Wow! How time flies. RoadBroads.com is beginning its seventh year telling the exciting and breath-taking journey of women writers. When it all began, I was heading off to Boulder, Colorado to take part in one of Max Regan’s June Summer Intensives. As you can see, I even bought a new suitcase for the occasion. Of course Hannah the cat assumed she was going to travel with me, but unfortunately she stayed at home. Hannah is now 19 years old and still with me. Neither one of us are as spry as we were 6 years ago, but I’m still writing, and Hannah continues to be Queen of the Universe from her home base here in Houston.
When I arrived in Boulder back in 2018, I remember feeling like one of the 
“cool kids”. Most of the classes took place in the Boulder Book Store which means I returned home with more books than I started out with. And since this was before the pandemic, I could run around the bookstore with wild abandon looking at as many examples of the printed word as possible. It was a great trip. Since that summer, I have continued to attend Max Regan’s Exciting Summer Writing Intensives. Zoom is not as exciting as streaking around a bookstore in person, but it works. This summer I will be joining again via computer technology. The good part is that there are other writers here in the Houston area and we plan on meeting together for zoom classes and writing sessions. Don’t worry, if we need a bookstore fix, there is always Brazos Bookstore just a mile or two down the road.
What am I working on for a writing project this summer? Well, yes, I am still crafting the great American novel, but I’m trying something new this year. During the first of the two dynamic intensives, I am going to review all of my short stories. I have written a lot about ghosts, grim reapers, and other creatures that go ‘bump’ in the night. I have published in the anthologies that are created every year by the Houston Writers Guild and Women in the Visual and Literary Arts. I have taken part in various writing projects with WiVLA including several collaborations where Visual and Literary artists join together to tell/show a story. Maybe I will pull all of this together in one collective? Or maybe I will realize how spooky I really am? The possibilities are scary and endless. I don’t think I am as haunting as Stephen King, Neil Gaiman or Alice Hoffman, but that gives me a goal to aim towards.
The best fun of the past six years has been meeting, reading and getting to know some of the finest writers and artists in Houston. When I am around so many creative women, I can’t help but stay inspired. Also, many thanks to Max Regan for the many, many hours he has spent reading, critiquing, and talking to me about my writing craft.
Until next time.……
Happy Birthday to RoadBroads! It was just six years ago when another writer and I had the crazy idea to drive all the way to Boulder, Colorado. It’s only an 18-hour drive. Easy! Once we arrived at Boulder we attended an annual Writing Retreat that was taught by Max Regan. He actually led two different retreats for 10 days each during the month of June. I had heard about these retreats for years, but this was the first time for me to attend one.
Unfortunately, the question was answered for me when the Pandemic struck in 2020. The June Writing Retreats continued, but not in person. Ever since 2020 I have attended this retreat via Zoom. The good news is that without travel and lodging costs, I have been able to attend both 10-day sessions. Instead of seeing the sights in Colorado, I get to see my desk and look out my own window for my everyday view. My work desk is not nearly as exciting to look at as the Flatiron Mountains, but I keep writing.
In 2018 when it came time to have one-on-one meetings with Max, we always met at the Dushanbe Tea House. Whether we sat inside or outside, this was the most relaxing place full of wonderful teas and good food. Of course in Boulder, unlike Houston, it was very comfortable to sit outside and have a meeting during the middle of the day. Good times. Last I heard, this restaurant is also still open like the bookstore.
Strolling on the Pearl Street Mall was always an interesting excursion. On the weekends there would be street performers that always drew a crowd. Back in 2018 there was no need for social distancing or masks. I understand that Pearl Street is coming back. I hope it continues. Again in Boulder, unlike Houston, one can walk around during the day without risking heat exhaustion.
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