Writers Festival

Up I got this morning, just after five, bursting at the seams to write. It was pleasant for a while lying in bed thinking- " But what would my character do if I changed this... and that...Hmmm." But eventually it's off to wake Mr Computer (who kindly never comments on my morning appearance) and start tapping away.
Yesterday I was fortunate to attend a great writers festival locally. This was the 2nd Sutherland FAW (Federation of Australian Writers) festival, and, as last time, they did a marvellous job for everybody.
The lineup of lovely authors (and illustrators) was: Deb Abela, William Kostakis, Marelle Day, Annie West, Cathleen Ross, Ruthie May, Leigh Hobbs, and Sue Whiting. What a delicious smorgasbord of advice, tips, wisdom and shared experience!
I know these people all get paid a little something, but at the end of the day, they are people giving up their weekend time to give tips and inspiration to aspiring (published) writers like me.
Not only was the main program of speakers on offer, but also a writing for kids workshop and a romance writers workshop. And for dessert, if you wished it, a manuscript appraisal, this one with Sue Whiting, well-known children's author and Publishing Manager at Walker Books.
Of course, I certainly had the mousse! Manuscript appraisals are sooo valuable. I highly recommend them. Among other things, they can help make pivotal decions about your work. This was only my second appraisal ever (my first had been with Mark McLeod)and as usual I came over all terrified and am sure, uttered some words with several letters of the alphabet missing. The air conditioning was up pretty high, so perhaps I also had partial brain-freeze. Anyway, bottom line is, luckily my manuscript was being appraised and not my ability to vocalise a complete sentence.Sue gave me some really valuable advice and threw some really pertinent questions at me. AND, she very kindly offered, that once finished, she would be happy to look at my manuscript. I was a bit fuggy (yes, with a 'u') in the brain by this stage and though I am sure I grinned happily and said thank you, it wasn't till afterwards that it dawned on me, how great an opportunity that was.
If you are old enough, you will remember the TV show Get Smart. I kinda think of getting published as the set of doors that Maxwell Smart has to get through at the beginning of the show and yesterday, I got given access to door two (I imagine about 8). Hence I am up before even the dogs this morning (we all look like we use the same stylist) tapping away with new vigour. Door three, your days are numbered.