I went to my first poetry reading at Parkplace Books in Seattle. There was a lot of fun, laughter, and poetry. The cozy group consisted of eight people, which was a good introduction for me. I had a great experience listening, and I plan to read at the next reading in February. I look forward to the challenge. Another writer once told me you have to put yourself out there, if you want to improve your writing craft.

Wow! There are a lot of good writers in Seattle. I went to the Great Critique Tuesday night the 11th, a sponsored event by SWBWI-Western Washington. We were placed into a critique group by genre. The groups are led by other experienced authors and illustrators. It’s a chance to network and have your work critiqued. I’ve gone two other times but not for a while. Five other authors shared a story. Their work has a lot of promise. I received really good feedback. I plan to do a few more edits and send my story off. 

It’s 2011! I joined a book club at the school I teach at. Fifth and sixth graders are reading PATHFINDER, by Orson Scott Card. I joined right when school resumed in January. They are meeting January 20th, so I have some serious reading to do. The book is 657 pages, but I’ve read just about a fourth of it. I really have enjoyed what I’ve read so far, and I’m anxious to read more. Well, it’s time for me to end this blog post and avoid procrastinating with Spider Solitaire…And READ!