Home Again

I got home a couple hours ago from Minneapolis and the annual ACFW conference-- It was really great!

Last year at the conference I really connected with some other writers, and we kept in touch via a critique group that definitely facilitated major growth in me as a writer. At the conference this year, we were able to reunite and catch up, and it was so so awesome!

I learned a ton of really helpful things, both about the craft of writing as well as the business of it. When I left for the conference, my biggest question was about where I fit in the industry-- particularly whether I should seek publication through the CBA (Christian Bookseller's Association) or ABA (American Bookseller's Association). It seemed like a vague and mysterious question.

Because I understand the history of CBA a little better as well as the current setup of the CBA Young Adult genre, I feel like that question is pretty much settled. Which is a huge deal! So that's great. It also seems like the doors that were opened at the conference were really in line with where I think my place in the industry is.

So that was really a huge deal for me.

The other big announcement has to do with the Genesis contest... remember that one? I entered it earlier this year and found out last spring that I was a finalist. Well, last night they announced the winners, and....

I won third place! Woo-hoo! It was so exciting to see the faces of all the winners and see how much it meant to everyone.

I'm glad to be home now, and I think it's finally time to start making up for some of that sleep I lost all weekend. :)

Thanks, everyone, for all your encouragement and support!