Writing Conferences

Benefits?

• Uh, get to meet friends again.
• Get to eat food I don't prepare. Smile
• Get to eat more chocolate.
• Get to smooze with big-shot writers. Hmmm.
• Get to talk about my writing (that is, when I can get in a word edgewise with other people who are so busy talking about theirs. Looks like people would be more considerate when I've got lots to say about mine!)
• Get to listen to in-the-know people who have something interesting and important, and most of all, beneficial to my writing.
• Get to present my proposals to editors.

Downside of it all?

• Well, duh, I'm worn out.
• I'm also hyped up for days.
• I have to talk to people, specifically to editors when I'd just as soon let Diana do, but know I can't.
• Gotta do all that boring stuff like get ready for conference: packing, research comparable books, write proposals, polish, polish, polish
• Overcome all my nervousness.
• Endure all the pressure.

So, I should quit, you think?

Now that's where you'd be wrong, cause one little ole book contract will make me forget all that stuff.

At least until it's time to do it again.

Quote:

One of life's mysteries is how a 2-pound box of candy can make a woman gain 5 pounds.

Blessings

Blessings

Nerves!


Upset stomach.
Trembling hands.
Dread.
Fear.
Unknown people.
Anticipation.
Excitement.
Traveling.
Money.
Meetings.

It's time to talk conference. Writing conference, that is. Registration begins this week and already my stomach is feeling the effects.

Some may very well ask: Is it going to do any good, spending the money and all that time?

Yes.
And no.

More exposure.
A chance to talk to editors again. There were five that showed interest enough to ask me to submit last year. Sigh. And although I've not heard from any I've submitted to -- yet! Remember, it takes them several months (years?) ususally -- if I poke my face in their faces enough, maybe I'll catch their attention. If my writing is good enough. Sigh. Again.
A chance to check out agents again. I might not be quite ready for one, but who knows when I could use a good one. . .
A time to pow wow with other writers. To strengthen my ties with people of my calling. To learn from those in the know--whether editors, agents, authors, or just the unpublished. To receive encouragement and confirmation that, yes, I am doing what I'm suppose to be doing. To wait on God's word to me . . .

Money? Time? Hard Work? Yes to all of it. But is it worth it? Uh huh. Yep. Sure is.



ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. Watch for Teresa Slack's interview coming up next week -- June 8th. She's got a new book coming out soon.
   
2. Big Father's Day contest June 12--15th. Keep those eyes peeled!
   

Want to do more, Dad? Here's a few ideas that will make you a definite part:

1. Remember she has to look after the child nearly all day long, and the strain of this can get her down if you don't lend a hand when you get home.

2. Make a point of listening carefully to what your partner has to say about the child and discussing the child with her.

3. Take an equal interest in parents meetings, and in the books and pamphlets that are available.

4. See that you have plenty of family outings so that your child has interesting things to talk about.

Today I'm asking you a "writing" trivia question. See if you know what it means:
POV What do these letters stand for in a writer's world? Here are three answers. Choose one.

1. Person over vexed. (Person -- writer -- stressed out way too much.)
2. People over valued. (Using characters too much.)
3. Point of view. (The way a character reacts, etc.)



Quote:
Persistent people begin their success where others end in failure. -- Edward Eggleston


Blessings