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Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Preparing for the LDStorymakers Conference

by Rebecca Talley

I'm leaving Thursday to attend the LDStorymakers Conference 2010. It's like Christmas! I'm so excited. I can't wait to see friends from previous years that have become even better friends through interaction on the internet and I'm looking forward to meeting new people and making new friends.

Thursday night I'll be going to the CFI authors' dinner. I even get to dress up. Can't wait!

Saturday I'll be teaching a class at the conference on writing short stories. If you're attending the conference and are thinking about coming to my class, we'll be analyzing, "The Gift of the Magi." We'll be looking for a pattern and I'll share a technique I use for writing short stories. This technique can be expanded for novels as well.

I have an appointment with editor, Krista Marino, and I'm looking forward to learning from her and listening to her insights. She agreed to read submissions for the appointments ahead of time so I'm interested to hear her feedback. It's always a good experience to meet with editors and agents because you can learn so much.

I'm excited to see if any of my friends won in the First Chapter Contest. I entered a chapter a few years ago and won 3rd place. That chapter was published in my book, Heaven Scent. I found the judges' comments very helpful. I  remember being in shock when I won. I believe those that won 1st and 2nd place that year have since had their books published as well. The results of the contest each year are so exciting and I get all goosebumpy for my friends.

I will be able to sell my books in the bookstore and if I'm brave enough, I might sign up for a signing time. I'm not sure I have that much courage :).

The only downside to the conference is that there are too many classes from which to choose. I'd like to attend all the classes and I've found it hard to only pick one each time. I'm amazed at the classes offered this year. Every year this conference gets better and better. I've heard there's well over 400 attendees.

I love this time of year. I love to be around so many others who love writing. I love to learn more so I can write better. I love the buzz and excitement that fills the air. Only 48 hours until I leave  . . .

Be sure to say "hello" if you're attending. It will be a fabulous weekend.

9 comments:

Kimberly Job said...

Glad to hear the someone else feels hesitant to sign up for a time to sign books. What is it about it that's so scary--maybe the fact that I don't want to be the only author sitting there without anyone asking me to sign a book.

Looking forward to seeing you. Safe travels!

Elizabeth Mueller said...

Hi Cheri! I can't wait to go, too! I'm so excited to see you there. Is your sis in law coming?

Kim--dance around your table and do jumping jacks! ;)

Stephanie Humphreys said...

I'll say hello. I miss the days when the conference was smaller, too. It was like one big family. Now it's like several generations of a big family where you don't know all the cousins and can't quite figure out how everyone is related, you just know they all belong. See you in a few days.

sweetsue said...

I hope you have a wonderful time!

INSIDE THE SHRINK said...

I'm excited for you to have this opportunity. I am in the process of completing two non-fiction Christian books and collaborating with an author/friend on a series of Christian children's books. I am connecting with as many sources as possible to get further in the process. We plan to attend writers' seminars in the near future and are in the process of securing an agent. It's following people such as yourself that helps me get further along. Thanks for sharing.

Rebecca Talley said...

Thanks for your comments. Kim, that's exactly how I feel. With my luck, I'd be at the same table as Rachel Nunes and I'd feel really dorky.

It's going to be a great weekend. Can't wait!

Gregg Metcalf said...

Congrats and good luck!

Cheri Chesley said...

I didn't know there was a CFI Authors' dinner on Thursday. Is that something I get to look forward to next year? :)

Cindy Beck, author said...

It was fun seeing you at the Cedar Fort Author's Dinner and the Conference!