The Gathering Authors in Taos New Mexico! Weekend Recap

The Gathering Authors First Annual Retreat by our organizer, Carolee Dean! 

(I'm on the left in the pink top in the back.) 

  (Kersten Hamilton, Carolee Dean, Kimberley Griffiths Little, Lauren Bjorkman, and Sheralyn Pratt)

I'm sharing this recap because Carolee hit all the high points of the weekend, of which there were many - actually the entire weekend was a total high. Not exaggerating here. It was beautiful in Taos, New Mexico, the company was fabulous and smart and funny, the writing time great, the brainstorming superb and enormously helpful, and both the deep publishing discussions and personal talk very rewarding, too.

We also got totally silly at the local indie bookstore, Moby Dickens, and created an upcoming video (being edited now . . . ) with props and hilarity that will be at #createyourownapocalyse - so find us there.

Please also find us at #TheGatheringAuthors on Twitter.

Take it away, Carolee!

I have just returned from the First Annual Gathering Authors Retreat in Taos, New Mexico and am already looking forward to next year's event. The Gathering is a LOOSELY organized group of traditionally published New Mexico children's authors who meet to offer each other encouragement, support, and industry tips. In the photo above we are about to enjoy lunch at Lambert's. If you aren't used to New Mexico chile, beware. Left side - front to back (Kersten Hamilton, Me-Carolee Dean, Kimberley Griffiths Little). Right side - back to front (Lauren Bjorkman and Sheralyn Pratt - joining us from Utah). Not pictured (Sheralyn's border collie, Sebi).

Our retreat, also LOOSELY organized, was held at the Sagebrush Inn. The only cost was travel and hotel expenses. We made a list of topics we wanted to cover and that was the extent of our planning.

 

Topics included: 

1. The Changing Face-Book of Social Media

2. Wacky Marketing Ideas

3. Effective Marketing Plans

4. Publishing Woes/Joys

5. How to Hit the NY Times Best Seller List

 

GO HERE TO READ THE REST AT CAROLEE DEAN'S BLOG - and "follow" her: Carolee Dean Books Blogspot 

xo,

Kimberley