CRUISING WITH THE MUSE

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I think I can fairly say that my writing chapter Florida Romance Writers was one of the first to switch its conference from land to sea.  On February 5^th, we’ll set sail on our biannual writing adventure on the Liberty of the Seas once again.

 

One obvious advantage of a writing cruise: editors and agents are a captive audience. Other than the port layover, they’re not going anywhere.  They speak at workshops, do appointments and in our case, judge Floridian Idol, giving helpful suggestions on the entries.  

 

At dinner they’re assigned a table where you can get to know them on a casual basis.  On an even more casual basis, they can be found in the piano bar at night with the group singing a rousing version of ‘Piano Man’

.or wearing balloon hats in Cozumel

 

You also rub elbows with the keynote speaker and listen to inspiring advice. In 2013 we had the wonderful Charlaine Harris. This cruise our keynote is New York Times bestseller historical romance author Julia Quinn. Informative workshops run from building a better website to writing deep POV. For those with editor/agent appointments, we help perfect pitches.

Our port of call is once again Cozumel with a vast array of shore excursions. If those activities don’t float your boat [sorry, I couldn’t resist!], FRW is doing a writer’s retreat on board the ship this year against the beautiful vista of the Cozumel port.

Later, we’ll meet at a portside bar to celebrate.

In addition to the writing enrichment, an attendee can enjoy the onboard activities from the ice skating shows, massages, shopping along the Promenade

 or running along the track. Talk about refreshing the well of creativity.   Before closing out the conference by saluting the last sunset with a drink, I always experience at least one light bulb going off.

 

Have you been to any recent writing conferences and what experience stands out for you?

Carol Stephenson

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