In two weeks I’m headed to the beautiful YMCA of the Rockies for my first ever writer’s conference. As I prepare for that few days away from my family, I am filled with excitement and a little apprehension. My friend Kristi and I will be staying in her cabin in Estes Park, and I will know a few people at the conference, but I’m intimidated by all that I don’t know. We talked about conference preparedness at one of my writer’s groups last week, which helped, but I’m feeling a strong need to be myself even if I might do things a little differently than some of the more experienced attendees. I want to fit in and yet stick with what works for me, you know?
The 4 day conference will be filled with making friends, general sessions led by phenomenal speakers, and what I’m most excited about, attending a variety of workshops. There are so many to choose from! I started marking off those I’m most interested in, and quickly realized I’m totally on the non-fiction track. I think that suits me. I’m looking forward to soaking up the knowledge the speakers have to share with me. Here are a few of the workshops I’m planning on attending: Writing Compelling True Stories (Creative Nonfiction), Writing in the Niches: How to Identify, Connect With, and Maximize Your Audience, Map to Magazine Writing, and The Literature of Personal Disaster.
So where does the apprehension come in? Being asked, “So what do you write?” and not knowing how to answer. Do I say I’m a blogger? An anthology contributor? I know what I am NOT, and I’m still figuring out what I AM. Is it a good thing to be clearly defined? It is in the writing world, and I’m not there yet. I’m hoping this conference will give me some direction and confidence about where I’m headed. I’m going to do my best to leave my expectations at home.
All the talk I’ve heard about “selling yourself” makes me nervous too. I hear this is one of the more relaxed conferences where jeans aren’t totally frowned upon, which is good since that’s what I’m most comfortable wearing. I can dress jeans up a little with a cute shirt, so I’m going to dress like me and not worry about looking “professional” this time around. I’m not planning any meetings with Agents or Editors, so no business suits, but no pink fuzzy slippers either. 🙂
“Write His Answer” is the theme this year. The website says, “If you long for your words to make a difference in the lives of your readers, if your heart’s desire is to be encouraged and equipped to write about a God who is real, who is reachable, and who changes lives…” Yes! That’s me! Please pray that God will give me His direction in how to accomplish that goal like only I can.
Niki, you will fit right in, no doubt. Stick with what works for you and be yourself. Even though you are a blogger, you are not just a blogger. You could write many books on the topics you have blogged about.
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I heard about this christian writer’s conference while I was in Estes Park in April at a ladies christian conference. I plan to go next year in 2010. Would like to hear what you enjoyed the must about the conference.
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Tanya,
Thanks for stopping by my blog. My favorite part of the conference was being surrounded by people who share my passion for the written word. Every level of skill was represented- from the woman who recently discovered she had a story to tell, to the guy who has been in publishing for 30+ years. I loved the opportunity to inspire others to keep pressing on during the difficult times, as well as the times I was soaking up advice and wisdom from those who have walked the path before me. It was a wonderful four days! I took 22 pages of notes that I am working on applying to my life and writing, and I came home with a plan. That alone made it worth my time. I hope to meet you there next year, if not before. 🙂
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Do you know when/why the conference is/was for 2010?
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You can get all the current information about the 2010 conference on the website, which is hyper-linked for you above.
Sadly, I will not be able to attend this year, but I am already making plans for next year’s conference. 😉
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I want to finish my books and find God’s life for me up there.
I pray that God make the way for me to get there to you.
Blessings multiplied!
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