Just days ago, I posted an incredibly hot picture of the incredibly hot Paul Walker as my muse avatar.
As designated muse, he's *supposed* to inspire me, rev up the creative energy I need to push through my various works in progress. No question he's easy on the eyes, but he hasn't quite fulfilled his role. Instead, I'm still riding the adrenaline rush of spending a weekend with some brilliant writers.
And most of them were under the age of 19.
At the Young Alberta Book Society, we run several programs that foster literacy through a love of reading and writing among young people.
Dream job, right?
Actually, yes. This past weekend I hung out at WordsWorth, where coordinator extraordinaire Lisa Murphy-Lamb and her team of fabulous supervisors and instructors created magic for a group of talented young Albertan writers.
Think *magic* is an exaggeration? Check out this video.
I'm on love with the filming, the images. But most of all, I'm in love with how well it captures what WordsWorth is all about. At the end of the weekend, the young writers shared their work. You'd be blown away by their poetry, short stories, music, and art.
These beautiful, talented young writers are INSPIRATIONAL.
Whether it's at this weekend camp, or during our week-long summer program, many of these young writers create lasting friendships, with people who "get" them. Fellow artists.
I understand that, because in addition to hanging out with the youth, Lisa, and her team, I spent (not enough) time with Judith Graves, Alberta's superstar of the paranormal YA genre. Last year, I read - and reviewed - her first book Under My Skin. It's fantastic. And so is she.
What I didn't realize then was Judith's breadth of talent. She's not only a kick-ass writer, but she's a wonderful musician (her voice is amazing) and a budding film maker (grin). This is her video of a WordsWorth hike:
I'm excited to be included in her critiquing circle and love our newly formed mutual inspirational society (and friendship).
It's weeks like this that remind me of why I love my job - and being a writer.
The Book In My Bag Today: Bloodthirsty, Flynn Meaney
Haha! Glad this was such a huge success!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a cool thing. I live in a community with a lot of great resources and activities for young writers--in fact one of the girls from my former girl scout troop is really involved, so I hear quite a bit--but that camp setting is just so fabulous. Good for you, being involved with such a thing!
ReplyDeleteThat's so wonderful, Dawn. I'm glad you have wonderful writers to be around! :o) XOXO
ReplyDeleteThat is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteAwww....thanks, Dawn. It was an unforgettable weekend - the kids were so impressive - and I still can't believe I met such a kindred spirit (paranormal puns intended). Perhaps I'll get to drag you to karaoke sometime in Eddy. ;)
ReplyDeleteYou'll have to join me one day, DONNA. It's amazing the energy that is created.
ReplyDeleteHART - I'm an outdoor kind of girl at heart and so this kind of setting is perfect for me. And oh, so creative!
JESSICA - Count yourself among those who inspire me. xo
WW - I agree!
JUDITH - um...you had me until karaoke :-) I am a worse singer than I am a dancer, and that's pretty bad!
I'm almost finished reading her book! Sounds like it was an amazing time.
ReplyDelete