Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers

My Book News & Advocate for the Writing Community ©

Bibliophile’s Collective Tuesday – Writing Retreat Bookstore Finds and a Book Review

August 17, 2021
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This last weekend, I enjoyed a delightful writing retreat in a private lakeside cabin. The cabin was perfect with every amenity you could wish for. Sammie and I walked across the fields, and lounged on the deck. Watching the water fowl, gulls and other birds and the ever changing moods of the lake, were especially inspiring. One night, I witnessed two shooting stars in a dark sky populated with millions of stars. This tranquility was accompanied with a virtual writers conference, When Words Collide. Where I was a panelist discussing writing groups and a co-presenter for a publishing session.

Where have you visited this summer? What inspired you?

On the trip home, we discovered a small bookstore in Castor and of course, had to explore. I found a book to add to my TBR pile, which has ghosts in it. As you know I have my own experiences in that area.

When Robins Appear by Densie Webb

A remarkable tale of a mother and daughter dealing with love and loss, joy and pain. Their relationship ebbs and flows, as we ‘see’ each of their inner thoughts and turmoil. A story that brings real life into sharp focus. I enjoyed it immensely.

What are you currently reading?

(Always leave a review – just a short sentence will do!)

Wordsmith’s Collective Thursday – Escape to Write and Presentations

August 12, 2021
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My friend, Linda, and I have been on so many road trips for writing retreats, attending books fairs and writing events in the last eleven or so years, that we have the preparation, planning, and execution of them down to a fine art.

This particular road trip, we are virtually attending When Words Collide as presenters, but it will be a fully literary trip, as we work on current projects, visit local libraries and bookstores, too. There will be day trips for exploring, watching wildlife and finding inspiration as always on the back roads.

We organize our trip, for the most part, in the same way each time. It is a tried and tested practice for us.

Vehicle essentials:

  1. Road trip journal
  2. Map book
  3. Bird identification book.
  4. Blankets, emergency kit, shovel, trolley.
  5. Chargers, camera, sunglasses.
  6. A bag for trash.
  7. Plenty of water bottles.
  8. Snacks.

In addition there are Sammie essentials:

  1. Water and food bowls
  2. Leash
  3. Blanket
  4. Treats
  5. Food

Accommodation requirements:

  1. A peaceful and beautiful location.
  2. Options for where we can write – so a desk (or two) and two comfortable chairs, and a nice view.
  3. Comfortable beds, ample lighting, space to spread out our things and a good shower.
  4. A microwave, fridge and storage for food. Luckily, we both like the same foods.
  5. And tea! (So there must be a kettle).
Headphones with mic
Lap tables for the beds

Trip essentials:

  1. Lap table.
  2. Laptops.
  3. Notebooks and pens.
  4. Current writing projects
  5. Reading material.
  6. Chargers, extension cord and power-bar (there are never enough power points).
  7. Back-up drives.
  8. New for this trip headphones with mic’s for the presentations.
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How do you plan for a writing retreat and A road trip?

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