This writer was out and about over the weekend, sharpening the pencil at the 2014 Beachside Writers Workshop in Yachats, Oregon. I initially experienced this “mini-conference meets writer retreat” in 2009. With my first 
manuscript barely begun, I was blessed to meet author Jane Kirkpatrick at a book signing in Hood River, Oregon. At the end of the signing she mentioned there were two openings left to the coastal writer’s workshop and I jumped at the chance.
This past weekend was my fourth workshop. Author and thirty-seven-year newspaper veteran Bob Welch, started the workshops in 2005–his mission to inspire, teach and affirm writers of all levels and aspirations. The classes are taught by Bob and his friend and colleague, award winning author Jane Kirkpatrick. Bob and Jane challenged all of us and the sense of community I experienced among the writers attending inspired me.
The unbelievably scrumptious meals prepared by Ann, and the talents of Bob’s wife Sally in furnishing decorations took the quality of the workshop beyond fantastic! Chilled Poached Salmon and White Chicken Chili were on the menu this weekend, and I love how Ann shares her recipes and methods freely. She takes care of all of us so well, including those with food sensitivities.
Sally’s creativity adds visual interest with antique typewriters, scrabble letters and other fun things. One of my 
favorites was the year she used antique kitchen scales, loaded with shredded printed pages which exemplified the theme “Weight of Words”. This year Sally had wheat grass growing out of hollowed out books – the grass literally grew over two inches while we were there and was a wonderful living metaphor for the growth we experienced as writers.
Weekend weather went from a little bit of sun at the beach to a raging coastal storm. Very awe-inspiring. I’ve returned to about a foot of snow, but no worries. I’m revved to write and brimming with ideas.
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Rebecca, I initially came to your site to catch up on what’s going on with your book, To Capture Her Heart, which I’m reviewing this month. I came across your writers’ link, and as a writer, I couldn’t resist visiting.
To my surprise, there was a reference to Beachside Writers! I attended my first and only Beachside conference in 2013. Looks like you and I might have been at the conference at the same time, huh? I’ve not been able to get back my book is keeping me so busy, as well as the inherent platform building and find your audience activities required of us. Did Hemingway have to do all this social media stuff? I think not!
I don’t know where you are in the Pacific NW, but I’m in Portland. If you’re ever nearby, I’d love to sit down over coffee or lunch and talk historical fiction as my next project will be just that. Also, I’d love to talk genealogy.
Well, I’m supposed to be editing and revising right now. Better run!
Thank you, Sherrey! It’s good to connect! I’m in the editing phase, too, of book #3! Love this part! Let’s keep in touch!