A Gaggle of Writers? by Susan Aylworth

A group of sheep is a flock, a group of crows is a murder, and multiple cattle constitute a herd. So what do you call a group of writers?

This past summer, I had the opportunity to be a part of such a group at a writer's retreat in the Rocky Mountains. Our host chose a beautiful venue near a world-class ski resort, though in the summer months it's more suited to sailing and water skiing. Our small group flourished in the clean mountain air. 

We found time to enjoy some of the local haunts, like one cute place in Park City where I ate a delicious blackened shrimp salad--nothing like the meals that must have been served when the "No Name Saloon" opened in 1903.

We also visited other cute mountain towns. In Midway, Utah, we enjoyed classic Italian dishes and fresh huckleberry ice cream while touring this little jewel of a community, which harkens back to its European roots with boxes of flowers blooming on every street corner.

Mostly we wrote. And wrote. Every day found each of us holed up in our own corners toiling away on our current projects, discovering that creativity flourishes in the mountains almost as much as does appetite. (I promise the huckleberry ice cream is worth every luscious calorie!)

These women are all working novelists. Each has an impressive catalog, each knows how to tell a story, and each understands the business of writing and publishing. I learned from them all.

Note how compatible we are? We didn't coordinate colors for this group photo. Not deliberately, ayway. (I'm the one in the blue stripes, back left corner.) 

I enjoyed this opportunity to meet with other working writers in a beautiful location, to enjoy some different surroundings and interesting side trips, and to spend time with pleasant people. Do we have a word for a group of writers? If not, may I suggest one? How about a harmony of writers? Yes, I like that very much.

Susan Aylworth is the author of 25 published novels including two small-town sweet romance series set in and near the Navajo Nation and in the Sierra Nevada foothills. as well as five books in the Christmas Town series. Susan lives near Utah's Rocky Mountains. Watch for more books coming this summer and fall in both the Rainbow Rock and Christmas Town series.  ALWAYS A RAINBOW, Book 7 in the Rainbow Rock series, released on Mother's Day. Book 8, THE PROMISE OF RAINBOWS, came out in June with Book 9,  ONCE IN A RAINBOW, arriving in mid-August, Watch for Book 10, CHASING RAINBOWS. Susan loves travel, music, her large and scattered family, perfect raspberry jam, and hearing from readers. Contact her at her website: susanaylworthauthor.com,  or via susan.aylworth.author@gmail.com, also @SusanAylworth.