Léna is also a Regional Manager for Writopia Lab whose mission is to foster joy, literacy, and critical thinking in kids and teens from all backgrounds through creative writing.

"Well, the question is, what do you want to believe? Do you want to live in a world where things are possible, or in one where they aren't?" Cin, Edges.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Connecting through Words

One of the best parts of having a writing career  is the new connections I'm making with people - meeting other writers, in person and on-line, published and pre-published. We are building community, a most important boon and a necessity if we are to survive in such an isolating field.

January 22nd marked a full year in blogging. One year, 185 posts. I hope I've delivered what I advertised: Léna's Lit Life - my journey through writing and publishing. Maybe you've even been on that emotional roller coaster with me. Maybe once in a while I share some wisdom, but the best thing I have is the ability to share myself. (There are sooooo many awesome writing blogs out there!)

And I want to meet you, I really do! Hopefully, you feel the same way. I need to expand my scope on the web to some live events.

Yesterday I traveled to New Jersey to meet with a few folks at WORDS, a wonderful independent bookstore in Maplewood. It was a small, intimate gathering, but well worth the effort. (2.5 hours on a train - both ways!) The folks who came were warm and supportive, eager to hear me read and talk about the craft and process of writing. I finally got to meet "in person" another writer who I have been internet friends with for the past six months. I met new faces, friends, who I will now connect with via the web, and who will recommend Edges to others.

A woman I met there inspired me to try and make as many face to face connections as I can. So.  I've put out to the universe (and Facebook - my insecurities be darned)) asking if peeps would be willing to host me if I can find independent bookstores and/or libraries that are interested in what I have to offer (workshops, readings).

And I have a fantasy of planning a trek/ workshop/ retreat in Moab in the future.

What do you think?
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9 comments:

  1. Moab would be awesome.

    I haven't been there, just traveled the I-15 from CA up to SLC/Park City a few times as a preteen/teen.

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  2. Congrats on a year at the blog, Lena. I resisted blogging for so long, but now I have met some lovely people, writers this way. I can not read all the blogs when I want or nothing else would get done! I admire your writing books as I am just into short fiction and find it tiring. I would never sleep with a novel! I have a piece of fiction just out in the new issue of Rosebud. I am mighty proud of just that.
    Stay warm and "connected" in your part of the country!

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  3. Congratulations on getting published in Rosebud! I am so excited for you Bookie, and am throwing figurative rose petals your way!

    Wonderwegian, my wanderings will take me to you someday! Maybe Moab?

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  4. Happy Blog-o-versary, Lena! And many more. I agree that blogging brings so many wonderful connections and a great sense of support and community.

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  5. I have a fantasy of you making a trek to Portland, OR, too!!! And totally agreed. The connections are a boon and a necessity . . . love to you!

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  6. Thanks Demery! I love what your doing on your blog!

    And Jen, I think about coming your way several times a day. Because of YOU! Big smoochie!

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