I'm a thief.
My friends in Nashville invented a monthly networking (and I use the term loosely) group for writers and named it Literary Libations. The deal is, you meet in a bar somewhere, everyone buys their own drink and food, and have it, chatting about every aspect of the writing life.
I liked the idea so much I prevailed upon my biz partner Debbie to start one here. And so we did, despite the fact that Debbie had to fly to San Antonio for business at the last minute.
The first Literary Libations in Portland was held on Monday night and we had 10, count 'em, 10, writers for our maiden voyage. Make that 9 writers and my husband, who wanted a chance to indulge in the wonderful food at Cabezon, where we held our meeting.
While I had envisioned a casual bunch of us standing around in the bar, we soon took over every available space and decided we better sit down. So we repaired to a table outside and went around, one by one, talking about ourselves and our writing. It was fun!
The thing is, writers need each other. We spend hours alone in our offices, writing away, often isolated from the world. We have problems and questions and ideas unique to the writing life and its good to share them. Conferences and retreats fill a need for this, but those are likely once a year. Not often enough.
Debbie and I envisioned our Literary Libations meetings as taking place once a month, but folks on Monday night talked about wanting to meet every other week. So we'll see about that. For now, the next LL will be held on Monday, September 26th, somewhere in northeast or southeast Portland, location to be announced. If you're interested in attending, drop me a line at charlotte@charlotterainsdixon.com and I'll keep you posted.
How do you guys stay connected with other writers? Do you have in person meetings or content yourself with online communication?
J.D. Frost
Charlotte, you have me wondering which will happen first: Will you become a dedicated foodie or will your husband become a writer?
Charlotte Dixon
No contest: I’ll become a dedicated foodie. He has no interest in becoming a writer!
Lauren @ Pure Text
This is such a wonderful idea! It begs to be stolen. I’d steal it, but I don’t know enough writers in my area…of course, it’d be wonderful to announce this in my town and see who’s interested. ;)
I’m posting this on my editing service’s Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pure-Text/143525475716929). Feel free to check it out! I’m certainly bookmarking your blog.
Charlotte Dixon
Thanks for posting it, Lauren! And feel free to steal the idea, as I did, maybe starting one in your area will introduce you to more writers in town.
Roy B
Glad that it was a hit! Wish I could have been there with you all. Roy
Charlotte Dixon
You and your Nashville group were the inspiration, Roy!
Patrick Ross
You know, my monthly writer’s group meets at a La Madeliene around dinnertime. One of our group usually gets this personal-sized wine bottle, the rest of us behave. It seems odd drinking in a bakery. But maybe I’ll encourage us to meet one night in a wine bar or (not too noisy) pub!
JT Ellison
I’m one of the authors from the Nashville group – it is so exciting to see other communities adopting our idea! Let me add that our Literary Libations is open to everyone who loves the written word, so we get a mix of writers, readers, librarians, agents, booksellers – the works. So don’t worry about finding just writers, it works best with a bi mix of literary folks.
have fun at your next meeting! One of these times we’ll have to link up on Skype and raise a glass to each other’s groups!
Charlotte Dixon
Patrick, a little libation can go a long way! Although the bakery sounds awfully good, too…
Charlotte Dixon
JT, Hey, thanks for visiting. I’m so glad nobody from Nash is mad at me for stealing the idea. From the minute I first heard about it from Roy Burkhead, I wanted to do it in Portland. Great idea to broaden the net to others, too–thanks! And I love the Skype idea!
Charlotte Dixon
Hi CJ, I love the idea of a virtual Literary Libations! We had our second meeting last night and it was great. Very informal, but just being able to make connections with other writers is so valuable.
CJ
Hi Charlotte – what a pleasure to come across your blog. Your Literary Libations group sounds great. I’ve just started a virtual group for fellow bloggers and hope to create a similar atmosphere of encouragement, cross-pollination and learning. If only we could get the fabulous food in there too! CJ