Monday, September 24, 2007

Post Conference


Well, the ACFW conference is over and it went terrifically. Around 500 attendees, a huge faculty, more agents and editors than we've ever had, and some great teaching. It was wonderful having Jim Bell as keynote. I roomed with Mom which is always a treat. We hung around Sunday afternoon and rested and are flying back to our homes today.

I wanted to post photos, but I couldn't get the download to work to my computer. It's always worked on my California computer, so I'll try to download some tonight. One of my favorites is Mom and agent Chip MacGregor at the banquet. Mom was dressed in a sari, one of the fancier kinds that would be worn to a wedding. It's bright red silk with many threads dipped in melted gold and woven into the fabric. Beautiful. She's had it for years and brought it home from India. Chip was dressed in a kilt with full regalia. He just looked smashing. The two of them together are quite something.

I met a new great friend at the conference. Teacher Margie Lawson wowed her students in the early bird session with her unique characterizing and editing techniques. Keynote speaker Jim Bell sat in her class and was quite impressed--and he knows a few things about characterization himself. Margie is a psychologist and uses much of that knowledge in her ways of characterizing. And she's a fun gal. Check out her website and various online classes--and see all the places she's teaching. ACFW was her first Christian writers conference, and as Margie says, "I'm coming back!"

The prayer room was a highlight for me again this year. I spent many hours in there, having the privilege of praying with people and watching God heal in amazing ways. What a joy to be around to see that happen.

Have you heard the news for next year? The conference is moving to a much larger convention hotel in Minneapolis, MN, near the Great Mall. The huge Barnes and Noble at the Mall will be hosting our bookstore sales during the entire convention. Plus B&N will be hosting our booksigning in the rotunda of the Great Mall, turning it into a major public event. The larger hotel will accommodate our continuing growth in both attendees and amount of classes offered. It will be an awesome conference.

I don't see a list of winners yet for the Genesis and Book of the Year Awards. I'll try to find that and point you all to it tomorrow.

See you tomorrow with photos.

--------------------

Crimson Eve


6 comments:

Richard L. Mabry, MD said...

Brandilyn,
Good to see you there. As busy as you were, I'm amazed that, once you got home, you were coherent enough to find your computer, much less post. I look forward to reading as much "behind the scenes" stuff as you can ethically reveal without someone putting out a contract (not the good kind) on you.

Tina Helmuth said...

I can't wait to see some pictures from the conference. I was so disappointed that I couldn't make it. But, as I already posted to the ACFW loop, I'm thrilled the next one will be in my territory, Minnesota.

The rotunda of the Mall of America will be an awesome place for the booksigning. I've never been to the Mall when there hasn't been tons of traffic. I don't know how I'm going to contain my excitement for a year.

Eden said...

Posted a review for Crimson Eve on my blog yesterday and this morning I posted one on amazon.com (should appear within 48 hours).

Crimson Eve was my favorite book out the Kanner Lake series!!!

Kristy Dykes said...

Thanks, B., for your comments about the conf. I saw the pic of your mom and Chip on Novel Journey. She's looking beautiful! I look forward to hearing more from you about the conf. Next year sounds great.

Bonnie S. Calhoun said...

Glad you had a great time. I'm a Penwright, so I knew about the skit Mike created. Gina looked hysterical playing you!

Rachel Hauck said...

It was great to see you, and Mom, as always!

Rachel