How to Host a Writing Fiesta

by Victoria M. Johnson

If you love to write and you love celebrating writing, then why not have a writing fiesta?  Just as the name implies, the day involves a lot of writing and a lot of partying (at the end of the day).  This fun day can help you get past a slump, or force you to return to a project you've been avoiding, or just inspire you to sprint to the end of a manuscript. 

All you need is a distraction-free writing space and five ingredients:

1. Writing Friends

We all have dozens of writing friends don't we?  And we all say we're going to get together some day to write.  And we all never invite each other over to write.  Send the email, or make the call.  They need only three things:

a. Bring a project they're seriously willing to work on.

b. Bring a healthy snack, lunch munchies, or beverage to share.

c. Bring their writing journals and pens or their laptops.

2. A Schedule

Schedule quiet writing periods of at least an hour to 75 minutes, followed by 15-minute breaks for time to stretch, get fresh air, and have a snack.  The quiet time means everyone works on his or her own.  After each break repeat quiet writing.

3. Comfortable Places to Sit

Everyone came to write.  The more conducive the space and seating is for concentration, the higher the creativity and productivity.

photo by Andrew Neel

4. Comfortable Environment to Share

Allow time toward the end of the fiesta for each person to read some of their work they created that day.  Of course constructive feedback is all that's needed at this point since everyone is reading unedited, fresh material.

5. Fiesta Time

After a day of writing and sharing it's time to celebrate not only your written words, but also friendships with fellow writers, and your gifts of imagination and fearless writing.  It's time to bust out the Sangria or whatever your beverage of choice is to enjoy with kindred spirits.

And maybe one of your guests will volunteer to host the next writing fiesta.  Make them an annual or semi annual gathering.  Who says writing has to be solitary all the time?

Victoria M. Johnson knew by the time she was ten that she wanted to be a writer.  She loves telling stories and she's happiest when creating new characters and new plots.  Avalon Books and Montlake Romance published Victoria's fiction debut, The Doctor’s Dilemma.  Her other fiction book is a collection of romance short stories titled, The Substitute Bride and a novella, Hot Hawaiian Christmas. She is also the writer and director of four short films and two micro documentaries.   Visit Victoria's website at http://VictoriaMJohnson.com for inspiration and tips and find her Amazon author page or connect with her on Pinterest and Twitter.