This is what I wrote:
I got lucky when Hubby pretty much shoved me into my first SCBWI conference--in 2005 (I didn't think I was ready). I had arranged to meet a few writers for dinner through the SCBWI message board, and headed up to my room directly after.
Hubby was glad I went to dinner--but told me to get out of my room and go to the bar. I hate going places alone, but he said I needed to meet people. That's what he'd do. I circled the lobby several times before getting a glass of wine and reading the conference schedule. A group of writers were celebrating the success of one of their members, and invited me to join them. They gave me amazing tips--and I've attended some of my favorite conferences because of them (Chautauqua, Rutgers One-on-One Plus, and the Poconos Retreat). It was such a great first step for me--and I feel so lucky to have met such helpful writers, and lucky to have an understanding husband who helped me follow my love of writing and dream of publication.
I didn't write this, but I also feel lucky because:
* I have an amazing family.
* I have incredible friends--in person as well as online.
* I'm doing something I LOVE every day.
* Florida has an awesome SCBWI chapter--one that is supportive, active, and manages to get some of the best faculty around.
* I am so grateful that I'm working with my mentor, Joyce Sweeney. Having her in FL and being able to work closely with her has really helped my writing improve!
So why do you feel lucky?
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
- Mood:
contemplative
Profile
![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif)
mindyalyse- Mindy Alyse
Page Summary
- anngatti : (no subject) [+1]
- (Anonymous) : (no subject) [+1]
- artistq : (no subject) [+1]
Comments
Question: Are you in Florida? I have never been to a conference but I'm hoping to attend one in the near future. Perhaps the next time that there is one in Disney I'll try to go.
The revision two day track looks amazing--I think I might go for that. In the past, I've taken YA twice, MG, and PB. Let me know if you're able to go! Like I said before, I feel very lucky to be part of such a wonderful, active SCBWI region. Everyone is so helpful and friendly! And you can get to know more FL members through the Facebook site, if you want.
Elliah Terry
Knowing you online, I'd never guess that you'd hide under the covers. It was such a huge conference--I believe it was just under 1100 participants. I would have had a much harder time walking in if I hadn't met a writer through the SCBWI message boards, and arranged to have dinner with her and a few other writers my first night in NY.
Now, I can't wait to attend conferences--I'm completely addicted! I love seeing writing friends again and meeting new ones--especially from my critique groups, LJ, and the Blueboards.
YaY for mentors! :)