Saturday, September 13, 2008

Fellowship of the Wing -- Eve

No, that is not a typo, and I don't have an Elmer Fudd speech impediment. FOW is the unofficial name of my monthly L.A. based kid-lit writers critique group. Judy Enderle and Stephanie Jacob Gordon started the group a few years back, when I was still "green" and silly and hopeful (and a really BAD writer, but that's a story for another day!). Okay, so I'm still silly and hopeful. But with the help of this extremely generous and talented group of women, I am hoping my "greeness" has become a little less neon and more of, say, a light mint or celery color.

Over the years we've lost a few members for geographic reasons. But when one leaves, Tina Nichols Coury (who so generously provides housing, snacks, coffee, tea, puppies, candy, and sometimes special gifts, for our meetings) always seems to round up another insanely creative and special writer to fill the spot. Oh, and did I mention Tina is the queen of marketing (both BEFORE and after selling a book!), an amazing golfer, a prolific painter, a world traveler AND knows the business of writing inside and out? Seriously, when does the girl sleep?

I'm humbled to work with these women, and often feel out of place. Remember that song, "Which one of these things is not like the other...?" Not because we don't connect on a personal level (we do!) or a political level (we definitely do!) or have things in common (oh, boy, do we ever!). But, as I sat yesterday critiquing the masterpiece works (NO JOKE) of Barbara Bietz, Denise Gruska, June Sobel, Barbara Jean Hicks, and Tina Nichols Coury, I realized that I have SO much still to learn about the craft of writing!

I mean, my goodness, these people know a lot about A LOT. I used to wonder why Judy and Stephanie chose me to join this group in the first place, having been so new to writing and all. But, then I stopped and thought, WHO CARES? I have to believe that some serendipitous forces tossed us together for a reason, and I'm certainly enjoying the ride! So, why ask why?

Just yesterday I had an incredible chat with Barbara Bietz, who somehow miraculously balances working, writing, parenting, and still manages to look fashion-model put together, keep up on politics and Hollywood gossip, and read seemingly every book that hits the shelves. Superwoman personified, you know what I mean? Anyway, just before we hung up the phone she said, "There are no accidents, Eve." I didn't used to believe that. But now I think I really do!

For some reason, the planets aligned perfectly, I found this unique group of writers, or maybe they somehow found me, and every time we get together it's complete magic. Our manuscripts are transformed, our feelings and fears are validated, our views on the world listened to, and spirits are brightened. I always drive home (2.5 hours for me each way) feeling like I just finished an amazing workout, had a massage, a home-cooked meal, and a breakthrough therapy session all at the same time!

Seriously LOVE these girls. Long live the Fellowship of the Wing! When attempting a group picture, we were unable to figure out the camera timer thingy, so there we are, one pic sans Eve, one pic sans Tina. We're better writers than we are photographers, trust me!

- Eve

7 comments:

Unknown said...

How lucky for you to find a wonderful critique group. I know many of the woman in your group and you are truly blessed.
I feel the same about my KidScribblers (my critique group named by the fabulous Paula Yoo). And like you, I was so overwhelmed one day by how much this group means to me that I wrote a loving, picture-less blog post about them. Wish we were all closer; it would be fun to have a FOW-KS meeting one day--you probably know all the woman in my group too thanks to the amazing SCBWISOCAL!
Take care Eve. It was fun hanging with you this summer at the conference.

Anonymous said...

Eve,

What a sweet pea you are. I really appreciate your dedication and hard work and your master critiquing. Our group is blessed with your writing skills, your humor and your amazing style. Stephanie and Judy knew what they were doing when they asked you to join.

Kristina Springer said...

Just stopping by to let you know that the Author2Author girls nominated this blog for the I LOVE YOUR BLOG award. Check here: http://author2author.blogspot.com/2008/09/i-love-your-blog-special-saturday.html

Anonymous said...

Eve,

You are so kind. We do have a terrific group. It truly is the friendships that make the journey so meaningful!

Thanks for being such an important part of our group:)

xo,
Barbara

Wild About Words said...

Eve,
That was a beautiful post. I feel that way about my group as well. We are very fortunate, indeed.
Happy scribbling,
Donna

Anonymous said...

Eve! Woman! You are an INCREDIBLY talented writer and I feel so lucky to know you, to get to read and hear your work, and to get such valuable feedback on my own work from you. I didn't know we had a name, but Fellowship of the Wing is great--we are all helping each other soar! Thanks for making the long trip down every month to be with us. :-)

Anonymous said...

I didn't know we had a name either. We should start a facebook group!! Hope you are doing well & feeling no pain.