Annual Gathering for Writers and Illustrators in 2020 (LTUE)
Rockin' the LTUE 2022 was a game-changer! I wasn't sure I'd manage the whole shebang, but between some stellar vacation hours and a stroke of luck, there I was - ready to take it all in.
This year was quite different from the past, with a shift in focus from learning about specific writing topics to beefing up my professional skills. Instead of diving into panel discussions about hacking in outer space or writing realistic medical procedures, I found myself immersed in advice on pitching my manuscript and navigating the publishing world.
Here's what I took away.
I've always been a card-carrying pantser - loving the thrill of discovery that comes from writing without an outline. But, being at the LTUE 2022 changed my mind. I attended a couple of sessions that discussed the art of outlining, and it turns out, it's entirely doable! There's even a place for a bit of pantsing in plotting - it just happens during the planning phase instead of during the actual writing.
I also discovered the real purpose of an outline isn't to suck the fun out of plot twists; quite the contrary! An outline helps you write faster, reduce time spent on dead ends, and save a whole lot of editing later on. It makes room for those exciting detours while keeping your story on track.
My imagination hit a wall these past few months. With the craziness of National Novel Writing Month, buying a house, moving, and the holidays, my story screeched to a halt. I found some great techniques to bust through writer's block at the LTUE, and one particular method grabbed my attention. If I ever feel bored, frustrated, or stuck, I now know to reconsider the last point where my writing was flowing. Highlight everything that comes after it and delete it all. Start over entirely, and the story will start to flow again. I'll admit, it's tough going back and erasing a whole bunch of work, but when I sat down to write after trying this method, the words came easier, and I actually felt like I was on the right track.
At first, I felt like I wasn't getting my money's worth at the LTUE because I didn't have the same burning questions as the others. I didn't feel the need to ask big-name authors for advice, and I already knew answers to many of the questions being asked. But, one session opened my eyes and put my mind at ease.
The presenter discussed a study that found most children have an abundance of creativity - often labeled as "creative geniuses." However, as they grow, fewer and fewer kids retain this label due to self-imposed limitations. I realized I hadn't required expert advice on writing my story because my instincts guided me, and my manuscript already contained the structural elements found in well-written stories. It felt liberating to recognize that I've already got the tools I need, and I just have to trust myself and my intuition.
Several sessions on self-care for creative people were enlightening, but one in particular stood out. It discussed the physiological benefits of exercise on creativity. In my eagerness to juggle work, life, and my writing, I had let my running routine slip. Hearing how regular exercise boosts mental clarity and creativity, I began to suspect my lack of motivation for writing might be linked to my lack of exercise. I'm starting to believe that getting back into a regular running routine may help me overcome my creative block and get back on track with my writing.
In closing, I feel more confident and well-equipped after the LTUE 2022. I've added some valuable tools to my writer's toolbox and feel more prepared for the next steps in my publishing journey. I can't wait to tackle the second draft of my manuscript, and I'm looking forward to seeing the progress I'll make based on what I've learned. The future of my writing ventures is looking brighter than ever.
Pumped and ready for the day,
[Your Name]
- Embracing the shift in focus at the LTUE 2022, I attended sessions that delved into novel writing, education-and-self-development, and personal-growth, gaining insights on outlining, overcoming writer's block, and the benefits of exercise on creativity.
- With renewed confidence and a toolbox packed with practical strategies, I am now eager to apply these learnings to my lifestyle, approaching my career as a writer with a better understanding of pitching my manuscript, navigating the publishing world, and fostering my creativity through self-care and exercise.
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