This is the week. The one I've looked forward to since last September. The one that's caused me the greatest sense of anticipation I've ever felt. Unfortunately, it's also the week that is causing me some of the greatest disappointment I've ever experienced.
The title of this blog post says it best. This week is bittersweet. It's the week of the 2011 ACFW conference.
A year ago, I attended my first ACFW conference in Denver and it was by far the highlight of my writing journey. As you all know by now, I was registered to attend and then had to cancel. This broke my heart. Still makes me cry just thinking about it. I'm remembering last year and mourning over missing out this time around on all of the fabulous teaching, getting to connect with all of my friends, and presenting my work to editors.
Wah...........sniff...sniff... (sorry, couldn't help myself)
But despite the major disappointment and sadness I'm feeling, I'm also anticipating this weekend. I can't wait to get the inside scoop from all my friends and hear the awesome testimonies and stories I know will start pouring into cyberspace starting sometime on Thursday when authors, editors, and agents start arriving in Indianapolis.
And then there's the awards banquet on Sunday evening, when all of the Genesis winners will be announced. While it would be great to actually be there (trust me, the banquet is one fabulous event!), this year, ACFW introduced something pretty cool. They are hosting a live blogging event, where those of us who can't be there can get real-time information from the banquet as the awards are being presented. That means I don't have to wait to hear the news from my crit partner - I can find out if I won my category at virtually the same time she does. Is that cool or what?
So, as bummed as I am to be missing out, I am so excited for my friends and fellow authors who are preparing for this amazing conference. I'll be thinking about those huge hugs, endless encouragement, and improptu prayers. And speaking of prayers, I will be saying my own for everyone attending. For angelic appointments, lots of laughs, fun fellowship and loads of learning. I'll also be praying for many magical moments, personal and writing-related revelation and countless contacts and contracts.
God willing, I'll be there next year. This year, I look forward to living the conference vicariously through all of the attendees.
To all of you who are going and are currently packing, finishing up those proposals, and working on your pitches, have a fabulous time! I know you will!
Don't forget to cheer really loudly when my name is announced at the awards banquet (Mystery/Thriller/Suspense category). Oh - and have some dessert for me. If it's anything like last year, the desserts will be to die for and you'll leave five pounds heavier than when you arrived.
18 comments:
Lynda,
I am relating to your post. I wanted to go this year to meet my critique partners but it wasn't a possiblity with my husband in school and al. It's fun to read about everyone's excitement but also makes me long for it too. I know God has a huge plan for those who don't get to go. I'm looking forward to seeing what it will be:)
Praying for you, dear Lynda - and WITH you. Love ya.
We'll be cyber-hugging you with delight when they call your name. :O)
Lynda, I'm so sad I won't get to meet you! I thought that was an AWESOME idea to do the live blog feed. So glad you can participate, and best of luck in the Genesis! :)
Lynda,
I'll be listening for your name and cheering the loudest. So sorry that you'll have to miss. This will be my first ACFW conference, and I'm nominated for a Carol award. Talk about nervous! Remember me in your prayers and I, you.
Mary Ellis
Like you, I'm really glad for the live blogging this year. What a great idea! Not the same as being there, of course, but at least we'll be able to find out results in near real time. :-) Good luck in the Genesis and hopefully we can both be there next year!
Hey finalist. :-) How about we cook gourmet dinners and dress up on Sunday night while we follow the live blog? hehehe. I will if you will.
That is such a bummer that you can't go, but its a blessing to be able to do the online banquet thing...what a neat new feature!
Hope you win!
Edge of Your Seat Romance
I'll cheer my loudest when I hear your name!!
Aw, thanks everyone! Jenness, sounds like a plan! Now I have an excuse to go shopping for a new outfit. :-)
Hey Lynda! I'm in the same boat with you.
Last year was my first time to attend the conference,too, and thanks to the conference, I've come a long way in my writing journey.
Then at the beginning of this year, I anxiously started making my 2010 conference plans...but in May (due to unfortunate circumstances) I had to cancel my plans.**sniff**sniff**I was so disappointed!
But, there's always next year!
Maybe we can go together next year. You will be blessed for your decision.
I'll be sniffling with you! I hadn't heard about the live blog though...that is awesome!
I didn't know about your situation with conference this year. So sorry you won't be able to attend.
Congrats on being a finalist in The Genesis! Hope you place!
I'm not attending because I went to RWA since I was a Daphne finalist. Too much drain on the green stuff to attend two major conferences!
Sorry that you won't be going, I'll be rooting for you at home too. :) Would have liked to have gone, but maybe next year. Glad you get to "attend" part of it from home.
Blessings,
Karen
Breaks my heart that you're not going! I was really looking forward to meeting you.
I'd planned to go to Minneapolis in '08 when *Ride* was a finalist, but Mom was ill all year, a hurricane swept through and left us powerless, I wound up in the hospital myself. I know God says no sometimes, but in '08, I wish He hadn't said it quite so *loud*!
I'll be rooting for you--even though we're in the same category!
Linda,
I wanted to meet you, too! :-( But very glad you get to go this year. Can't wait to hear all about it!
Tissues, girlie?
Honk...Honk.
I know exactly how you feel. Okay, all except for the finalist part in the Genesis contest, but you know I'm totally pulling for you.
Ahem...do you think Tom will mind if I watch the live blog with all of you tomorrow night? I mean, it's just his birthday...
I love ya,
Deb
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