Usually I’d
be going into a post Crime Bake discussion, but that’s not the case. One of the
reasons I enjoy Crime Bake (any writing conference, really) is the people. And
it’s a generic sort of thing. Yes, I highly value the friends I’ve met (hi
guys!), but really it’s because I can turn off teaching. I get to be a writer
during that weekend, and nothing else. Let me emphasize that. I get to be a writer.
This may
not seem like a big thing, but it’s vital for my mental health. Writing is
something that energizes and revitalizes. I can be my characters on their
adventures, which takes me out of the drudgery of everyday life, and to go to a
conference filled with other people that all feel the same way, and to be able
to talk about such things without getting weird stares (all the writers know
what I’m talking about), is also rejuvenating.
So it’s my
intention to make sure I get that rejuvenation from an extra dose of writing
this week. Now, if you’ll excuse me (or even if you won’t).