In July of 2014, I find myself at the Sage Hill Writing Experience in Lumsden, Saskatchewan with eleven other “emerging writers” and our mentors, Canadian authors, Merilyn Simonds and Wayne Grady. I am in the presence of serious writers.

We meet as a group on the first morning and listen to Merilyn and Wayne’s goals for our group. We critique three pieces each day. We discuss the key features of the writer’s craft: structure, characterization, pacing, use of setting and detail. When my turn to receive the group’s feedback comes, I am nervous. But instead of feeling overwhelmed, I am encouraged by the supportive comments of the group. During our last half of our time at Sage Hill, we revise our work. I meet one on one with Wayne. I struggle with the fact that my story has no structure as yet. With Wayne’s guidance, I put together an outline that gives me a framework to start writing.

When I leave Sage Hill, I see where my story will take me. I am energized. I am committed to writing this story.