4 & 4k: A Gratitude Journal for 10 Minute Novelists

From Facebook to Face to Face

It has happened. I have documented proof. It's kinda like photos of the Sasquatch, or sightings of dear old Nessie, or an Alien autopsy video. But like, for real.

It has come through in private chats, buried deeply in randoms comments. But it is true. Members of 10 Min Novelists have met. No, not on Facebook, but as the kids say these days... IRL. Sometimes in twos and threes, old friends who knew each other before 10 Min keeping in touch. Even 10 Min Novelists coming together from the ends of the earth, (at least the end where Britain is...)

There is something magical, and wholly unique, that happens when writers get together in person. There is that visceral knowing that comes to the surface that you, the author alone at your desk, are not alone in the world. There is a level of sharing and learning that happens in an uninterrupted flow of conversation. There is something about being in a new place that encourages you to take that extra step when you have already come this far. There is a difference between being 'friends' online and being FRIENDS with someone that you share a story, an experience and a drink with.

Now, I know that for some of us, travel is uncomfortable, physically, emotionally and financially. There is a comfortable place where we hide our bodies, our hearts and minds. But before there is a breakthrough to the new, there must a break-from the old. So it's high time we give ourselves a break.

For the summer of 2018, the 10 Minutes Novelists team is working SO hard to create the first ever 10MinCon. And you HAVE to be there. Here's what you'll get:

1. You'll be learning from some of the best in the writing business. These folks have been where you want to go, and they want to share that knowledge and experience with YOU!
2. You'll be meeting and creating connections that you would simply not make anywhere else, guaranteed. Networking? Please! This will be BONDING!
3. You'll find your place in the whole group of writers. You will realize that it is not a competition, it's a COMMUNITY, and you are a member of it.
4. You'll meet and make real friends, some that will last you for the rest of your life. I am not kidding. If you think they are nice online, just wait until you meet some of these amazing people FACE TO FACE.

So, seriously. It is still 15 months away. Reserve your spot, give the organizers a chance to prepare for your triumphant entrance, and start stashing your pennies (or nickels, if you are in Canada, 'cause we don't do pennies anymore...) YOU need to be there, and WE need you to be there.

To wrap today's post up, the incredible (and incredibly busy) Jessica White found time to leave us with this Drabble:

As a homeschooling mother of two, I barely had ten minutes to write or be on social media.  Then my inner introvert stumbled upon this tiny community of writers and found a quiet corner. Each day I met new people and made new friends who encouraged me to keep writing and shared their hard learned advice. My manuscript matured until the group gave me the courage to publish.  I wanted to give back. So when Katharine shared how she had challenged herself to write a 1000 words a day for a whole year, I challenged the group to join her. The 365k Challenge was born. In twenty-six months, 10 Minute Novelist participants have written over 70 million words, proving anyone can write if they can carve out at least ten minutes a day.

Unfortunately, she is sooo busy that she wasn't able to do her own bio. So her ever supportive fellow admins stepped in for a little extra support:

Ian McAllister: Jessica White looks after the helm over at our annual 365 Writing club challenge. She is usually our voice of calm in a crisis.

And Sheri Williams says: Just write, Jessica White is awesome. End stop.

I agree.