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~~Awesome Crit Buds: Me, Heather, Robin & Neen~~Okay, I don't know if it's bad form to talk about all the wonderful things that happened at conference, but I'm going to do it. :-D First, the biggest and most wonderful thing that happened was the healing I received under the guidance of Brandilyn Collins' prayer Thursday night. that completely set the tone for me and my experience during conference. I'll have to admit that I am glad there is no photo of that! Envision red, swollen eyes and a nose to match! :-D
Now...on to the the other really kewl stuff: First, I met up with my crit buddies and that is just the ultimate to be in teh company of such wonderful ladies. I posted the picture with Camy the other day, so this time, I'll do the other photos. LOL
This is from the Early bird session hosted by Colleen Coble and Deb Raney, two absolutely amazing ladies who write some incredible fiction!! I wanna be like them when I grow up! :-D It is so fascinating to listen to them brainstorm stories that belong to other people--and they're just so good at it. I found myself praying that I could be that to others some day.
For me, the next best thing that happened was probably getting to meet Christy award-winning author John Olson. For the conference, I played personal slave to Johnduring the two classes he taught. One was on Thrillers: How to Wirte with Super Glue. The other was on writing CSFF. Both classes were phenomenal. I have never taken so many notes at ANY conference I've ever been to. Seriously. Several of his points hit "home" with me and resonanted so clearly. I bought his book Adrenaline (yeah, I know, I'm a bit behind in my reading list! *sigh*) and got it autographed. In John, I found a new friend and as he said in his autograph, a "kindred spirit." I look forward to seeing more of John's writing on the bookshelves. the guys' just way kewl, very intelligent (hello? Can you say computational biochemist???), and has a passion for writing (gave up his day job to enter ministry of writing and speaking). Thanks, John!! Can't wait to meet up with you again next year!
Ah, good friends, good times! I met Amanda Bostic last year. She was filling in at the time for another editor (she's an editor at WestBow) and I was her first-ever pitch. :-D I think we were both equally nervous--but maybe I was worse. LOL Anyway, we got to hang out last year, and it didnt' take me long to recognize the jewel that she is. I just love her! I felt like a million bucks when she walked down the corridor this year and spotted me, threw her arms wide and hugged me. It was so great--like a homecoming. She is so down to earth and so very sweet. If you haven't met Amanda yet, make sure you put her on your list of "have to" next year.
Wow--have I mentioend that this was an awesome conference? God was soooo good to me, as He always is! Thsi is a picture of me with fabulous author, Lisa Harris. She is a missionary living in South Africa, and it was such a great blessing to get to see her. Of course, time was against us--we didn't get more than an hour together--and that was during breakfast. I miss her so much already. If you haven't read any of Lisa's books, they really are a must. She's such a very good writer!!
My secret is out! You'll find my smiling mug up there with all the other science-fiction/fantasy authors. A get-together was held Thursday night (yes, I was late--that's when Brandilyn was praying for me LOL). As you can see, we're an odd, but very happy bunch. You'll find in there buddy John Olson, dragon WRITER (although RIDER might work) Bryan Davis, and Realms-published T.L Higley.
Well, I cannot post all these fabulous pictures without saying that besides seeing all these great friends, I did have some wonderful experiences with editors and an agent. It's as if...no, it IS the handiwork of God following the miraculous healing Thursday night. I'm so very blessed!!
I've returned from the FABULOUS ACFW CONFERENCE in Dallas. God did some really MIGHTY things that only He could have done. I'll be writing about those next week...but not now. For now, I have to write a research paper, read the next chapter in my psychology book, study for a test, take the test, and go out of town for a funeral--all before Sunday. *sigh*
My buds all gussied up:Camy Tang, Me, Dineen Miller, Heather Tipton, Robin Cynclair Miller
Aye, well, tomorrow is the beautiful day that my friends and Me con'ene in Dallas at a beautiful hotel for the writer's confarnce o' our belo'ed Acfw. Aye, me parrot concurs. Arrr, the weeks up t' now have been fraught with stress, ups, downs, and those times whar you just want t' hide under the co'ers and make the world go away. Gar, Where can I find a bottle o'rum?
-------------------------Arrr, but no more, gar! Tis' time t' party, gar!
Aye, i'm so excited for this confarnce. I'm determined t' rest, enjoy the time with friends God has gracioulsy gi'en me, and make new friends--and pray for those who be pitchin' their stories. Aye. Ahoy, o' course, I'll post pictures when Me come back.
I'd like t' lea'e e'eryone with one thought--God is workin' in your life. He is Act'e, not passi'e. Rejoice in what He's doin'!, shiver me timbers!
(Okay, that was a Pirate translation from:http://www.talklikeapirateday.com/translate/index.php Way kewl...y'all should check it out.) Also, as provided by Glass Road Productions, here are more links:
Here are additional links you can add to your blog for more pirates games:
[Click Here] to learn your Pirate name through a scientific quiz.
[Click Here] to gain a Pirate name the easy way.
[Click Here] for a modern Pirate Song.
[Click Here] for a great site about Pirates.
I've joined the ranks of mothers who are homeschooling and writing and doing a plethora of other things in a blog called Writer...Interrupted. My first post, Special Kids with Special Needs, is up now. Please, stop by and check it out.
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No, there is no particular reason that I've posted Audrey's picture here. I just wanted something that reflects me...and well, I'm an Audrey Hepburn lover, so I decided to post that. :-D (BTW: that's from her movie, Roman Holiday.)
Life gets a little tough, doesn't it? I've had a very tough emotional and stress-filled week, making decisions I don't enjoy making. And why is it that each question I must answer is dependent on other things--other questions, which do not have answers yet, either? *sigh* Where is the manual to this thing called life?? How can I access the 4-1-1 on this phase? I have a direct connection to the Ultimate Powersource (for those not caught up on caffeine and such, that's GOD!). But what do you do when He's silent? When it seems the only thing you hear is the air rushing between your ears? For me, this season is challenging, filled with uncertainties--but when I take the time to sit and worship--KAPOW! God is right there. I sense His "sunshine" glimmering over my gloom and haze-consumed world. No, I still don't have answers, but simply knowing He is right there with me...I'm able to go on.
What about you??
Former fiction manager JEFF GERKE, a long-time advocate for those of us with a bent toward the weirder side of fiction, has launched a FANTASTIC website for Christian Science Fiction & Fantasy called WHERE THE MAP ENDS This site has a plethora of information, resources, and services made available. It includes editorial services by the master himself, Mr. Gerke, and links to CSFF websites, artists, authors, and interviews -- first one is FRANK PERETTI!!
This site is a great relief for those of us who love CSSF. I'd set the WHERE THE MAP ENDS site so that you're updated when it's updated. :-D You won't want to miss out on this baby. Oh! And Jeff even makes mention of MARCHER LORD PRESS, a "twinkle in his eye" publishing company for all things CSSF. I'm very excited, since he told me months back that I'd be his poster child. LOL
