I rewrote this post five times. Why? Because I had such a hard time deciding what part of the ACFW Conference or my experiences to highlight!
So here’s a run down of some of the reasons I’m excited to head to St. Louis in September:
- In the past 5 years that I’ve been a member of ACFW, and after having attended the conference 4 of those years, I’ve made so many friends! We have celebrated with each other. Cried with each other. Supported each others’ blogs. Prayed for each other. Going to an ACFW Conference is more than congregating with other writers. It’s a family reunion!
- Volunteer opportunities abound, creating places where an introvert like me can get to know people in a more one-on-one situation and also where I can “give back” to ACFW by helping the various aspects of the conference run smoothly.
- Times in the prayer room grow me in my relationship with the Lord, whether through time in prayer by myself or with another.
- The Awards banquet is a great time to be the body of Christ by rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep.
- Workshops and Continuing Sessions help me hone my writing skills. There is always something new to learn.
- I glean wisdom from successful writers, and I can encourage newer writers.
- Laughter and chocolate abound!
- Editor and Agent appointments not only provide opportunities to pitch our work, but to meet those professionals as real people.
- I get to put on my “writer” hat full time for 4 or 5 whole days. The biggest perk of that: I don’t have to cook dinner or clean it up!
- When the weekend is over, I have so many new friends! I especially love getting to meet people I’ve come to know through email, blogs, twitter and facebook.
Of course this year’s conference will be especially sweet for me since it coincides with the release of my first novel, Wings of a Dream, which happened as a direct result of my involvement in ACFW. I couldn’t ask for a better way to celebrate than with so many I’ve come to know and love!
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12 comments:
All excellent reasons. See you there.
So excited to meet you. And some of my favorite times last year were in the prayer room (and oddly enough...the bar). Huh.
It's so fun to wear that writer hat for an extended amount of time like that.
~ Wendy
Always good to see you, too, Doc!
Can't wait to meet you, Wendy! And wearing my writer hat full time for a few days is one of my favorite parts, because even after publication and the kids growing up, it still doesn't often happen like that in real life!
Can't wait to see you there, Anne, and celebrate the publication of our books this year. What a special time to be at ACFW!
You're one of those friends I met at ACFW - lucky me!! Can't wait to see you and celebrate the release of your book!
So excited about your book! Awesome news and perfect timing for its release!
One of my favorite ACFW memories is the year Gina Holmes and you portrayed Brandilyn Collins and me. PRICELESS! ;)
SO happy to get to celebrate with you, Jillian!
I can't wait to see you, too, Carla! Can't believe how many years we've known each other already. I love that God gifts us with friends!
Ah, Deb. Such wonderful memories! That is one of my favorite, too! And although you probably don't remember it, I "hosted" your workshop that year, too, and what I remember most is that you were so gracious and kind to a very nervous volunteer!
I'm getting more excited! If only September wasn't still two months away!
Oh, how I treasure the moments Doug and I spent huddling on a couch with you at ACFW, while you told us of a publisher's interest in your novel. We were so excited to share this special time with you, and even more thrilled for you now! Count us among your "family."
How fun that your book releases that month!! Maybe I'll see you there. :-)
I treasure those moments, too, Katy. You and Doug are such special people to me. Definitely family!
Hi, Jessica! I'd love to meet you there! And yes, it is very fun that it worked out this way. :)
As much as I love motherhood, it's hard having to put writing on the back burner for a bit, especially when conference season comes around.
You know I understand, Heather. Can't wait to see you next week!
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