoon following our retreat many members of the Comox Valley Writers’ Society gathered with friends and well-wishers under a sunny sky at the Anderton Gardens to celebrate our 60th year with music, speeches, cup-cakes, book sales, readings and the launch of Terry James’ new book The History of the Comox Valley Writers’ Society.
Oh, what a joyous and productive week.
With the start of summer and the longest day of the year just a few days away – I wish you a season filled with your own wonderous and perfect moments of contentment. Whatever it is you do, or don’t do, at this time of year, here’s to finding your bliss.
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