September is exactly one year since I joined Women Fiction Writer’s Association (WFWA) Community.

Then, I regularly joined the Write-Ins on zoom and met diverse women who share the motto high tide rise all ships. Michele Montgomery, the founder of WFWA Write-Ins reminds us we are a non-judgemental group. I appreciate and feel at ease whenever I logged in online and wrote for 90 minutes. There will be a post just about the write-ins since I want to get straight to the retreat.

Even though I wasn’t able to join the Write-ins lately because of a family emergency, these warrior women keep reminding me to take care of myself from afar. They checked in on me via emails, sent me cards, and lit candles at the beginning of the writing session and WOOED me to come to Albuquerque, New Mexico.

I itched to see them In Real Life (IRL) to thank them for their ongoing support in person.

I came.

I greeted the heart-warming Lynn E. Diener, our Albuquerque retreat chair, lunched with new writer friends, and crashed the pillow for almost 12 hours. These women are real and down to earth. And I am honored and privileged to befriend them.

Next morning, after breakfast butts in chairs we listening to our workshop speaker Janice Hardy.

The three days workshop with Janice Hardy rattled my inner voice and set my brain on fire. I felt like I was doing self therapy. Not only that, I consider Janice as my Drill Sergeant. … Yes. Madam.

I wish I knew than before I worked with a developmental editor. But I am fortunate to learn late than never, and this workshop helps me to build a strong structure at its core from the get go. The exercises are a great practice to summarize in 20 pages what’s my story about. cringe emoji.

Nanowrimo is approaching and for those of us who are interested in joining, can use the tools to outline and type 50.000 words with ease. I will using the tools to diagnose the plots (main/subplots I and II) in my last manuscript.

The three days retreat passed by like a storm; I underwent from an emotional roller coaster of laughter to happy tears. Many worth telling stories deserve to be told in another Blog posts.

Congrats to Penny Haw (South Africa)-Winner of Star Award General who couldn’t join us.

Again, a round of applause to all WFWA volunteers who dedicated their time and efforts to make this writing retreat in Albuquerque unforgettable and worthwhile.

Look forward to seeing you next year in Chicago for the 10th WFWA anniversary.

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