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The soft, snow white cottonwood blossoms juxtapose the jagged edges of the painted rock behind them. Shimmering in the morning sun, the flowers seem to laugh as if sharing in a joke. I breathe in the freshness of the mountain air and continue across the street to indulg
e myself in a cup of my favorite tea and a scone.
I’ve found my second wind! Today I will begin the novel I have carried in my heart for these past four years. I walk slowly back to the meeting room, feeling fully within myself in a way I can’t remember feeling before. Past the medicine wheel, through the pool area, into the meeting room…I am ready.
I can’t type fast enough. It is as if the entire story is mapped visually in my head, impatiently waiting for translation into written text. Not wanting to stop, but needing to eat, I reluctantly close my manuscript. It is lunchtime.
Now, being on a budget (and knowing nothing of the area) I brought a small suitcase of food; I’ve been living off of bananas, trail mix and miso bowls. Today I feel so good I think I will splurge. Reds, the hotel restaurant, has been creating enticing buffets for the group each day. Today I will join them!
Today’s menu is…miso.
For those of you planning to attend on of Tom’s retreats in Sedona let me assure you that you will be within walking distance to anything you might need. The Sedona Rouge Hotel and Spa feels like one of those fancy resorts tucked away in the foothills with it’s gorgeous views, walking paths and open courtyards yet it is literally across the street from a Safeway, a Staples and a Walgreens—all the comforts of home! (Yes, there is a Starbucks in the Safeway.)
We mingle before the next session; lowering our boundaries, forming friendships. Interspersed throughout the day are rounds of applause for those who are finishing their books, the clapping also fueling the hope inside of us. Often where there is joy there is also tragedy; one of the participants looses her entire manuscript. The resident techy tries in vain to retrieve it from her hard drive. Our writing time ends far too soon for tonight is query night!
Tom s
2 Comments on Finding My Inner Author: My Experience at a Tom Bird Retreat –A Novel is Born, last added: 4/4/2011
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wow! That is wonderful! I look forward to hearing more!
Hello Church Lady!
If Tom's retreat sounds interesting to you- try one of the free webinars! Follow the link to the Free page at the end of the post and you will find Free Webinars to download. A great way to experience Tom's instruction before enrolling in a full course.