The motion of a dozen pens fills the air with staccato stipples and rapidly pulled scratches, while a few other writers tinker at the buttons on their text machines. Every few minutes, a writer rushes to a lectern to share a germane phrase with their fellows. The air is abuzz with ingenuity and the aroma of strong tea. Applauding a colleague as she retakes her seat, the group of colorful wordsmiths make no attempt to hide their delight. There is no sniping or veiled insults here—in these hallowed halls, language and art are one, and practitioners of all levels are to be encouraged with fervor and aplomb!
