Recharging the writing batteries

As anyone who writes knows, writing is a very solitary endeavor. You are alone with your thoughts and trying to make sense of them. Your goal is creating something that someone will read and appreciate. The writer, you, has complete control, yet it doesn't always feel like it as a writer's inner critic can be quite loud. It takes strength to push through and persevere. It takes a inner will to battle that inner critic and, sometimes, outer critics as well. It helps when a writer can talk with other writers who understand the struggle. It helps to sometimes switch out a regular writing spot for something completely new to engage your creativity and give it the push it needs to keep going. 

Thanks to the folks at Boyds Mills, a writers retreat center formerly known as the Highlights Foundation, in the Pocono Mountains, I recently got to do just that. It was an amazing few days staying in a cabin in the woods, getting to know other Jewish kidlit authors from all backgrounds and communities and taking part in discussions, writing sessions and walks in the woods. There is definitely something to being greeted by a bunch of bunny rabbits first thing in the morning! 

Thanks also to author Theresa Milstein for putting the entire retreat together and leading some inspiring writing sessions. 
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