Sunday, January 31, 2016

IN THE MIDST OF GREATNESS

I am sitting in the midst of greatness. Twenty-six female authors came together in Destin, Florida this weekend to celebrate their love of literature and their joy for writing. They came from all corners of the country, at varying levels in their writing careers. There are the seasoned professionals, the mid-list authors, and the newbies. They are all spirited, driven, and determined to transcend the perception of who they are as black women and as black women who write.

They have gathered to share information and perfect their craft. What they each do is an art and not one takes the responsibility of being better at it lightly. The abundance of support and encouragement is monumental, each wanting the others to do their very best in an industry that often takes them and their talents for granted.

Laughter has been abundant, resonating through every room of their rented beach house. There have even been a few tears of frustration as they shared the trials and tribulations that make what they do a challenge. But there is an understanding that they do not walk this path alone.

They’ve shared the best of themselves. There have been new bonds of friendship and alliances formed. It’s a sisterhood of magnanimous proportions and as I sit, watching, listening, and learning, I can sense a revolution of sorts in the making.

I am in the midst of greatness and I can’t wait for others to see what comes from the excellence that sits together in this room.

17 comments:

Unknown said...

So cool. Great stories for the readers!

Cynt said...

Awesome experience!

Anonymous said...

I'm feel so blessed to have met you. And I loved chatting and hanging out with you.

Kwana said...

Thank you so much for this. I'm so happy to have these connections and to have met you!

Deborah Mello said...

The feeling is mutual. Thank you for all the words of wisdom you shared!

Deborah Mello said...

Same here! Looking forward to a wonderful friendship!

Jacki Kelly said...

This weekend has been awesome!

Jacki Kelly said...

I love it when writers come together to talk about books.

Vanessa Riley said...

Watching from the bleachers. This is awesome.
Vanessa Riley

rhonda mcknight said...

I enjoyed the pictures. I love seeing the sisterhood.

Slynne said...

Amazing sisterhood!! Wish I could have joined you all.

Sheryl Lister

Dren said...

You nailed what I've been feeling all weekend. So glad to have met you. Connections are growing stronger every day.

Author Sherelle Green said...

As I sit in the airport absolutely annoyed that I have to work tomorrow and leave the retreat early, I see this blog post and immediately I begin to smile at the wonderful and amazing women I met and reconnected with this weekend!! I'm so glad I got the chance to meet you Deborah and I love this post!!

Iris B said...

What a beuatiful picture. Sisters working together to uplift and encourage. Love it ladeis. Wish I could have joined you.

Yolanda said...

An awesome experience. So glad to be in the midst of greatness.

Sharon Cunningham Cooper said...

In the midst of greatness indeed! Well said, Deborah! This was an awesome weekend and I'm so glad I was able to be a part of it!

MidnightAce said...

It is an amazing experience to witness a group of women bonding, sharing and uplifting each other. I am proud to say I know a great deal of you! Well said Deborah!