What a full and delightful day, in Philadelphia, PA! Day one of the writers conference brought opportunities to learn from and meet with amazing writers and literary agents. Opening speaker Sara Shepard, author of the young adult series Pretty Little Liars, started us off with high energy and a peek inside her prolific writing career.
Classes followed, which I selected from the non-fiction path: Writing Your Non-Fiction Book with my mentor/friend and hostess for the weekend Lu Ann Cahn, Memoir Writing with Tom McAllister, Social Media with Don Lafferty and Improv Writing with Dan Stabb. I gained knowledge from each instructor and enjoyed the interactions within the classes. More on PWC 2015 as the conference progresses.
During the lunch break Lu Ann took me to the Reading Terminal Market, housed within the old train terminal. On my flight into Philly, the passenger next to me suggested I visit here for a snapshot of what Philadelphia is all about. What an amazing place!
The moment we walked through the door, tantalizing aromas from a variety of food vendors drew us deeper into the massive building. Booth after booth offered all kinds of wares. Bakeries, restaurants and confectioners vied with meat and fish markets, fresh produce, bulk herbs, flowers and gift items. The place had the bustle and noise of a thriving market and throngs of people crowded the aisles.
Lu Ann suggested an authentic Philly Cheesesteak sandwich for lunch. We tried the Ben Franklin Cheesesteak, which includes cream cheese, and it was so delicious! We splurged on dessert and sampled freshly prepared, hand rolled donuts from Beiler’s. Incredible! The BEST donuts I’ve ever eaten. The salted caramel was melt-in-your-mouth goodness
After the conference concluded for the day, Lu Ann and I met her sweet husband, Phil, and we walked downtown Philly. Such gorgeous old buildings, imbued with history. I gawked like the tourist that I am. I saw the liberty bell, and Independence Hall where our nation’s forefathers debated the constitution.
The narrow cobblestone streets, the old brick buildings, the statues, all lend antiquity and charm to this bustling city. Ben Franklin is buried in a cemetery nearby. And the Delaware River flows under a beautiful suspension bridge. Forty miles up that river, General Washington crossed. I’m enjoying viewing these places where our country’s history was forged.
For dinner I enjoyed another first. Phil and Lu Ann took me to their favorite Vietnamese restaurant in China Town. I had the house special, a delectable bowl of meats, vegetables and a spring roll over noodles.
What an incredible day of learning and experiencing new things! I’m working on writing assignments this evening and anticipating an eventful day two of PWC. And I believe we are returning to Reading Market for lunch. Tomorrow we are sampling authentic Italian cuisine!
