East

When I’ve been able to go to KWE, I find it virtually the only weekend of the year in which I am in the company of professional peers. It feeds a hunger for association with fellow believers in the significance of children’s books that is answered, for me, in no other way.

Some favorite memories: Watching writers and illustrators from all levels of experience try to beat Linda Sue Park at Crimes Against Humanity and lose. And then plot a rematch for the following year. Another year, I loved drumming, writing group poetry, then trying to create a painting from those activities. Loved that people continued to drum all weekend as a spontaneous activity. And another year: dressing in formal attire and learning to Contra Dance with local dancers.

There’s so much I love about Kindling Words. It’s a retreat sure to break up the winter doldrums with its stimulating workshops, fantastic people and WHITE SPACE! Let me tell you about that WHITE SPACE. You can fill it up talking to friends— old and new (you’re bound to make new friends at Kindling Words—children’s book people are so friendly). You can go for walks. Or take part in group discussions on topics of professional interest. You can take a nap (there’s nothing like a good nap). You can finish up a manuscript—which is what I did one year. I’d go off by myself to write and then I’d come out and be welcomed by a warm intelligent and inspiring group of people who understood what I was going through. I’d give this retreat a five-star rating and that’s as high as my ratings get.

I managed to get my book done and turned in a day early. Two weeks ago, I was sure I was going to need an extension. So THANK YOU!

I’ve attended Kindling Words many times–each a unique experience. Some years I concentrated more on writing, and other times I focused on illustration. The beauty of KW is that you can make it work for what you need at the time. I’m lucky to live in an area where we have a big group of published children’s writers, but there aren’t many illustrators. It’s always exhilarating to get together with the artists at KW. My favorite sessions have been the informal ones where we’ve all spread our current projects out on a table and shared techniques or tips about a special paper or new kind of paint. I come home refreshed and inspired every time.

As an artist, I gained plenty of insight and inspiration from being among the likes of illustrators Kevin Hawkes, Peter Reynolds, and Melissa Sweet, past presenters at Kindling Words, as well as from the many writers and artists who attend kw each year.

Favorite Memories: 1) The session on speaking in public was at the same time informative, entertaining, practical and theatrical. It suggested how to be a good audience as well as a better presenter. 2) The disarming and ever-spirited Ashley Bryan speech-singing masterpieces of poetry from the heart, by heart. One was honored to be there.

I come back every year I can, because no other experience rekindles my sense of myself within the species of writer. At KW I have had books start, books finish, books find their way to a publisher, and most important, the invaluable guidance of friends who just so happen to be the very best in the craft. Shhhh…. don’t let out the secret of this perpetual motion experience!