Sabbatical–that’s the Word of the Day on Dictionary.com. “Any extended period of leave from one’s customary work, especially for rest, to acquire new skills or training, etc.”
Extended, of course, is a relative term. 😉 Since Summer is when I wrap up my busiest season at work, I can only extend myself one day off–but today’s the day!
In less than an hour, I will be leaving for a 2-day writer’s conference in a nearby city.
Many writers’ groups sponsor week-long national conferences. I’ve been to three, and they were wonderful. I heard famous authors speak, sat in on how-to seminars, got to meet other writers, editors, and agents. It was like candy for my brain! But big conferences come once a year and are rarely nearby which means that they can be expensive or impossible to access.
A quick internet search may reveal other possibilities in your area–a regional writers’ group or local critique group. Some meet monthly. In larger cities, some host Saturday seminars like the one I’ll be attending. The rate was quite reasonable and includes meals as well as the teaching. While they may not draw a large number of big names, there will be more time to meet and get to know the people who are there, and I have to figure that anyone who gives of their time to teach at a smaller conference really has a heart for helping others. That’s good to know!
So this summer, look for opportunities to get with writing friends and acquire kewl skilz!
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