Solstice Writer's Conference

I attended the Solstice Writer’s Conference last week. It was outstanding.

In one class (prompted by the Ted Talk by Elizabeth Gilbert) we discussed the fact that many artists acknowledge a source of inspiration that seems to come to them from somewhere else, as a gift of genius.  It touches them - heart and mind - and if they are in tune they are blessed. The result could be a grand masterpiece or a glorious tweaking. If they are not paying attention the gift will move on – or it might, like a freight train, drive right through them and land on someone else.

I think that a variation of this genius “endowment” is the thing that can happen in a workshop – such as the Solstice Conference. I don’t know exactly why, but the tone and the feel of last week was about the most empowering thing I have experienced in quite some time.  Maybe it was the small size: 5 polished and completely approachable teachers and less than 40 students.  Something about this formula was like a wash of gentle rain on my thirsty soul.

Workshops don’t always work for me. I once attended a writer’s conference where my teacher did not like my writing.  He didn’t get me at all and I came away quite devastated. His assessment was not necessarily inaccurate but his approach was not helpful. There is a lot to learn from the contrast.

I believe I have been blessed by a few genius moments - sparkling insight that has opened my eyes. But there is nothing that I crave more than the extraordinary warmth of brilliant teachers who look into your eyes and say, “I have no idea how you are going to pull it off, but by golly, I like you and I believe there’s a writer in there.” Thank you Solstice. Last week was a ride on the Soul Train.