Last year, I was almost homeless. Well, for or a night anyway. I'd booked a room for the ACFW conference in Dallas, but needed to fly in a night early, and the hotel was full. That's how popular this event has become. Thankfully, author Cara Putman came to my rescue and invited me to share her room for the night since her own roommate wouldn't arrive until the next day.I'd never attended this conference before, but had heard of its reputation. Kathryn Cushman (A Promise to Remember) and I flew in together from LAX, feasting on chocolate and Xanax (um, wait, that second morsel was mine alone ;0) Okay, so I'm not a good flyer? It doesn't stop me from traveling, as I've been over the pond, as they say, as well as across the country many times.
Ahem. Where was I? Oh yeah, the conference. If you've been following the ACFW conference blog tour, you've probably read about the non-stop lobby gatherings that run all day, every day of the event (you know, in between all that eating and learning). Anyway, Katie and I found a couch that first night with a clear view of the hotel's sliding lobby doors. People watching at its finest.
"Hey, isn't that?"
"Psst...look what bestseller just came in."
"Omg--she looks just like her blog picture!"
Did I mention that I met Colleen Coble and Diann Hunt in (different) bathroom lines? Try being tongue-tied with a full bladder! Lol...I also sat in on classes by other fabulous authors such as Susan Meissner, Susan May Warren, and Rachel Hauck. I love learning, and their classes offered me fresh perspectives, innovative techniques, and lots of discussion with writers at all levels.
If you've ever wanted to write a novel, especially one with elements of faith, the ACFW conference is the place to start. You'll make new friends (Cara and I had never even met before she got stuck hearing me snore all night!), meet some of your favorite authors (bathroom lines are good for that), and most importantly, learn from accomplished and amazingly giving teachers.
This year the conference will be in Minneapolis, MN with a multi-author booksigning on Saturday at the Mall of America. You can find out more info here. Also, check out the ACFW POSTS on my sidebar to read about some of my adventures last year (including meeting Vader's Mom face to face). And you can also visit the ACFW conference blog for more attendee insights.
Have a beachy day--wherever you are!
Posts
5 comments:
Great post, Julie.
I had a great time at the conference last year, too.
I met author Julie Carobini! She's a great writer and quite beautiful!
Rachel
Bummer that I can't come this year. I'm in MN for work sometimes, but not during that time.
You were a great roommate -- and got much more than you bargained for! But it was such fun to finally meet the author who's books I love.
Thanks so much, Gals! You made me blush :*)
Well, Julie, you and I only spoke briefly a few times in the bookstore, but it was great fun. Your books are just like you -- funny, quirky and a true delight!
Looking forward to seeing you again in Minneapolis...and this time, I'll have books to sign! Wahoo!
You. Me. Some chocolate. And the Mall of America!!! Look out, Minneapolis! The fiction authors are descending. :)
Post a Comment