Surrey International Writers’ Conference (SiWC), Round Two 🖋

I went to the Surrey International Writers’ Conference (SiWC) almost a decade ago and it was, like, one of the most fun experiences of my life. Fun enough, apparently, that I raved about it on a feedback form that I have zero memory of but is still quoted on their website, with only one letter wrong in my name, which is always a minor miracle…!

I guess I filled out the comment card!

Can we just talk for a second about how only writers’ organisations actually still put the possessive apostrophe in their names? I feel like that apostrophe got dropped from most other association names ages ago, if it was ever there to begin with, and seeing it both tickles me and makes me laugh (in a different way) at how our full word nerd is showing. We must PUNCTUATE PROPERLY, PEOPLE! 😄

(In Finnish there is a very impolite but very evocative term for describing someone who is almost carnally invested in the correctness of language, which I will leave to the imagination.)

But then we have the stylised “SiWC.” So I dunno.

Gothic Glam, and more words than you can shake a tail feather at...

I’m mega-pumped to be a Full Conference Package, In-Person Attendee this time around: actually staying in the hotel and hobnobbing with other story-lovin’ folks all day long and into the evening… you bet!

This year’s theme is Gothic Glam and so in addition to prepping my current manuscript and pitch, I am consumed by concerns like “how do I pack enough themed clothing for the banquets in carry-on luggage only” and “does Elnett sell a travel-sized hair spray” - all the weighty issues of our times, in other words. 🪦 💎