On Vegas and Learning
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Hello Friends, Years ago, I used to boast that the only times I’d been to Las Vegas were while passing through en route to protest at the Nevada Nuclear Test Site. I can’t say that anymore. These days, I go to Vegas far more often than I ever wanted to, which was never. I don’t go to shows while there. I don’t gamble. And since my brain injury, I don’t even drink alcohol. Also, I’m an introvert who dislikes crowds and noise, cigarette smoke, and desert air. I know some people love it, but for me—physically and psychically—Vegas is brutal. So why do I go? I go to hang out with writers, sometimes to talk craft, and other times, business. I go to Vegas to step past the edges of my comfort zone. Vegas is a massive shift away from my usual writerly life. It's a hostile-to-me environment where I talk to strangers and old friends, and stretch myself to learn something new. This past week, I masked up and attended Author Nation with nine hundred other writers. I moderated an LGBTQ panel, sat on a Kickstarter panel, took notes during session after session, and had many conversations in the hallways, on walks, and over meals. I learned a lot that I plan to sift through over the next several months. And now? I feel exhausted, but inspired and full. And really need to do some laundry. As a result, I don’t have much to say today, but wanted to share some of the photos I snapped while there. I hope you are keeping well and taking care of yourself. I'd also like to know: What takes you out of your comfort zone and helps you learn new things? Best wishes — Thorn There's a new podcast episode! This one with artist, crafter, and witch Raven Edgewalker. Enjoy on your favorite podcast outlet or YouTube. If you listen on iTunes, might you consider leaving a quick review?
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T. Thorn Coyle
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Hello friends, This will be a short missive because I've been in Las Vegas all week, at the big Author Nation business conference and the big Reader Nation book fair. While Vegas is not my favorite place—an understatement. I actually find it very trying—I travel here to learn. I travel here to get out of that proverbial comfort zone. It is good for me to stretch myself, body, spirit, and mind. Sometimes, in order to learn, we must cast ourselves into the strange and challenging... And let me...