Greetings from Day 3 in Denver. First, let me start by reporting about yesterday. I got another call from the radio show (see below), and they had a change of plans and asked if they could bring me on another time. I’ll let you know when that is.
Now, for the good stuff.
I arrived Thursday prepared to attend a fiction writer’s retreat. I can’t describe how wonderful it is to be in the midst of like-minded people. We can talk about books, insecurities, editing, etc. and UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER.
The retreat content was amazing, but seeing my friends was my favorite part. We’ve laughed, talked, laughed . . . You see, I know a lot of writers on-line. We email often, praying, encouraging, and supporting each other. Now we get to do the same face to face. Of course, for some of these people I had no idea what their faces looked like! Oh, so you’re the person I’ve emailed every week for the last year!
Today was my last day with these fiction writers. Tonight John and I (he flew in today to be with me) are going to dinner with friends. Tomorrow I’m attending a brunch and a banquet. (Let us see if I can not gain any weight this trip!)
But mostly, I’m smiling because my heart is full and my mind is content. Here are three things I’ve “caught” over the past few days.
1. We’re in this together. Writers shouldn’t see each other as competition, but as a team. God is using “us” to offer hope and truth to the world.
2. Writers love helping each other. They share their favorite tips. They don’t hold back. They give the writing help to others that they enjoy recieving back.
3. God uses falliable people. All of us wish we were perfect, but none of us are. Yet in our weakness, God’s strength is complete. He uses us. He uses our editors. He uses this crazy bookselling world to change OUR hearts.
Okay, more reports to come!
Tricia, I attended CBA three years ago for a book signing and was in awe of the sheer size of the event. It was held in hot, muggy Orlando that year and I thought I was going to melt! (If you attended, you know what I’m describing.)
You’ll return home exhausted but FULL. Those types of gatherings take weeks to process. It sounds like you’re having a great time. I’ve been loving your updates!