Workshops are meant to inspire members to greater creativity, hear round-table suggestions on improving their craft, and stimulate greater productivity.  Last evening's workshop is a case in point. 

Two of the members, coincidentally, are writing about their adventures in Africa.  One, about a long-ago stint as a missionary; the other, much younger, about  his ten months there in the Peace Corp.  The first man's account is a recitation of bare-bones facts–no color, no personality, no observations of the scene.  He was on the list to read first.  Later, after the Peace Corps man read his essay, filled with anecdote, description of customs,  language and the visual scene, it was time for comments around the table.  The Missionary cited how much he had learned from the Peace Corp writer, saying that  he now understands what we fellow writers have been  trying to suggest he include in his account.   It is all there in his mind.  He just didn't get it onto paper.

Workshops in which members absorb and truly profit by sharing keep their members striving over and over for need to "get it as near perfect as possible."    The Peace Corp writer will enter his essay in the Society of Southwestern 2008 contest.  I have alredy sent in my entry, but his will top mine, I'm sure.  Such makes me very proud to be leading these wonderul groups.  They are my weekly inspiration.