Tomorrow, Friday April 8th, is the beginning of the Missouri Writer's Guild "Just Write!" Conference. I've been anxiously awaiting this conference, in all actuality, since the last one I attended in 2007.
That conference was my first one and it bowled me over. I couldn't get over how many people were published authors, whether it was their own books, or magazine articles, or anthologies. I felt like an intruder, like a girl from the farm, attending a big city! But I was embraced by many helpful and reassuring writers. I also received my first critique, which was an encouraging one.
Quite a bit has happened to me since then. I've joined writers' groups, written and submitted to contests, anthologies, newspapers, etc....and managed to be published in a few. I've met so many wonderful writers, both in person, through e-mails, and in the past couple of years, through my blog.
Speaking of writers....I'm thrilled to be an official "shepherd" this weekend. That means I'm an ambassador for MWG and I'll help my assigned speaker navigate the conference. Which speaker was chosen for me? Linda C. Apple; writer and speaker. Linda has stories published in over a dozen Chicken Soup for the Soul books, plus many others. She also has published two books of her own, about inspriation, speaking and writing. Please check out her website to learn more. I can't wait to meet Linda. I'm sure we'll hit it off!
I can't say enough about how much I've learned through meetings and networking. I'm so grateful to be a Writer Gal! I'm especially pleased to be a member of the Missouri Writers Guild, St. Louis Writers Guild, Ozarks Writers League, and Saturday Writers.
Wherever you are, I hope you have a writers group near you. And if you don't, why not start one? They all have to begin somewhere, somehow!
Hello & Welcome to my newest follower: Souther Girl. Thanks so much and I hope you always enjoy your visits!
I end today's post with two of my favorite quotes:
"If there's a book you really want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it." ~Toni Morrison
"The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say." ~Anaïs Nin
Hope you have a great time at the conference....that you make some wonderful new friends...and that you gain inspiration for your writing.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and hugs,
Patti
Not knowing how big this event is, I hope I get to see you!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun is in store!
Have a great few days and enjoy the conference, Becky....know you will!
ReplyDeleteHave a great time at the conference, Becky. :)
ReplyDeleteI'll see you tomorrow! I hope. And I think we might have been to the same conference in 2007, was it the one in St. Charles?
ReplyDeleteHave FUN, Becky. Tell us all about it. Details, details....Susan
ReplyDeleteHey, Becky Girlfriend ... I am so proud of you, you know. Look at all you are doing, and then you write about it and tell me what to do when the time comes. Linda is very lucky to get YOU!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't believe your Toni Morrison quote ... guess what I am reading right now? Beloved, which I bought for .50 at St. Vinnie's! Thanks for stopping by to say hi. You are such an encouragement to me.
Kathy
Hey Becky! Wishing you a wonderful time at the conference. And yes, I do have a writers group -- it's you and a bunch of other bloggers, and I'm damned proud to be part of the group!
ReplyDeleteHave fun today! It sounds like a great way to spend a day!
ReplyDeleteHave a good time at your conference!
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Have a great time, Becky! I'm looking forward to reading about your experiences when you return! :)
ReplyDeleteLoved the quotes. Have a great time!
ReplyDeleteHave a great time! It sounds fun :)
ReplyDeleteBecky, it was great meeting you this weekend! I had such a good time and met soooo many wonderful people I can't wait to come back next year. If you ever make your way to Iowa, give me a call!
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