The conference was packed with workshops, authors, and women vying for the same dream as I have. To learn what we can, meet new people and the chance to pitch our work to agents and editors. Everyone I met was friendly and had wonderful stories to share about their lives and their journeys as a writer.
For instance, while in line to pitch, there was a woman standing across from me. She was half my size and held a cane in her hand. Her smile lit up the room and we couldn't help but talk to her. One lady asked her what she wrote.
"Sweet, contemporary romance," she said, beaming with pride.
Another lady asked her her age and with a sparkle in her eye, she answered, "I'm 91."
We were amazed. I would have never guessed her age. She looked at us ladies and said, "I am published eight times with Avon and my first book was published when I was 80, so you girls keep writing. It's never to late."
I thought about her often and the words she said to us. It made my goal and dreams even more reachable because I know there is no deadline. When I was sitting in a class and looked around, I saw her again and I wanted to thank her for her words of wisdom. I didn't have the opportunity since class began, but I can tell you she will never be forgotten by me. Just goes to show you that you are never to old to follow your dreams!!!!
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| Jacquelyn Franks and I |
My other experiences in the conference are just as memorable. I took classes taught by Brenda Novak, Jacquelyn Franks, and Cara Elliot. Amazing women!!!I also met one of my favorite Authors, Hannah Howell. Suzanne Brockmann gave us a wonderful speech at one of our meals and it left a few of us in tears. Words of wisdom to be sure! I also have to say that the women I mentioned were very down to earth and so friendly! Lizzie, Melissa, and I had the best time getting to know Jackie and I can tell you.... she can dance!!!
The classes I took were very helpful. How to make your hero sound more like a man, How to make your historical come to life, How to get the most our of your CP's, contests, and workshops, World Building, etc. The choices were many and I had a hard time choosing.
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| Hannah Howell and I |
I also had the chance to meet some of the women from my Celtic Hearts group. After having these ladies live within my computer for a year or two, it was great to finally get to meet them in person. I want to thank Terri Brisbin, Eliza Knight, and Kim Killion for making me not feel like a first timer and for being so warm and friendly in person as they have always been on line!
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| Brenda Novak and I |
Thanks for stopping by and sharing my first time conference experience with me and I hope to meet you at the next one!
