(Picture from the LDStorymakers 2012)
I just
returned from LDStorymakers 2014 and the thought that came to mind at the end
of the conference was about how much my situation has changed during the last
year. And since this blog is about my journey as an author I felt that I should
comment on that.
At this
same time last year, I attended the 2013 conference as an author in search of a
publisher. My manuscript for The
Gathering had already been turned down by Covenant and I had sent it off to
Cedar Fort the previous month.
Of course,
that quickly changed. Soon after I returned home I received the notice from
Cedar Fort that they wanted my book. Yahoo! I was going to be a bona fide
published author. My dream had finally come true.
Jump
forward to the Storymakers 2014 and I am surprised to find that much of the
experience has changed. Most of it reflects a change within myself and my new situation
as a published author.
For one, I
almost didn’t attend the conference. And don’t get me wrong, I love the
Storymakers event. These are great people putting together three days of
activities intended to recharge the emotional batteries of the attendees and
educate each of us on how to become even better writers. The need for me to
continue my marketing efforts with The
Gathering had led me to consider skipping it this year. Between my wife reminding
me that I enjoyed the conference too much to miss it and the opportunity to do
some marketing while I was in Utah
I’m glad I
changed my mind. It is too easy to get caught up with all the work that is
required as a published author. Once in awhile, we need to take a weekend off to
enjoy the ride. Spend some time hobnobbing with our fellow authors. Meet a few
fans and talk about our books. After all, isn’t this what we day-dreamed about
doing before we were published?
Another big
difference for me was the First Chapter contest. Or should I say the lack of
the contest for me. During the last three years I have eagerly looked forward
to this competition. It gave me a chance to work on new projects and get vital
input on the stories themselves. The truth is I like making stuff up and this
was a perfect outlet for my newly hatched darlings.
As they
announced the winners for 2014 I made an important connection. The First
Chapter contest was a primer for unpublished authors. It prepares them for
their experience in the publishing world. As a published author I am
participating in a much bigger competition. I send in queries and usually the
first three chapters. My judges are the agents and editors in the industry. The
prizes for winning are book contracts.
All of a
sudden, I didn’t feel so bad about not participating—because, I am. Just on the
next level.
Not
everything about the conference has changed for me. I still attend the classes
and learn how to improve my skills as an author. I still get the chance to meet
my heroes in the literary world and talk about our common love of writing. I
still walk away from the experience feeling uplifted and ready to face another
year as an author. And most importantly, I still get the opportunity to talk
with the wonderful friends I’ve made during previous conferences.
