Edith/Maddie here, still savoring a fabulous weekend.

For this week’s discussion on permission, we’re celebrating eleven years of giving ourselves permission to start this blog! All six Wicked Authors got together at Jessie’s fabulous beach home last weekend to share our memories, plan our future, generally solve all the problems of the publishing world, and have fun in the bargain.

When prosecco is poured and laughter is heard, you can bet it’s a Wicked awesome retreat.

Wickeds, name a highlight of the weekend and of our years blogging together!

Edith: The highlight for me, as always, was gathering with these special women. We each bring a different personality and skill set to the group, but our bond lies in caring about each other. We were all newbies to the author biz when we started out, and we worked hard to lift up each other – and other authors – along the way. This weekend was no different as we talked through issues both personal and professional. I wasn’t kidding about the laughter part. I am incapable of staying up late, but it was a comfort to fall asleep upstairs at 11:30 PM hearing the laughter float up from the rest of them downstairs.

A couple of long seaside walks were a lovely addition, as was Jessie’s sweet pooch, Sam. I’m already looking forward to next year’s retreat!

Jessie: For me, the highlight is always being together in person. This is the first time in a couple of years that all six of us have been together. In a world that is increasingly lived online, it is so enriching to be present physically.

Liz: I can’t say enough about this annual event. Yes it’s the closeness of navigating a crazy business together and having that special pod of people to always turn to. But more than that, it’s that we are family. I don’t say that lightly – my life is all about the found families that have made the difference for me. The Wickeds are family and having that core foundation to know I can always turn to is so meaningful to me. So it’s very special to have this time together in person.

Barb: You guys are making me cry! Yes, it was an amazing weekend and Jessie is an amazing host. Somehow we’ve gone from wondering if we could write a book that would be accepted by our publisher to this–a world-conquering machine. I always come away from our retreats elated and a little sad because it’s over.

Sherry: Barb, did you have to say “cry” because now I’m crying. Jessie is so gracious to let us turn her lovely home upside down with our suitcases, shoes, and electronics scattered everywhere. This retreat was bittersweet because usually when we part ways we know when we’ll see each other again at some event, but this time we don’t have a set plan. When we first started our retreats we had designated writing sessions, a set time for our business meeting, and an agenda. This time we just went with the flow and it was wonderful. I miss you all so much. I’m so grateful for how you’ve enriched my life both personally (especially personally) and professionally. I couldn’t love you more.

Julie: My best advice for writers is to find your group. The Wickeds have blessed me with friendship, laughs, accountability, tough love when necessary, and goals. What an amazing group of women–one of the great blessings of my very blessed life.

A few photos from the weekend:

Sam, Jessie’s poodle — the only male allowed to attend! What a sweet boy!

Pizza with plenty of leftovers for the rest of the weekend. One was a mashed potato pizza with bacon and scallions!

Jessie makes this amazing the dessert that we call crack. I’m not sure if it has an official name.

Recipe from Jessie!

Oreo Crispies

1/4 cup butter

1 bag marshmallows 

I package Oreo cookies

Crush Oreos in a food processor until uniform crumbs the texture of coarse sand are created. Grease an 8×8 baking dish. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add marshmallows and stir until melted. Add Oreo crumbs and stir until evenly combined. Spread mixture in prepared pan and chill in the refrigerator until firm. Slice into small squares.

A walk that turned into shopping and meeting two cute miniature poodles! The owner took the picture for us.

Being together is the best!

Readers: How long have you been part of our commenting community? Do you have a special support group of your own?