Saturday, October 17, 2009

writing on retreat, with magical ponies

I'm at my favorite writing retreat this weekend and most of next week, working on a middle grade novel (my first) and making my way deeper into a world of magical ponies.

The sun has come out again today and I've managed to get my old laptop warmed up and back in business. The keyboard took an afternoon to get back in tune with - but now I'm typing about as fast as I have been on the ergonomic one.

As usual, I'm surrounded by horses and carriages being trained and worked and enjoyed. There's a photographic exhibit to look at right down the hallway, which gives the feel of being inside a museum and having the artwork all to myself.

I'm staying in the ghost room this trip, and he has already left me two gifts. A square of white chocolate and this morning, a pushpin.

I dreamed that he threw a gigantic temper tantrum and ripped curtains off rods, but alas, when I woke up, all was just as it had been when I switched off the lamp last night.

Tomorrow afternoon there's a talk on Blackbeard downstairs that I've been invited to attend.

And I'm having cocktails and critiques with two gifted writers this evening, so life is good and as usual, I'm very grateful for the space, the spirit, and the time to work.

And a husband and two children who take such good care of horses, dogs, and cats. I would never be able to leave home were that not true.

10 comments:

Grey Horse Matters said...

Your room sounds like a very interesting place. I hope the resident ghost leaves nothing but good things for you. The retreat is inspiring as you said for the space and spirit and the time to work. I'm sure you will have a wonderful productive time. And it's so nice that your husband and children are so helpful at home with all the critters. Good writing!

Unknown said...

What a fun time you are having. Will look forward to more posts.

XXOO

Michelle said...

Awww, have fun Billie! I hope you find yourself filled with inspiration and peace. Happy writing!

Greta said...

Enjoy! As you've gone a bit south to retreat, I'm going a bit north to do the same in a cabin on a lake. We'll both come home refreshed!

billie said...

Greta, have a wonderful time in your cabin on the lake!

I'm feeling very refreshed already.

billie said...

Arlene, I haven't stayed in the ghost room in about a year, so it's been fun being back there. He's a benevolent ghost. :)

Thanks for the good wishes - I'm getting so much done. It was time.

billie said...

Thank you, kwsally - I'll be posting something new in a bit. Fun to report in to folks here.

billie said...

Thanks, Michelle - so far it is being incredibly inspirational and just plain fun.

Peggy Payne said...

What do you suppose the ghost was having a tantrum about?

billie said...

LOL, Peggy - I have no idea. And the question never occurred to me - I think my feeling in the dream (and upon waking) was that it was his issue and I have more than enough of my own "stuff" to focus on.

However, now that you mention it, I'm a little bit intrigued.