WHAT HAPPENS WHEN AUTHORS GATHER?

Plenty! Lots of laughs, fun... and brainstorming. (I'm sure you can see by my friend
Susan Wiggs and I that brainstorming is, indeed, hard work!) Also pictured are other authors you probably have enjoyed reading. Here's the line-up, from left to right, Kate Breslin (then there's me, of course), Lois, Dyer, Susan Wiggs, Elsa Watson and A.J. Banner.
Earlier this week we all went to the charming Washington town of Port Townsend for  a brainstorming getaway. While we did go out for lunch and dinner, our day was completely filled with helping each other pull our next projects together. When you get that many writers in one room the creative vibes bounce off the walls. I've got to say, I'm very excited, not only about my next Christmas book, but about the other novels we worked together to shape. Writing a book is a solitary job and ultimately it's the author who crafts the story, but sharing ideas really helps with the creativity. Sometimes you get a whole new vision for your project.
After talking business over dinner we did take time in the evening for chatting and playing a round of Taboo - a great game for wordsmiths!
It was a treat to do all this in charming surroundings. We hung out at The Palace Hotel, which, in the town's wilder times, was the house of ill repute. Each room, done up with wonderful antiques, is named after a different shady lady. This town offers beautiful views and lots of charming shops and wonderful restaurants. So if you're ever sight-seeing on the Kitsap Peninsula be sure to add it to your list of places to visit.