Put Highlights High on Your List!

If you're like me, it doesn't take much to get distracted from my writing with something else on my to-do list.  Although writing is a passion that I love to do, my kids need to go places, meals need cooked, schoolwork needs to be planned, and the calendar is always full.  
If only I could get away for a week and work on that novel.  The one that's been sitting patiently for a few years for me to give it more attention than the occasional read-through.
When I heard my writing friends talk about the Highlights Foundation Workshops, I had hopes to go someday.  I even signed up once, only to have to cancel because of other obligations.

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This summer I finally flew off to Pennsylvania, with my manuscript loaded on my laptop.  I can tell you that this place is everything others have raved about.  You have your own cabin surrounded by beautiful scenery.  There are amazing chefs that cater to your every need, and an ice-cream freezer in the barn open around the clock. (For those of you that know me, you know that was a happy bonus!)
I signed up for a small group workshop on novel writing.  You can sign up for any genre you want to work on, or even sign up for an "un-conference" and just write.  We kicked off each day with breakfast and great instruction in the mornings, enjoyed a wonderful lunch, learned some more, and then -the best part- had afternoons filled with writing time.  We met for dinner and shared our writing in the evenings.  It was a perfect balance of learning, sharing, reflecting, and writing.  A writer's dream.

You form a bond with the special people you meet there. The members of our group were wonderfully  different, but alike in so many ways. My writing improved from their advice and from hearing their stories.  
The staff there is amazing too.  You feel like family from the moment they pick you up from the airport.  
Are you wondering if I finished polishing my novel and it's ready for submission?  Well, not exactly. I actually decided it was time to take my character on a different journey that was more true to her life.  As sad as I was to scrap most of my book, I found my voice, and my story is going to benefit from my new insights and experience.  Thank you Highlights!  I can't wait to go back some day.