News From Jane Scoggins Bauld's Writers' Retreat

Jane's Writers' Retreat is now a happy memory. Fifteen LIVELY writers gathered for two consecutive week-ends to learn the ins and outs of writing for children, and they capped it off with a caravan to the Post Office, where each author dropped her perfect manuscript in the mail to a publisher!

Jane has a $100. prize award for her story-writing contest. The stories are now in the capable hands of the first judge. One judge is from the Austin Writers' League, one from the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and one from Barnes & Noble. The winner will be announced at the end of July.

Jane is already getting requests to conduct another writers' retreat in the winter. More on this later. Right now, here are some comments (and a story) from participants of this latest writers' retreat.

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"This weekend was just not the same after spending it with such a wonderful group over the last two weekends. I am going through withdrawal symptoms for sure - my husband just didn't give me the same fix of laughter and tears!"

"I have sent my manuscript off, as you recommended. I was so proud of myself, and sweated the whole time the postman was putting the stamps on it .... and to make matters worse, I got so anxious that I started to really breathe heavy. I think I scared the postman half to death!"

It took two days before I could make my re-entry into the adult world. No one wanted to 'tea party' with me at work. Jane, I loved your conference, and have begun another story. I'm organizing a notebook, like yours of course. I feel I did learn everything needed to submit manuscripts."

The conference was wonderful! Every day was packed with helpful tips for author "wannabes". Sharing your knowledge and insights into the publishing world is just the kick I needed to help me get started. Thanks for taking such good care of us!"

"I absolutely loved the course. I miss everyone already. I am writing a poem about the weekend. Somebody help me!!!! I took this wonderful writers' course with Jane Bauld, and when I got home, I started writing, and now I can't stop :)"

"The story I sent is one I dreamed up the month my grandbaby was born. It was pretty dull and lifeless, but after your class, I was able to sit down and double it in size and add some "life" to it. Sure made me feel good to do something with it."

"Just a short note to let you know how much I enjoyed your wonderful retreat. You have touched my heart, and I admire and adore you beyond words. I took the computer out of the creek, wiped off all the bird poop, and finally managed a label."

"You are contagious, Jane ..... well, I mean your positive excitable spirit is contagious!"

"What a great group your newly graduated class is. I hope you know how special you are, not only to have taught 5-year-olds, but also for now teaching grown-up 5-year-olds who want to write for children. Thank you so much."

"Jane, I had a fantastic time at your conference! You were such an inspiration to me, and to the other women who were there. I can tell you have been an inspiration to many new writers. You are truly blessed with gifts to teach and inspire."

"You helped me learn to be self-confident. The whole publishing idea doesn't seem so much like a "pipe dream" anymore!"

"Most beneficial was making me sit down and pull the ideas out on paper, learning the order of things, meeting others of like minds, and being forced to read out loud!"

"Jane helped us learn more about how to appeal to a child, with our singing, sitting on the floor, and all the activities - especially the tea party."

"I've organized my files, supplies, and writing center. I've established my publisher database. I've gone over all my notes from your workshop. And, it is amazing to me how much you taught us in four days. I'm usually a tough audience and have walked out of many inservices, but you had me in the palm of your hand from the start. I felt supported and loved through the whole scary writing process. Thanks for a wonderful, motivating time!"

When My Mother and her Friends Get Together

By Debbie Lauderdale copyright 2000

This book is dedicated to the women of the Jane Scoggins Bauld Writers' Conference,

where I felt such love and support I didn't even mind the singing.

When my mother and her friends get together,

they just laugh and cackle.

(Illustration: women visiting with each other)

My father says, "You sound like a bunch of hens!"

(Illustration: women's faces on hens' bodies)

My mother and her friends say, "I was never so embarrassed..." and they just laugh and cackle.

My father says, "You sound like a bunch of hens!"

They love the topic 'Kids Say the Darndest Things'. They just laugh and cackle.

My father says, "You sound like a bunch of hens!"

Someone brings up "my first kiss" or "the good old days" and they just laugh and cackle.

My father says, "You sound like a bunch of hens!"

If one of my mother's friends mentions gaining weight or pantyhose, they just laugh and cackle.

So my father says, "You sound like a bunch of hens!"

Occasionally, my mother and her friends will bring up "Isn't that just like a man?" and they'll just laugh and cackle.

Of course, my father says, "You sound like a bunch of hens!"

My mother just kisses him and says, "Oh, hush you old goat."

(Illustrataion: Dad's head on goat's body)