Work Out for my Brain

This last weekend, I attended the 20th Annual ANWA Writer's Conference.  It was held in the fabulous Hilton hotel in Mesa, AZ. (The last time I went there was for my junior prom, remember that Trevor?)  I was able to share a room with 3 wonderful new friends which made the cost minimal so I splurged and stayed the night.
Some of the members of the Queen Creek Creators

There were classes on critiquing, editing, publishing, characterization, magazine writing, freelance writing, pitching and query letters and so much more.  I can't even begin to tell you how fabulous it was.  We mingled with agents and publishers, we ate some delicious food and worked on honing our writing talents.

I am ever so grateful to be a part of such a wonderful group of women who are as crazy about writing as I am.  I was in awe of meeting some of my favorite authors in person and getting to know them as friends.  What I came away from the conference was the confidence to move forward with my dream of publishing and even the possibility of doing a little freelance work and make some money while I polish my manuscript.

The ideas are spewing from my brain faster than I can get them down on paper sometimes and I have to take a break from what I'm doing just to regroup.  I have notes everywhere and finally got them organized last night so I can sit down and put them to paper.

I have decided that anyone can write a story, but it is the rare few who can go to the excruciating task of editing and revising, then editing and revising over and over again until it is perfect.  I hope to be one of those people someday.  In the meantime, I will plug away at my story and hope that in the end it will be an inspiration to others who read it.

ANWA Conference 2012 Roommates
Kudos to Mr. Mom who took Friday off work to take kids to the Dr., change poopy diapers, make dinner and help everyone get their chores done so I could come home to a somewhat clean house.  I am truly blessed.

Lastly, I am so grateful for the dear friends I made.  Not only are some of them published authors, they are just downright wonderful women.  I am grateful to be in their company and glean knowledge from their experience.

I'm already looking forward to 2013!  For more information, please visit www.anwa-lds.com

Comments

  1. Rachel KeppnerFebruary 29, 2012 at 2:43 PM

    It WAS wonderful! And I'm really grateful that you put the widget on your blog, or I would have never known about it. :)

    I'm an on-again, off-again writer, but the conference inspired me to do more, and try things that scare me.

    I think I saw you there, but I was too shy to introduce myself-- dumb, huh? :-p But I did want to thank you for referring me to the conference, and giving me a wonderful experience.

    Happy writing!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. StacyMarch 1, 2012 at 6:47 AM

      Oh! How I wish I would have gotten your last name! I kept my eyes open for you and once I was going to stand up and yell "Mama Rachel!" but I chickened out, ha ha. I'm so glad you had a wonderful experience. I can truly say that since the first conference, I have not been the same. Keep in touch.

      Delete
  2. Heidi L. MurphyMarch 1, 2012 at 12:01 PM

    Hey, MY knight-in-shining-armor came and FETCHED me home and even took me to dinner on the way! Can't top THAT.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. StacyMarch 1, 2012 at 1:55 PM

      I cannot top that. I got home and bathed the babies, cleaned up the kitchen, prepared my primary lesson and the whole time my husband and older kids were in Tucson with our best friends. I fell asleep long before he got home. Then, he left on Monday to spend the week in Seattle. You win.

      Delete
  3. RaejeanMarch 2, 2012 at 1:09 PM

    I enjoyed rooming with you and the conference was fantastic! I wish I would have known you were looking for Rachel; I sat next to here at lunch on Friday.

    ReplyDelete
  4. StacyMarch 2, 2012 at 1:34 PM

    Oh Raejean, that is too bad, you could have introduced us:) I had a blast with you guys. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete

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