Sunday 9 February 2014

Getting away from it all - to some more of it all (Anne Rooney)

The weather will be better this year
In two weeks' time, 38 children's authors will gather at a secret location in England for a weekend of talks, discussions, chat, food, wine, coffee and swimming. We are all members of the 'other' SAS and the weekend is our yearly conference, held in a country-house hotel. I can't tell you where it is or I would have to kill you. Malorie Blackman will be there, giving the keynote speech. Other household names you would definitely recognise will be there, comparing experiences, grumbling, celebrating and greeting each other with hugs and kisses.

Mary Hoffman last time
- by Keren David
We don't get out much. We don't see each other much. Writing is a solitary business, on the whole. The people we consider our colleagues are spread around the UK, and even when the rain doesn't make islands of some of those previously-mainland parts it's hard to get together. So when we do meet up we talk non-stop and have a *really* good time. We chat about how our books are going, try out new ideas on each other, seek advice and gossip about publishers, agents, books, deals, film options, school visits, messages from readers, ebooks, social media, editors. And update each other on the other things in our lives, because we aren't total nerds. It's a wonderful, supportive event for friends old and new.

The task of running the conference is taken on by a different two writers each year. This year, I'm doing it with Mary Hoffman.It's a bit hair-raising at times, and I will admit I have threatened to replace some of the delegates with octopi, but I'm really looking forward to it.  Well, as long as I don't have to herd octopi.

11 comments:

catdownunder said...

Am jealous! Am jealous! Am jealous! Right, having said that three times I will prowl back to my young hero. Have a thoroughly good time all of you who are going!

Savita Kalhan said...

This is one octopus who sadly won't be able to make it! At least it means less herding for you. Have a great weekend!

Sue Purkiss said...

Really looking forward to it - and thanks to you and Mary for all the herding of octopi!

Dianne Hofmeyr said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dianne Hofmeyr said...

I'm just staying an octopus next to the sea... actually 'in' the sea most of the time. Sorry not to be there but good luck to you both! Like putting socks on an octopus will have new meaning!

Stroppy Author said...

I am *not* putting their socks on for them. They can do that themselves!

catdownunder said...

If some of the usual suspects are going you won't have time to put your own socks on...they will be demanding drinks and chocolate!

Miriam Halahmy said...

So looking forward to this weekend and seeing everyone. Thanks to our wonderful organisers!

Stroppy Author said...

Cardownunder - ALL the usual suspects will be there!

Stroppy Author said...

(Oh, except Gillian Philip, who is in Abroad)

catdownunder said...

Oh right - that could spell Mischief - and I am extremely jealous of those who can get up to that sort of Mischief. :)