Post Conference Thoughts

I'm home three days now from the ACFW Conference in Minneapolis. This was our seventh, and thus, my seventh conference.

As always, I love my time there and am exhausted by Friday morning, but always come home with some regrets. I didn't meet enough new people, or I didn't get to hang out with long time friends, or I missed a good workshop.

Randy Ingermanson, who clearly doesn't have a life, wrote a long detailed, day-by-day account of his conference experience, and while I aspire to great heights most of the time, I'm not sure I can match Randy's high standard.

Highlights

I needed to connect with a publishing professional. I'd cried on his shoulder at last year's conference and he listened, advised, and affirmed me. I'd emailed him an update in the spring, but he didn't respond. So, hmm, I'd wondered if he'd gotten it. He didn't.

So, we sorta made our way toward each other and he said, "So...., how are things..." And I knew he didn't get my email. I was able to update him, again be affirmed by this wise man. It meant so much to me.

I'd lost SLEEP earlier this year over some issues, and his words to me in Minneapolis were exactly what I needed to hear. I praise God for Christians in our publishing world who really reflect the heart of Jesus.

Thank you! You know who you are.

Chip MacGregor

He is so funny. I am still laughing at some of his agent stories. I also have a lot of respect for him as an industry professional.

Allen Arnold

Spending a few hours with him during down time, as well as other attendees, catching up, sharing stories, hearing the back story of a project I'm working on for Thomas Nelson.

Allen also presented a great Early Bird, and an informative Late Night Chat on questions authors should ask their publishers.

The Board

I always love the joint Board meeting - Operating and Advisors. It's just good to be in a room, talking about ideas, seeing where ACFW is going.

Getting to know....

Jocelyn Bailey from Thomas Nelson. She's lovely, and I'm hearing, a great addition to the Nelson team. I can see it!

Beth Jusino, Beth Adams, Andy Meisenheimer, Rachelle Gardner, who so kindly ran down to Barnes & Noble for me during the Mall of America book signing to buy my books so I had something on the table with me.

All around me, the other authors had books, displays, candy, stress donuts, dancing clowns... Okay maybe no dancing clowns. All I had bookmarks. It was funny. Thank you, Rachelle!

I also got to know some great new friends from My Book Therapy Voices. Jenness, Tracy, Denice and Lisa. Also met a new writer Chris Kraft, and Sara and her mom Lynn. I know there were more, so if I left off your name, post a comment!

I do love meeting with attendees and knowing new people. OH, I met Golden Parsons who is a new historical author with Nelson, and Beth who's coming out with a Amish book with Nelson.

And Jenny B. Jones! So good to really connect with her and she definitely wins the "most excited about. . ." award. I appreciate you, friend!

I also met Jennifer Anderson, who worked tirelessly with Susie and me to pull off the My Book Therapy Pizza Party! I was amazed by her. So creative and dedicated. Thank you, Jennifer!

Loved connecting with Elizabeth Musser, and Debbie Giusti who is a fellow Buckeye! Spent time with Sara Sumpolec, and Love Inspired authors, as the list goes on.

Late Saturday hung with the Barbour folks. I loved that Annalisa Daughtey won her category of the Genesis and a BOOK CONTRACT! We brainstormed her stories with her last year, and she's too, too cute and sweet! Yay!!!

Didn't get to spend enough time with Christine Lynxwiler or Susan Downs, nor Susie Warren though we roomed together. She was busy. ;) Missed having Tracey Bateman there!

Chatted with Rusty Shelton from Phoenix and Phoenix Publicity, and editors from Waterbrook and Tyndale.

Lots of chatting going on, no?

I loved the worship team! Such a great group with worshipper hearts, every single one! Thank you guys so much. It was also an honor to have my "girls" there this year, Cassie Campbell who played guitar for the team, and Carrie Campbell who gave her support and new drummer skills for Harp & Bowl.

Conference is a great experience. Something that pushes me forward. Now? It's time to write! Best get to it.