Writing Panelists Left to Right: Abigail Thomas, Lorraine Salmon, Kitty Sheehan and Martha Frankel enjoying dinner
Threats of snow did not stop the March UCWN meeting from going forward at the Hickory BBQ on Rt 28 in Kingston. It was a terrific turnout. As members and guests arrived, the Dynamic Duo Sara Beames greeted everyone as they signed in with a networking game to collect unknown information from some one new to them. There was much laughter and new friendships formed. Women then turned in their answers for a chance at a door prize over crudites, crackers and cheese while mingling before taking a seat for dinner. Dinner included salad, chicken, catfish, garlic mashed potatoes and green beans.
As dessert and coffee were served the panelists took their places behind the microphones. The panel included NY Times Bestselling Abigail Thomas, new to the writing scene with over 200 advanced readers, Lorraine Salmon, editor and writer Kitty Sheehan and exectuive director of the Woodstock Bookfestival and writer Martha Frankel. Dynamic Duo member Susan York asked a variety of questions about the writing process, ideas, working with an editor, getting published and more to the esteemed panel. Martha Frankel said, “Getting to work with an editor and be edited is the prize because it makes your work better.” All the panelists agreed. Martha, Kitty and Abby spoke to the benefits they received by giving back as teachers and mentors. Each writer spoke of their inspirations for their writing and some of the difficulties that writers face. Abigail Thomas said she was writing pieces for a long time not knowing what it was, but that it became her book Safekeeping which is taught in many schools across the country partly due to it’s original and unique style of short pieces.
Despite snow in the morning was a great turnout at the Hickory BBQ for the panel of Writing Life: Fledgling Ideas to Best Seller Lists
We are so lucky that these local writers had such a vast amount of knowledge and experience to share with the Ulster County Women’s Network membership and their guests. To learn more about the individual writers and their work check out their websites and the Woodstock Book Fest :
Martha Frankel http://marthafrankel.com
Kitty Sheehan https://kittysheehan.com
Lorraine Salmon: https://www.lorrainesalmon.com
Abigail Thomas: http://www.abigailthomas.net
Writing panelists signing books and answering questions at close of the meeting.
Click here to sense the enthusiasm for the night and it’s panelists. IMG_0566