World Building 101–as the program called it–went smashingly! The crowd (about 24 which is great for a last-minute class) plus some observers and a few people who had to dive out for appointments with agents and editors, was enthusiastic, once we got them warmed up and they seemed to have a great time making up their worlds on the spot. Some really ingenious ideas came out and everyone seemed to walk away pleased that they came. We did!
And here we are, Team Seattle, in our little workshop room (photo care of MWA Northwest Newsletter editor Dave Bara):
From Left to Right: Richelle Mead, Caitlin Kittredge, Cherie Priest, me, and Mark Henry, who was our “Vanna White” and wrote down the strategy and development prompts as we went.
Loads of fun were had (except for the fish dinner afterward, but that’s another story.) And the MWA table did very well with collecting names and new members and giving away nifty lanyards and books. We must do it again!
Score for me: I met the fabulously funny Heather Osborn from Tor afterward–she’s a gas! So a great pay off for the stress of last week. Yay!
Oh yeah: Dave pointed out that the ladies of Team Seattle have great taste in shoes (well… except for me, cause Mark and I were both wearing sneakers.) Caitlin has the coolest Pink pumps ever!
I’m more of a trainers girl myself but I have to admit I do love those pink heels. And I finally know what pumps are (here they are the black gym shoes little kids wear at school for P.E. class).
Ahhh… yeah, US versus UK terms….
Pump: a high heeled women’s shoe with a closed back and sides, or a black, soft soled shoe worn in the gym by children
Trainer: a person who advises you on your exercise routine, or a shoe used for general athletic use or walking/jogging
Sneaker: a shoe used for general athletic use or walking/jogging, or a person who is paid to watch and follow others
Jumper: a sleeveless dress-like garment worn by women over a blouse, or a pullover type of knitted garment worn by either sex
Sweater: a pullover type of knitted garment worn by either sex, or … well.. there isn’t any such thing is there?
Knock up: to make pregnant, or to awaken someone by knocking on their door (something no one in the US does–we just yell)
lol, some of the US terms are sneaking in over here but pump just never seems to have made it, it’s just shoes or heels over here.
Yes, Team Seattle rocked — and yes, the workshop went ’smashingly’! Honestly, it was the best workshop I attended at pnwa. Part of that may have simply been how down-to-earth and completely real you all were, but much of it had to do with the information and education you passed along. You gave us a lot to think about, stream-lined some of the messiness, and gave us hope. And isn’t that a gift?
I’m pleased you enjoyed it–I’ll pass that on to the rest of the team, too.
We really wanted people to walk away with a good feeling and something accomplished, especially since it was the last workshop of the weekend and we were substituting at the last minute–it’s always bad to do a half-assed job in someone else’s slot. The fans are disappointed enough when they find out their fave is not available, no need to make them feel the substitute was lame on top of that.
So, thanks for the kudos–that makes me (and I’m sure the rest of Team Seattle) really happy we did the ’shop.