In a week I’ll be experiencing my first American Christian Fiction Writers conference. That means I’ll be in a hotel with six hundred or so people who do what I do. Write. I’m equal parts excited and intimidated.
This isn’t my first writing conference–I’ve been to several closer to home. There’s a great conference about twenty minutes from my house. But here’s what’s different about this trip: I’m not striving.
In the past I went to conferences to learn, sure, but I also wanted to meet agents and editors. To make connections that had the potential to make my dream of publication come true. But that dream is well underway. I have an agent. I have an editor. I have a contract to write three books. (Gulp.)
This time I can go to the conference and really focus on learning without stressing about pitching my novel. I can connect in person with people I’ve met on-line. I can just sit back and take it all in.
Of course, I’ll also get to do some business. Talk career goals with my agent. Talk marketing with folks from the publishing house. Finally meet the people who are partnering with me in telling the stories God has given me.
I’m still a little bit in shock over this whole business. When you want something for a long time getting it can take you by surprise. It’s still sinking in that I’ll soon be a published author. And I’m SO looking forward to celebrating that fact with my on-line, writer friends next week.
What a blessing!
I’m choking up like a fool just reading this.
You know how much this conference means and I can hardly wait to meet you!!!!!!!!!!
Isn’t it strange to get to meet someone you already KNOW?!?
I know!! Totally surreal! I’m pretty sure I’ll cry. So plan ahead.
As a fellow writer, and Bookie, I’m looking forward to meeting you, Sarah! I’m going to pitch, but I am so not stressing. I’m going to kick back and have a great time with friends and enjoy meeting new ones. 🙂
Excellent plan–see you soon!
Can hardly wait for your report of the conference and the announcement of your book.
Thanks–I’m pretty eager to share!
I’m so excited for you and can’t wait for your report back. Must be like Christmas and birthday and every other holiday all rolled into one!
No, that was the book deal This is more like a really awesome Halloween and Thanksgiving.
I can imagine it’ll be thrilling to meet everyone in person, esp. all your writer friends and your AGENT! Not to mention your pub house people. So excited and hope you update us on what you learn. Also take lots of pics!
I’m a TERRIBLE picture taker. But I’ll aim to do better!