I'm Back!

I came back from the conference and hit the ground running: work, an Atlas Takes Aim show, more work, blah, blah, blah.

It's been like life doesn't want me to have a minute to reflect. But reflect I will gosh darn it. I've got to get ready for work in a few minutes so here's an abbreviated version of some of the takeaways from the conference:

• Mom was right when she said "It never hurts to ask". It also never hurts to start a conversation with the conference attendees sitting next to you (I have a really cool story I'm going to tell you later about this). Especially when you approach your conversations thinking how you can help the person.

Did you know deer live in the desert?
I saw deer at the conference. This is
not one of them but I can't find my
camera so this is what you get.

• In the same vein, go up and talk to that author across the room whom you admire. If they are anything like the fabulous Kersten Hamilton or Jan Johnson they will make your conference experience awesome by taking an interest in you as a person and giving you some advice to think about.

• You can't go to every single class, lecture and event the conference is holding and if you try you will burn yourself out on the first day. Pace yourself and if you need to take a break, take a break.

• God is still more interested in you as his child than you as a writer. Even if your writing is the sauce. 

• If you have to wake up in the middle of the night to pump and will have to walk outside in 25 degree weather (however briefly) to get to the bathroom, you will be happy you spent the extra money four years ago to buy real Uggs, rather than those knockoffs you were eyeing at Target.

Word.

:) billie