My weekend conference was wonderful. Exhausting, overwhelming, intimidating and wonderful. Here are a few of the highlights:

• In Rachelle Gardner’s class on writing book proposals that sell, I learned that I’ve been doing a pretty good job of technically following the guidelines. Now as to quality of content . . . well, I’m trying to be confident about that, too.
• I took a great class about writing devotions. I’ve tried my hand at this with one publication and thought I might try to do more. Maybe I’ll test a devotion or two on you!
• In Blythe Daniel’s class on marketing your book I learned that it’s basically about doing really good PR. Hey, that’s what I’ve been doing (for employers) for 17 years!
• Esther Fedorkevich led a session that should have been called, “Publishing Realities.” It was incredibly refreshing–she was very upfront about the challenges, trials and tribulations that come with trying to write a book, finding an agent and getting a publishing contract. Turns out success has more to do with LOTS OF HARD WORK and EXCELLENT WRITING than it does with luck. This is one of those things you know, but need someone to say flat out.
• Ann Voskamp, author of “One Thousand Gifts” gave the Saturday night talk. It was lovely, just like her book and her blog. Check her out and start making your own list.