When I started writing I pictured myself sitting alone in a book-filled room at a desk with no one bothering me. Boy was I wrong. There are times I am alone, but many times my family interrupts me, and times I need to work with others. This aspect was difficult for me (and many writers) because writers are often introverts who want to be left alone.
I recently attended the Lakefly Writer’s Conference in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Lakefly was the very first conference I ever attended. It was May of 2023 not long after I joined my first critique group. I was very nervous that first time because I didn’t know anyone well and I felt like I didn’t have enough experience with writing to be there.
Some members of my critique group were also going to that conference but I had never met them face to face and had only seen them in Zoom meetings. Little did I know back then they’d become dear friends. A group of us are still in a critique group together years later.
Everyone at Lakefly was very kind and engaging that first time and I never felt like I didn’t belong. Writers are kind and generous people. I learned a great deal. In addition I met more amazing writers.
Fast forward to May of 2026 — I went to the Lakefly Conference with Leoma Retan and we had a table where we promoted our publisher, Scribe Hive Publishing, as well as our books. Leoma was in my original critique group and we have gone on to work with Scribe Hive, another fantastic group of people.
I never imagined when I attended that first writing conference 3 years ago that I’d be sitting at a table promoting my publishing group and our books.
While I’m still an introvert I’ve discovered I actually enjoy talking to people about books. I’ve found that writing gives me a good mix of time to myself and time collaborating with others. I love what I do!
~ Ted