📌 I'm...Somehow Going to Milkwood?

Plus: a tune I'm humming, with apologies to Sophie Blackall, Paul Simon and Weird Al.

This pretty much sums it up.

So. 🤯

Somehow I lucked out (or, as Aussies like Sophie would say, lucked in…) and got a spot at Milkwood for a picture book writing retreat with Sophie Blackall, Annie Barrows and editor Susan Rich.

I just can’t. even. process. this.

It’s from a lottery draw, and I don’t mind saying that I have a lot of imposter syndrome going into it (even if it’s not until September, imposter syndrome works overtime with ol’ Elayne Crain). Sophie, Annie and Susan are all beyond amazing. Need I mention that Sophie has won the Randolph Caldecott Medal—twice? Need I say that Annie Barrow’s book series with her, Ivy + Bean, has been adapted into a Netflix series? Need I squawk that Susan Rich edited Lemony Snicket's (and illustrator Brett Helquist’s) A Series of Unfortunate Events?

There will only be nine other creators, these shining stars, and me.

I love my work—and I’m proud of my work! But I know this was a lucky break. Still, no matter how I got there, I will thank whatever butterfly wing flapping led to this happy happenstance. I will share what I can while there, grateful for such an opportunity. Even if the chance to attend was pure luck, I will earn what I get from it—by working hard before, during, and after the retreat.

But I am also humming to myself a lot this week. I hope you can forgive me.

To the tune of Graceland:

“The online lottery system
was beckoning like whispered affirmation:
I am following my inward muse
to the Catskills
to the cradle of my summers past.

I'm going to Milkwood, Milkwood…
South Kortright, New York.
I'm going to Milkwood…

Two hours from Saratogas past…
Kid E and me, we’re meeting up at Milkwood….

My traveling companion’s six years old—
the inner child of myself.
But I've reason to believe
All my parts will be received
at Milkwood…”

(Also! If you haven't already, sign up to be on the Milkwood email list. Just go to their website and scroll to the bottom.

Here’s Milkwood’s Instagram.

And here’s Rebecca Green’s write-up of her experience there.

I mean. I just can not even. <pinch> <pinch> <pinch>… )

Yours in shock,

Elayne

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