Thank you for such a lovely post. It really echoes what I felt at my first writers conference, which was also by WCoNA, in 2019—their first. As a fellow writer, I welcome you and am so glad you felt this way; and as staff I’m filled with the warm feeling that “we’re doing it right.” Still. We hope to always.
It was a fantastic conference. Seriously, I was really inspired and energized by it. I'm happy that you folks have had the vision to get it going. I look forward to future conferences and would love to be involved as a volunteer at some point.
Let us know when you feel like you can help, and in the meantime—don’t forget we have social media (Facebook and Discord mostly) where you can chat with all of us!
I think we all have that feeling of unbelonging, so when we have moments that give us that warm sense of fitting in, it is wonderful. From a young age in academia we are forced to find our group - our niche -even if for many there simply isn't one or just one. I often called and still call myself a floater, having friends in all groups but never really belonged in any of them. As an adult I have chosen to embrace myself, and after many years I can say, yes as a unicorn. I have also found those places where I am completely at ease. They are small and very few but I have found solace in these spaces. One being the book club I belong too. In those two hours I am free to be my "nerdy" self and get to interact with all those that share my passion for getting lost in a good story. While it was scarry at first, the idea that I look forward to the interaction every month is a welcome joy. I hope you continue to attend your conference and find things that bring the warmth and the light. Keep going, keep writing - it may touch more than you know.
It sounds like an interesting event where so many things clash. But a common goal can bring people together which can be very rewarding. Great post.
Thanks Parker! Yes it was so gratifying to attend. Very glad I went
Thank you for such a lovely post. It really echoes what I felt at my first writers conference, which was also by WCoNA, in 2019—their first. As a fellow writer, I welcome you and am so glad you felt this way; and as staff I’m filled with the warm feeling that “we’re doing it right.” Still. We hope to always.
It was a fantastic conference. Seriously, I was really inspired and energized by it. I'm happy that you folks have had the vision to get it going. I look forward to future conferences and would love to be involved as a volunteer at some point.
Let us know when you feel like you can help, and in the meantime—don’t forget we have social media (Facebook and Discord mostly) where you can chat with all of us!
I'm already following the conversations on Facebook. And I definitely will reach out!
I think we all have that feeling of unbelonging, so when we have moments that give us that warm sense of fitting in, it is wonderful. From a young age in academia we are forced to find our group - our niche -even if for many there simply isn't one or just one. I often called and still call myself a floater, having friends in all groups but never really belonged in any of them. As an adult I have chosen to embrace myself, and after many years I can say, yes as a unicorn. I have also found those places where I am completely at ease. They are small and very few but I have found solace in these spaces. One being the book club I belong too. In those two hours I am free to be my "nerdy" self and get to interact with all those that share my passion for getting lost in a good story. While it was scarry at first, the idea that I look forward to the interaction every month is a welcome joy. I hope you continue to attend your conference and find things that bring the warmth and the light. Keep going, keep writing - it may touch more than you know.
-From one misfit to another.
Danielle, what a lovely response. Thanks so much. Yes, I think you've really captured what I was trying to say. Many thanks and keep book clubbing!