Autumn Gathering by Allison Symes

Image Credits:- 

Images taken by me, Allison Symes, at the Autumn Gathering.

It was a joy to be at the ACW Autumn Gathering on 12th October and catch up with friends, especially since it was ages since I was last at an in person ACW event.

Rugby Elim Church, host to the ACW Autumn Gathering

The term was apt given harvest was relatively recent with many gatherings there but it led me to wonder what it is about writing events (including Zoom ones) which are so useful for writers.

Just getting together, online or in person, with fellow writers is a huge source of encouragement, which I think we need more of, as we strive to be like Barnabas.

Paul Kerensa at the ACW Autumn Gathering

I’ve found out useful information about where to find support as an author from chatting to colleagues. Someone told me years ago about the Society of Authors and Authors Licensing and Collecting Society. I am a member of the former and have free membership of the latter thanks to that. Have never regretted joining these. 

If you have works out, look into ALCS. See the link for more information.  https://www.alcs.co.uk/

As well as learning from the event’s workshops, I’ve also been told about competitions, scams, and much else including ACW! I’ve entered some competitions I’ve been told about, know to beware of the scams (and warn others) and much else (including joining ACW!). Information to help authors is most useful when shared. Where better than at an event?

 

I often find additional tips are shared over tea/coffee/lunch at events. If you have tips to share, you will find willing listeners!

Autumn has so much meaning. My late grandmother hated autumn as she saw it as the season when everything died. I love it because I love the changing colours and see it as being the forerunner to the next spring and the more obvious joy of new life emerging. 

In a writing context, we are winding down to the end of the year though the next couple of months will be the busiest in writing and publishing, given everyone is focused on getting works out and promoting them for the Christmas market.

But going to a gathering like this does give a welcome breathing space before the hectic season ahead. We all need that time out to gather our thoughts (writing ones or not).

If you can’t get to events in person, do consider the Zoom alternatives. I found these a lifeline during the pandemic and still find them useful. Okay, I’m biased given I lead the ACW Flash Fiction Group online but all of the members live hundreds of miles apart. We could never meet in person. 

So the online alternative gives another form of gathering with all of the benefits. Okay, you must make your own tea/coffee/lunch and clear up, but the sharing of useful information and time of fellowship are still there. 

Whatever writing gatherings you are planning to attend in the next few months, I hope they’re a blessing. The recent ACW one has been to me so thank you to the Committee and speakers.