Rach and Suz: National Woman's Music Festival

While in Bloomington for our baby shower Rach had the pleasure of attending the National Women's Music Festival, which was being held at ISU. Despite the name of the festival, the main draw for Rach was not the music but the conference track on writing. Several of the authors from Bold Strokes Books were there along with her publisher, Rad.

Rachel was able to attend a writing session led by Lee Lynch as well as a reading/question and answer session with Kim Baldwin. As a bonus, she got both authors to sign books for her after their sessions. It was a great opportunity to learn from two amazing authors.

Rach also got to see a reading/question and answer session led by Rad. Not surprisingly, a lot of people showed up for that one. Among them was her advisor/mentor Barb. Barb was a big help to Rach first as a student and then as a staff member throughout her time at ISU, so it was really special to be able to see Barb's excitement at meeting Rad. Rachel felt especially excited to be able to take Barb to dinner with the whole crew as well as Ellen Hart, who is a renowned mystery writer.

Dinner was like Rachel's version of the "magic cocktail party," that grand scenario where all your favorite people are in one room having amazing conversations about the things you are most interested in. It is so inspiring to be around such a talented and successful group of women. Rach has been driven to write ever since that weekend. It may have been just what she needed to get that second novel back on track.

Here are a few pictures from that evening.

From left to right is Kathy (Ellen Hart's partner), Elaine (Lee's partner), Lee Lynch, and Rad.

From left to right 1/2 of Rach, Kim Baldwin, Ellen Hart, Barb, and her partner, Mick. Susie was sitting at the doctors' end of the table and taking the pictures.

Here are Barb, Mick, and Rad. It was really nice to be able to give a neat experience to Barb, who certainly deserves it after everything she does for her students at ISU.