Speechless

By Elizabeth White-Olsen, Executive Director of Writespace

I never like to say, “I am speechless.” As a writer, I believe it’s my job to always have words at hand. But today I must say that Writefest has left me speechless. I don’t know how to describe Writefest, other than to say that on May 4th and 5th, it was as if a maelstrom of literary ecstasy dropped down to twirl and dance and spin around the corridors and art spaces of Winter Street Studios, awakening hearts and minds and pens in its wake. For someone working behind the scenes, who knows intimately just how delicious it all was, as well as how difficult—how many things could have gone wrong, but didn’t, (or did, but who cares since no one knew)—for someone who knows how amazing it felt to devote nine months to planning and then watch the magic unfold in even better ways than we imagined, with writers meeting and sharing and forming potentially lifelong bonds right before our eyes—I find it hard to “sum up” the experience.

Luckily, I don’t have to. As is always the case with Writespace, others have come to the rescue. So for this column, I will let those who came to Writefest speak.

In the words of Writefest attendees:

• "I loved the feeling of community and being part of a shared experience with so many other people who understand the struggles and triumphs of writing and publishing. The panelists were fantastic, especially the authors and moderator in the "Gardener vs. Architect" discussion. The workshops and classes were incredibly informative, entertaining, and interactive. Each of the speakers were passionate about their work and impact, which definitely made me feel more invested, too. The volunteers and Writespace staff were phenomenal. I was so impressed with the conference material, scheduling, and constant flow of helpful people never too busy to point us in the right direction or answer questions. It takes an army, and Writespace made it feel flawless. Also, Justin Cronin was fantastic!"
• "You guys are awesome. I'm inspired to get it done, and I can't wait to pitch my work next year."
• "This was my first time to attend Writefest and I really enjoyed it. I came away with much more information and motivation to write than I expected."
• "Everyone was so professional and kind. It is hard for me to point to an event where I felt so sincerely included and valued as an attendee."

In the words of Writefest presenters:
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• "I just can't tell you what a joy and a treat it was to get to present at Writefest. At the risk of outing myself as a hopeless amateur, getting to have my very own fancy hotel room was a HUGE thrill, and *everyone* I interacted with looked like they were having the time of their lives. You all have created such an exceptional culture of community and camaraderie, and it only gets more impressive the more I think about it in hindsight. (But just so you know, I will happily share a room next time if that helps to cut down on your total operating expenses. EVERY writer within 200 miles needs to be at Writefest 2019, and I would love to help make that possible!)"
• "Thank you and your crew for an absolutely phenomenal experience at Writefest! An event like that doesn't happen without a huge amount of planning and hard work, and a first-year partnership makes it even more of a challenge - but I am so endlessly amazed and grateful to have been part of such a smashing success. EVERYONE I saw this weekend looked like they were having the time of their lives, and the culture of community and camaraderie you've built up is a wonder to behold. Needless to say, please color me a Writefest fan for life!"
• "Keep doing what you’re doing. This year was better than last year (and last year was darn good). PS The volunteers were helpful and friendly. I hope they get a celebration party."

Writespace volunteers will get a celebration party, because without them, Writefest and Writespace would not exist.

Thank you to every writer who shared their time and mind and heart with us at Writefest this year. If you didn’t get to come, don’t worry. Yes, it was a blast, and we hope to see you at any number of equally awesome free and ticketed events that happen every week at Writespace.

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