tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314337119339520012.post5972506740605050064..comments2024-03-27T04:44:56.042-04:00Comments on A Word of Encouragement: Why I Wouldn't Attend Writers' ConferencesLaura Hodges Poolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03922456545952355890noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314337119339520012.post-80907642275401825812012-12-07T09:27:14.750-05:002012-12-07T09:27:14.750-05:00Tina, thank you for all your kind words about Blue...Tina, thank you for all your kind words about Blue Ridge. This is exactly what we try to do with this conference. As we move forward with 2013 it helps to know we're on the right track! Blessings, EdieEdie Melsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03902312441667526147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314337119339520012.post-12517316327825444772012-12-07T09:26:03.445-05:002012-12-07T09:26:03.445-05:00Laura, you're so right! All of us felt this wa...Laura, you're so right! All of us felt this way when we started out. Thanks so much for sharing this!Edie Melsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03902312441667526147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314337119339520012.post-773938909044753632012-12-07T08:44:20.131-05:002012-12-07T08:44:20.131-05:00What a great testimonial for attending conferences...What a great testimonial for attending conferences! I can feel your enthusiasm. You've captured the essence of a conference quite well. The rejuvenation, growth, and friendships you gain is invaluable. Your short introduction is perfect. If someone is interested beyond that, they'll usually ask. The Blue Ridge is another one on my list. I've heard from other writers it's a great conference. It always falls during school finals weeks for my son. He graduates next year, so perhaps 2014 will be the year for me to attend. Thanks for stopping by and sharing. I'd love to hear about your book's success as you continue on your journey. God bless.Laura Hodges Poolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03922456545952355890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4314337119339520012.post-49101489337266735682012-12-07T08:29:42.361-05:002012-12-07T08:29:42.361-05:00I attended my first writers' conference in May...I attended my first writers' conference in May 2012, The Blue Ridge Christian Writer's Conference. It ranks right up there with one of the best things I've ever done. When I arrived I couldn't articulate what I wrote. It seemed like everytime you greeted some new the next minute or so was spent sharing where you were from and what time of writing you did. I would start through this laundry list of things and noticed that people were moving on before I was done. By the end of the week I could say, "Hi. I'm Tina, from Ohio, and I write devotions and inspirational articles." I also entered a piece I wrote in one of their contests, and received honorable mention. I availed myself to every opportunity to speak with an industry specialist that I had. I came home stoked. I entered a contest for which I needed to write a book, something I had never done and certainly didn't feel ready for--but what did I have to lose? I placed in the top 5 and finished writing the book this week. I'll mail it off when the editing is done. What did I gain that I didn't expect? Confidence. Trust that the God who gifted me knew what he was...and is doing. Willingness to be obedient. And joy!<br /><br />Love your suggestions. I know what I'm asking for for my birthday next spring! Blessings to you!!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17711716353412288240noreply@blogger.com