Attending a writers’ conference is like being in a surrealistic version of The Wizard of Oz. I left my pets at home, since they wouldn’t fit in my carry-on luggage. Besides TSA agents might consider dust bunnies flammable materials and detain me. Despite some turbulence I was safely transported to the conference via airplane.
Upon landing at a hotel with wicked key cards, I was greeted by my Good Writer Fairy and roommate, Haley Whitehall, who gave me her pitch appointment time. I wasn’t disappointed about not having red shoes like Dorothy, because The Ruby-Slippered Sisterhood had recently awarded me second place in the Make It Golden Contest.
I freed Haley from being locked out of our room, restored the movements of the metal elevator without an oilcan, and encouraged the animated Margie Lawson to join us on the carpeted road of the third floor. We entered the Emerald City Writer’s Conference with hopes that The Great and Powerful Organizers would grant us opportunities to overcome the obstacles to our hearts’ desires.
They did. Haley sold novels at her first book signing, Margie garnered an invitation to present at another writer’s conference, and I received a request from an agent. I was also thrilled to visit with the talented Becky Martinez, Laurie Schnebly-Campbell, Cherry Adair, Meljean Brook, Rose Lerner, and Darynda Jones. Darynda will be critiquing 25 pages of my manuscript, the prize from the Make It Golden Contest.
After repacking my carry-on luggage three times, I bid Haley and Margie farewell and returned home. I was glad to be back with my family and friends in a land where scissors, tweezers, and more than 3.4 oz. liquids are allowed. I was even glad to see my dust bunnies until I realized they had multiplied. Again.
Haley Whitehall promoting her Civil War fiction novels, Living Half Free and Grits and Glory
Historical author, Haley Whitehall, and author / workshop presenter, Margie Lawson
Author / workshop presenter, Laurie Schnebly-Campbell, and author, Haley Whitehall
Sounds like it was a fabulous trip. Can’t wait to hear more details.
Chris, we’ll have a lot to discuss. Congratulations on your multiple offers!-Jillian
Please click on the trackback link below to read Haley Whitehall’s perspective on the same writers’ conference. There’s also a photo of Haley with award-winning Western historical author, Kaki Warner. Haley, thanks for letting me use some of your conference photos on my blog!-Jillian