by Sara Daniels
What makes an event truly outstanding? What motivates you to step out of your comfort zone and socialize with unfamiliar people at a funeral home? Engagement? Interaction? Can one teach and inspire simultaneously? MJ Moores provided the attendees all of this and more at the WCYR workshop Return of the Plot Bunny.
If you’re anything like me, you came across the Return of the Plot Bunny event in the newsletter without comprehending its meaning. When I signed up, I knew I would gain new ways of thinking. My takeaways were learning how to build a tagline and the significance of community guidance. Creative writing may be a solitary pursuit, but when faced with a dilemma, the solution can be as easy as seeking the input of fellow creatives in a shared space. It can be beneficial in ways you never imagined. The incredible talent in the room astounded me.
When writers of different genres gather in one place, it ignites the creative spirit. MJ not only led the class, but she helped solve all the dilemmas. Every single one. The input from others brought innovative ideas. Gaining inspiration from an outside perspective is always valuable, as storytellers can often become too familiar with their own stories. The setting provided an opportunity for a community-based group of thinkers where every writer had the freedom to express uncertainty without criticism. The atmosphere in the room was warm and inviting, making us open to opinions we may not have previously considered. Our writing is based on emotion and life experiences. We create characters’ back stories and story arcs from life experience. Only having our own can sometimes be limiting. With others, you open up a universe of ideas. That night, we bounced ideas around and received expert feedback from MJ to move forward with our stories when we returned home.
The evening was brimming with inspiration and revelations. The investment in time was highly worthwhile. Without a doubt, the environment and community possess an enlightening nature. A satisfying way to spend two hours — leaving the room with a clear outline of your next steps. On my own, I couldn’t have discovered the answers I departed with. That two hours saved me ten hours of research.
It would be a smart move to carefully think about investing, whether it’s your time or money, when you encounter a class taught by MJ. If Plot Bunny is mentioned in the future, I will always sign up. I recommend you do what it takes to get your bottom in the chair. Sit with a stranger and form a new friendship. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to be inspired by our writing community. We can always learn from others. That’s the point of the WCYR. Everyone in the community grows through shared experiences. It is a pity to miss out on the chance to expand one’s horizons by remaining in the comfort zone, especially when mentors are available. Next time, hop on down the trail. Follow that bunny down the hole. You won’t regret it.