I have loved this week.... I've loved chatting with some of you and praying for all of you.
I've loved our guest counselors that came along... Deb Kastner, Sandra Lee Smith, Mary Connealy and Linda Goodnight....
I'm delighted that they were able to carve time out of their busy summer schedules and hang out with us this week. Thank you, ladies!
Mostly I've loved seeing the great conversations. Seeing shy people open up. Seeing people chat about their stories at the brainstorming campfire... seeing posts resonate with authors.
Because yes, you are an author.
You are a writer.
It's not a designation that needs contracts or stipulations. If you write, you are a writer. If you finish a project, you've become an author.
Some of you know me from Seekerville.
Some know me from reading my books.
Some from facebook.
Some of you didn't know me at all.
Here's the thing, and here's why we love doing things like this for writers like you: It's easy to find folks who will offer advice for a price.
It's very different if you're trying to find folks to offer advice for free. The kind of folks who long for your success.
There are no shortcuts. Writers write. It's what we do. Developing the habit of writing is clutch to your success.
I'd love for all of you to stay in touch with me, either through my e-mail or Seekerville. Either way, I'd love to see what this coming season brings your way!
I'm hoping to do another retreat in January.... Post-holidays is a wonderful time to jump start things because the holidays are a wonderful six week season of very important family and faith things!
January tends to be a great time to re-start our engines, to get back in the habit of writing.
We've got a great breakfast planned for today... I know some are flying out later today, a couple are heading out first thing in the morning... and several are hitting the road driving straight after breakfast!
Thank you for being here.
Thank you for taking a chance.
Thank you for joining folks on trail rides and walks and campfires.
And may God bless you richly, abundantly, amazingly... in all walks of your life.
Ruthy
Ruthy, thank you so much, this has been a real shot in the arm. Looking forward to January.
ReplyDeleteKathy Bailey
Kaybee, it was so much fun.... and while I had to work on the REAL farm this week, having the other authors take over was amazing... and gives everyone a better, more well-rounded outlook.
DeleteThank you for being here!
Ruthy, thanks for this wonderful retreat. It was so encouraging and a great boost.
ReplyDeleteBless you for hosting it.
Jackie, I had fun and I'm so glad you were here! Thank you!
DeleteIt's been a great week. You are such a blessing to all of us. Thank you for freely sharing and encouraging, both here and through Seekerville.
ReplyDeletePacking up and getting ready for the drive home. Waving to the cowboys and critters. Clipping some new pages into my notebook of works in progress. Leaving with a new attitude and open heart. Blessings to all.
Wow. This says I wrote at 4:44. Must be Idaho time. My Ohio clock says 745!
DeleteHahahahahah! That's funny, maybe I set it to Idaho time! :) So glad you were here, Bettie!!!!
DeleteRuthy, Thanks for this great week, I am so glad I signed up at the last minute. Can't wait for January.
ReplyDeletePs Happy Birthday, Ruthy a day early.
Wilani, thank you! What a great time we had! And thank you for the birthday wishes. I believe there is cake in my future!
DeleteRuthy, it has been so much fun. Hey, Shane said I could hang out here until Monday to watch the eclipse. He's got a lot of folk coming to the ranch to hang during the big event. Sure glad we had our retreat first. There will be crowds arriving soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for having us. I've enjoyed all the chatter and the hike and yes, even the horseback ride-sore muscles and all. I've especially enjoyed the brainstorming and help with my wip. Thanks to all of you who contributed. I think I'll go print out all your comments to use while writing.
Best wishes to all of you in your writing endeavors. I'm so blessed to have met you and talked with you. Safe travels everyone and happy writing.
Sandra! Thank you for helping me with this, I couldn't have done it alone. You gals rocked.
DeleteAnd wasn't the brainstorming fun???? Just chatting back and forth gave me ideas for how to make my story stronger.... tidbits often grow into full fledged books!
Thank you Ruthy. It's been a fun week
ReplyDeleteBarbara! I'm so glad you had the time to come and talk and do things.... Thank you for being here!
DeleteThank you, Ruthy, and all the guest counselors, for taking the time to invest in a retreat like this. I know I've found abundant inspiration and encouragement here. Such a blessing!
ReplyDeleteNatalie, wishing you all the best as you get into a back-to-school schedule... and your writing is so beautiful... Hang in there!
DeleteThank you, Ruthy, and all the guest counselors, for taking the time to invest in a retreat like this. I know I've found abundant inspiration and encouragement here. Such a blessing!
ReplyDeleteSuch a great week! I had fun on the trails, both hiking & riding horseback. Definitely want to return & hang out with Shane again. Thanks, Ruthy!
ReplyDeleteHey, Beth, I'm so glad you could make it over here! We can do a winter vacation in Idaho.... Or pick an ISLAND... :)
DeleteThanks for giving us this week, Ruthy. I am a little embarrassed to say I really didn't do any writing this week. I expected to do a lot and not exactly sure what happened, but I'm not going to let that bother me and I will get right back at it.
ReplyDeleteSandy, don't let self-doubts tug you.... and there's always today. And tomorrow. For as long as God gives us time!!! Do what works for you, sweet thing!
DeleteThank you, Ruthy, for all the work you did in making this happen. Thanks for the encouragement!
ReplyDeleteTanya, you're welcome, and it was a fun combined effort because farm time is tricky around here... but we knew it was time for a retreat because summer can drain the stories right out of us! :) Thank you so much for being here!!!
DeleteThank you, everyone for pouring into us. Ruthy, your idea for this was a great one! I am sorry I had yo pack up and head back to Georgia. Family emergencies on top of our dog's surgery took me away.
ReplyDeleteI did post in the campfire brainstorming session today, but I know I'm way too late for it. Loved reading all the posts and plan on pouring over the posts this coming week. I cannot wait to meet you all somewhere down the road and read your beautiful books.
Blessings,
Kimberly
(T: @kkabsherwrites)
Numbers 6:24-26
No one's ever too late for brainstorming! I'll give a look and see what I think, I'm heading there next!!!! And we understand about time... hence the retreat!
DeleteSorry I'm late checking out....got lost on the hiking trail. Shane and Laraby saved me a couple of Cookie's cinnamon rolls, so I'm good to go.
ReplyDeleteMy thanks to Deb, Sandra, Mary, Linda, and RUTHY for the inspiration and the opportunity to join with fellow writers. I love Seekerville retreats! I'm leaving with new story ideas, a few more words, and a heart full of a writer thoughts. Thank you!
Safe travels and happy writing to everyone! (The bowl of M&M's still had a few more chocolate goodies when I left...promise!) Blessings!
I love that the M&M bowl has STUFF!!!! Yes!!!!
DeleteSherida, if we all leave here with some story ideas and renewed commitment, that's the best ever! And a delightfully strong faith in God... and in each other, in trying to help one another.
Thank you for being here!!!
Thank you for a week in the great outdoors, Ruthy! I had a blast and learned so much. Back to writing at my desk now - I'll have to do some adjusting :-)
ReplyDeleteRuthy, thanks for a wonderful week! Also, thanks to Deb, Sandra, Mary and Linda! I feel I've gotten to know them better through this retreat.
ReplyDeleteThe brainstorming was my favorite part, but also enjoyed the hikes, picnics and mucking out! That's one of the reasons I'm late getting out of here...Shane said I did such a good job (My perfectionist tendencies) he wanted me to show the newbies coming in how to do it right! Free labor, if you ask me!!! :)
"See" you in Seekerville, and looking forward to January!
Happy Birthday!!! I'll be in touch!
Blessings, Marcia
Didn't get a chance to post yesterday and I had to get right on the road. Should be arriving home some time this afternoon. I want to thank you, Ruthy, for an enjoyable, relaxing, and inspiring week...it was just what I needed.
ReplyDeleteHope to see you all in January!
Thanks, Ruthy! To the other campers - I've enjoyed sharing stories and walking paths with you all.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry I was not able to participate like I had planned. I've had Grandbabies all weekend. I will go back and read the post here. I will keep in touch. Thank you, Ruth's!
ReplyDeleteHi Ruthy
ReplyDeleteThanks for setting up the retreat. I missed Saturday because the family went camping with Scouts. The Gupsters very first camping experience.
I appreciate everything you set up and the ladies who cheated here. Looking forward to future retreats.
Ruthie, thank you so much for this wonderful retreat. Each special guest speaker was full of wisdom and insight. I learned so much from their posts as well as all the comments. You and Shane really put on a great week of fun, encouragement and craft honing!
ReplyDelete