Lessons Learned from a Girl's First Writing Conference

Last week, I got to attend a fabulous three day writing conference at BYU. Although I have pages upon pages upon more pages of notes all about wonderful things I learned, here's the things I learned that didn't land in my notes:

1) I learned that when a famous author of over 50 books, 8 of which were New York Times bestsellers, singles me out for a lighthearted chat about a movie he just presented, it can give me a high for days. Even if I haven't read any of his books.

2) I learned not to assume that a really large hairy man encroaching on my space is smelly. And, I learned that he might even be wearing a jacket with very soft sleeves.

3) I learned something from another author of over 50 books, 12 of which are in my husband's ALL TIME FAVORITE series of books that he reads and re-reads quite often. This fine author sat at a table for a booksigning, looking regal in his three piece suit, complete with a handkerchief in his breast pocket. He had an air about him that suggested "Sir" should have preceded his name on his book covers. When he pulled a gift out of his bag for me to take home to my sweet hubby and then signed it, I learned that all of my previous inclinations of how to act around someone who looks like they must have been knighted at some point go out the door. "You are so cool!" burst from my lips followed by a very girlish giggle. I hope he took my exclamation and titter for what it really was: me, bowing so deep in gratitude and respect that I could almost kiss the floor.

4) I also learned that when I tell this same author what MY favorite of his series' is and he says "Then you will probably like this book, too," I quickly buy it without question. And remind myself to act proper as he signs it.

5) I learned that when I walk up to the one author I respect above all other authors and give him the exact compliment that he most wanted to hear, it is magic.

6) I learned that when I sit on the first row, right in front of a panel of men and women who are giants in their field and who are willingly sharing their knowledge with me, I have to keep reminding myself "Self, people get weirded out when strangers give them hugs. Don't do it."

7) I learned that when I am in the presence of a huge room full of people (published and unpublished) who have the same compulsions to write that I do, the resulting feeling is beyond words.