25th Most Powerful Author Working In Hollywood: Maui Writers

Hey Everyone,

Back again. Still thinking about how to raise my status on the Powerful Authors list, and now I think maybe if they make the Magic K movie, that will help. You know, a TV show AND a movie? But then, what if both are terrible? I don’t think they will be, but what if they are? What if viewers hate them? Then I might fall off the list altogether! Even worse, I might fall onto another list – The 25 Least Powerful Authors not working in Hollywood. OMG, what would I do then?

Oh, right. Shawn just reminded me. I still have the books. Also, he said to shut up about Hollywood because I am a book writer, not a Hollywood personality. Just give up on it!

So I will. Instead, I will talk about the Maui Writer’s Retreat and Conference.

Just returned from a two week Hawaiian vacation that ended with four nights on Maui. Haven’t been back since we quit attending the conference so it was a bittersweet experience returning to the Grand Wailea and what is now the Wailea Mariott. I spent maybe a dozen years there, teaching and lecturing writers seeking wisdom from those of us who wish we had some. I met so many people I would never have met otherwise, many of whom I am still friends with. Elizabeth George, Susan Wiggs, Karen Joy Fowler, Gail Tsukiyama, Bob Mayer, Dorothy Allison, Liz Engstrom, Andy Cohen, Chris Vogler, and so many more. I revisited all the places we held meetings and classes for the retreat and the conference. Everywhere I went there were memories of the past surfacing out of the places in which they had been hiding.

Dorothy Allison, Elizabeth George, Terry and John Saul, among others.
Dorothy Allison, Elizabeth George, Terry and John Saul, among others.
Bob Mayer, Terry and Jim Clemons (James Rollins)
Bob Mayer, Terry and Jim Clemons (James Rollins)

I was reminded, too, of how many of those students we taught went on to publish books. So many that I am still astounded at the level of success. Those people worked so hard to write their books and publish them, and I remember when I had the same hopes and dreams they had. You want to give back when you are as lucky as I have been, and that was probably the best chance I had to help people trying to get to their foot in the door. It was exciting, challenging, and I do miss it.

Eldon Thompson and his finished novel at his University Bookstore signing.
Eldon Thompson and his finished novel at his University Bookstore signing.
John Saul and Dorothy Allison
John Saul and Dorothy Allison
Terry, Barbara & Ben Bova and Liz Engstom
Terry, Barbara & Ben Bova and Liz Engstom

But some things you can’t go back to. This was one. Now the Maui Writer’s Retreat and Conference is no more.

But what a time we had.

—Terry


3 responses to “25th Most Powerful Author Working In Hollywood: Maui Writers”

  1. My years at the MWC changed my life. Wonderful people and important lessons learned. Thanks to all my brilliant teachers and the outstanding people I met there. After 10 years I’m finally close to finishing my historical novel, Sacred Journey. I hope to join the ranks of the published soon. Thanks Terry.

  2. Dear Mr Brooks I am an avid fan, I read most of your books when I was younger now. I’m in my early fifties and this is the first time I was at your site. It’s nice to see how you all come together. I know you probably have heard this before but if you were to make movies from your books you should start with Magic Kingdom for sale I really think it would be something different and movie wise could be epic. Thanks for all the enjoyable hours you have given to me MJ