I was reminded, this past Friday, of what a treasure it is to have opportunities to nurture your creativity. It’s important to seek these opportunities out.
I had the pleasure of speaking on an author panel during an incredible day-long event called “Clallam County Comic Con,” at the main branch of my county library system.
There were opportunities all day for kids to meet authors and illustrators, to make things, draw things, to dress as super heroes—and more.
When I arrived at the library, the parking lots were nearly full, which means LOTS of cars—it’s a big lot for a big library!
Upon entering, activity tables were set up front and center—kids were stationed at all of them, library staff helping and overseeing along with their usual roles. The “dress as a super hero” suggestion was led in force by staff: I saw “John Snow” from Game of Thrones, among many other creative outfits. This was all in addition to the programming going on throughout the day in the main meeting room.
I had a delightful time meeting young adult fantasy authors Lisa Mantchev, (Ticker, Theater Illuminata trilogy, new adult title Lost Angeles), and Lish McBride, (Fire Bug, Hold Me Closer, Necromancer series) as well as our bright panel moderator, Eve Datisman, former high school librarian.
We had a lively panel discussion, the library generously raffled one of each of our books to the audience, and there was an opportunity to purchase books and have them autographed (thanks to Odyssey Bookstore).
It was fun for me to hang out for an hour with other authors. I learned stuff, got inspired, was reminded of the oddities of being a writer, and wished it could go on even longer.
A BIG hats off to the North Olympic Library System for creating this day nurturing creativity!
Where in your community can you go rub shoulders with other creative souls, enjoy their work, and make some of your own?
Lish McBride, Lindy MacLaine, Lisa Mantchev