Bootcamp 109 - 1 Year Today!

A year ago a group of nervous ladies gathered together for an intense workout - Bootcamp style. We were whipped into shape by an outstanding line-up of fabulous presenters. After a whirlwind two days we finished with our minds bursting with new information, new friendships and a bundle of craft techniques to apply.

For me Bootcamp is the line in the sand that marks the 'before' and 'after':
* Before Bootcamp I was writing words, struggling to find my feet, thinking craft was what you did with beads and feeling my CP and I were alone in a great big ocean. * After Bootcamp I began writing stories, began to plant my feet firmly in the writing pond, had a group of friends to travel the journey with and learnt craft was there to improve your writing.

I've personally achieved more than I could imagine in the last 12 months, and it all started with that line in the sand.

Thank you to my fellow Bootcampers, the presenters and organisers who got my journey started, the BootCats who have been by my side the whole way, and especially to Rachel Bailey, who has stuck with the BootCats, giving more than was ever expected.

Bootcampers Rock!

The year that was, but it ain't over yet

As 2009 winds down (or up), it's time to reflect on the benefits of being a member of the Bootcamper 109 team.

Personally, I've been privileged to meet (at the national conference and online) a group of inspiring women. Through Bootcamp 109 I learnt so much about the 'art and craft' of writing.

But that's not all!

Afterwards, the mentoring continued - in generous doses. I was lucky enough to join the Bootcats with Shelly, Mon and Anita. To have the amazing Rachel Bailey as our team leader was an added bonus. This girl could teach KRudd a thing or two about hard work!

Whenever I have a query or a problem, my Bootcat mates are quick to respond. Between them they have enough romance-writing knowledge to stock a library.

Without them, I would still be floundering in a sea of mediocrity (just wanted to throw in 'sea of mediocrity' somewhere).

Because of them I've joined the Romaus loop and I'm having a go with my writing goals.

Here's to Bootcampers 109. This is just the beginning.

6 months on...

It has been 6 months since we completed Bootcamp 109!

Time has flown by, and so much has happened in the interim:
- we've continued learning our craft, breaking into the Betties, the BootCats, and Fi and Neely joining in with the 101ers;
- we've participated in conference (both Clayton's and Brissie's Hot August Nights), in some cases meeting for the first time face-to-face;
- and we've had success stories - Mon and Fi making publication in the Little Gems and Sandie in RWNZ anthology.

Not bad for 6 months.

Ladies, raise your glasses to another 6 months of success, friendship and the pursuit of that ever elusive publication.

In spirit of competition...

Well, the BootCats can't be outdone by the Bootcamp Betties!! So, in the spirit of competition, meet our new mascot...

Is he WolverCat? PussyVine? JackCat?! Lol.

Grrr, ladies, he has claws. Go the BootCats!!!!