ACFW notepad and badge always at the ready!
Well, as I type this post I’m exhausted. Happily so, but bleary-eyed nonetheless. My suitcase sits in the bedroom floor and still needs unpacked. The house is a little dusty, my office somewhat of a mess, and there are a hundred things on my To Do list. (Well, maybe not a hundred. But dozens!)
Today I thought it might be fun to post a few photos. I’ll dish more about the actual conference on Friday.
In short, the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) conference was amazing (again)! This year it was held in the great state of Indiana at the fabulous Hyatt Hotel in Indianapolis. The hotel staff was helpful and gracious. I particularly loved the Starbucks folks. (And yes. I got to know them quite well.) Toward the end of our group’s stay, they commented how nice our members were and said what a pleasure it was to have us stay with them. It’s always a blessing when we can spread the love, and in turn, bless others!
Potty break as our Midwest group entered the great state of Indiana!
I didn’t snap too many shots of the magnificent Hyatt, but I should have! It was a “city” within a city. Huge, beautiful, and accommodating.
Nestled beside other grand hotels and nearby shops and restaurants, the Hyatt Regency was in a convenient location. One could easily walk to wherever he or she wanted to go. I’m told that some folks ventured across the street to the mall by way of the connecting art museum. My only regret is that I was too busy to really take advantage of everything I wanted to do (besides the conference, of course!)
The view from my hotel room.
Another shot of downtown Indy
The gorgeous theater across the street.
There were so many highlights to this conference, but several included seeing the friends who I’ve come to know and love online. I first “met” Sarah Loudin Thomas a few years ago through blogging. She’s a super, Jesus-lovin’ gal who really does look like Laura Ingalls Wilder. Pretty as a peach and a personality to match! (And we’re Books and Such agency-mates!) Look for Sarah’s books to release next year. She writes about Appalachia, love, and miracles.
Then there’s Jamie Chavez–editing-go-to-guru gal whose smile lights up an entire street block. Ironically, Jamie’s never edited anything of mine (yet), but I started following her fabulous blog sometime ago. She’s all about helping writers and delivers her professional savvy with wit, heart, and a touch of snark. Love it! Love her!
Sarah, me, and Jamie dining at Cafe Patachou (across from the hotel and quite deelish!)
Additional special moments…
My champion, taskmaster, encourager, friend, Christ-follower, and wonderful agent… Mary Keeley
Agent-mate Gabrielle Meyer and the lovely Lindsay Harrel
What are we up to? We’ll never tell! The super-fab Jill Kemerer, Jessica Patch, and me.
A great author, encourager, and sis-in-Christ–Beth Vogt.
Keynote speaker, prolific author, God’s gal, and all-around super sweet Robin Jones Gunn!
Now…
These are just a few pictorial highlights. To get the full scoop, I hope you’ll return on Friday when I’ll have a little more energy to dish up the love.
A few housekeeping diddies I wanted to add:
My awesome website team, Jones House Creative, has updated some of my site plugins. I’d like for you to help me out. As you visit my cyber home, please let me know if something isn’t working. Technology does have it’s kinks, as you may know.
Also, if you’re to the point of needing a website overhaul or you just want to branch out in the social media mecca, I have a card worth $50 off your next project with Jones House. JHC is a Christian-based company in the Tulsa area that specializes in branding, print layout and design, website development, copy writing, photography, and more! They’re personable, reasonable, and super-fun to work with! (Shoot me an e-mail if you’re interested in the discount card. Since I only have one–it’ll be on a first come basis.)
My contact form has recently been updated, too, so if you’ve had issues before on signing up to follow my blog, or any of my social media sites for that matter, everything should be running a little more smoothly now. You can sign up to follow this blog over in the sidebar. (I’d be thrilled, honored, and humbled! In fact, I’ll even toast you with coffee and chocolate!) You can also connect with me on Facebook and Twitter if you like. I chat about faith, family, slice-of-life things, as well as Heartfelt, Homespun Fiction.
I also love to encourage you and pray for you!
And please…if you notice a typo, a grammar issue, or something that needs attention, I won’t be offended if you tell me. I do a lot of behind-the-scenes techy stuff, including my blog posts, so it often isn’t perfect. I know. *Blush* Yes, I’m a writer. But I’m fallible.
Lastly… could you lift me up in prayer, also? Sometimes, the encourager needs encouraged!
I love you in Jesus, friend!
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If you attended the ACFW conference, what were your favorite moments?
What are your goals for the fall and winter months (writing or otherwise)?
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Blessings Always,
Comments 4
ACFW was one fast-moving blast of fun, wasn’t it? And I loved seeing you, hugging you … being in the same space as you. I, however, now feel like a post-ACFW zombie … you?
Author
Beth, a “zombie.” That’s a great description! Me, too!
And I loved sharing hugs with you, as well! YOU encourage me. 🙂
Tonight was our first session of our local writers conference. The 90-minutes went by so quickly! I know there is much is store the next couple of days, so I’d better get some sleep–don’t want to be a zombie! 😉
Author
Patti, I saw your blog post about that! That’s wonderful!
You’re right–zombies aren’t cool. At writers conferences anyway. 😉