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.