The ACFW 2013 conference is officially over. What an event. What an experience.
As my passionate blogger friends will attest, we love sharing our love for story and books with each other, our friends, and family but they don’t always get it – our little obsession. The joy of being with almost 600 people who love books and story as much as I do….priceless!!
Though it has been a whirlwind of interviews and meetings, the time has been amazing and such an encouragement. I have a mountain of highlights but for tonight here are a few for today:
- Katie Ganshert winning the Carol award for debut novel
- Julie Gwinn winning the Carol award for Editor of the Year
- Dineen Miller winning the Carol award for Suspense/Mystery/Thriller
- Hugging Beth Vogt numerous times through out the day
- Chatting with the indefatigable Tyson and Jeane Wynn on the WynnCast ~ if you go here you can hear my funny little accent once the archive for the Sunday session is posted
- Chatting and laughing with the charming and funny Peter Leavell ~ don’t let the meaty historical novel he has written fool you 😉
- Hugging Jeane Wynn lots of times in the space of 10 minutes
- Getting to know debut author Katherine Reay, and admiring her shoes!
- Experiencing the generous forgiveness of Kathleen Y’Barbo when I completely forgot our interview and left her hanging
- Sitting next to Ronie Kendig at the gala dinner, watching her do her guest commentating for the live blog
- Exchanging gifts with Jenny B Jones and having the opportunity to express my thanks for how her books have encouraged my daughter and my niece (wish we could have had more time together, Jen, and not had to sit on the floor in the hallway for our interview!)
- Attending (finally!) two teaching sessions, one featuring Kendig, Rubart, Walsh, Lee, & Warren (such brilliant, funny, and skilled people) and the other, just Ronie. The heart these bestselling, award winning novelists have for new and unpublished novelists is incredible and such an example of giving back.
- Catching up with the very impressive folk representing Thomas Nelson & Zondervan, Bethany House, Tyndale House, and Waterbrook/Multnomah ~ such gracious, enthusiastic women representing their company and authors so very well.
- Being so encouraged by the kind and generous words of fellow blogger and writer, Rachel McMillan
- Ditching the lift and walking down 6 flights of stairs in high heels with Noelle Buss of Bethany House, Jim Rubart, and Aaron McCarver and feeling like we should be chasing each other in a scene from NCIS or one of Jim’s novels! (Just for the record, only Noelle and I were in heels!)
- Attending the gala dinner and seeing Brandilyn in all her finery and great poise
- Having Dani Pettrey and Olivia Newport chase me down for one last hug in case they missed seeing me before their departures ~ going to miss you girls, and Beth and Katie!
- Getting to Skype my family while I was getting ready for the gala and wish my Miss 10 all the best for her performance in her school concert ~ yes, of course, I got teary that I was missing it 🙁
- Typing this post while Ronie is in the bed next to me crocheting 😉
- Reading the encouraging and supportive tweets of my blogging friends who I know would love to be here and yet are happy for my opportunity – love you, guys! You know who you are 🙂
There’s probably about a thousand more but at 12.43am that’s all I can do for now. I won’t be blogging for a few days as I enjoy some R & R in Indianapolis but there will be so much more to post on my return – I know you will LOVE it.
September 16, 2013 at 3:03 pm
What a fabulous day & night, Rel. These past few days will live long in your memory. Wonderful that all those virtual friends you’ve cultivated over so many years have now had the opportunity to meet you F2F.
Enjoy these next few days with Ronie and then Kellie. You deserve the break.
Hugs & blessings,
September 21, 2013 at 12:45 am
Ian » It was an amazing time – thanks for your emails and comments – you are such an encouragement. Ronie and I mentioned you quite a bit!
September 16, 2013 at 5:28 pm
I’m so thrilled you’ve had such a blast, Rel! You’ve packed so much into such a short space of time and it truly will live on in your memory for years to come… and all those who met you will remember you too!
It’s events like these that seem to me to be a foreshadowing of that great eternal reunion we will all have when we meet our Lord, where we will all know each other as family, even if we have never met F2F in this life.
Enjoy the rest of your time Stateside!! 😉
Blessings,
Ellie
September 21, 2013 at 12:44 am
Ellie Whyte » That is such a lovely thought, Ellie, and a wonderful reminder especially when I’m thinking, “I wish I’d caught up with….”!
September 16, 2013 at 8:20 pm
I have loved watching what you have been doing. I noticed Bonnie Calhoun (sp) was looking for you I hope you connected.
Love seeing the photos. Oh and glad to hear Aaron and Jim were not in heels. I know Narelle and Dotti loved catching up. It would be amazing just meeting a few of the authors on my trip to the states was amazing but 600!
September 21, 2013 at 12:42 am
ausjenny » Well, I was in the same hotel as 600 but sadly didn’t get to meet all of them. I’m especially disappointed I didn’t get to connect with Kathleen Y’Barbo, Bonnie, Ann Shorey, Karen Ball, and many others. I was on the go so much there was little time to spare. No complaints, though – it was too special a time to spoil it with “I wish” moments, you know?
September 16, 2013 at 8:45 pm
Congratulations, Katie!!! Such a blessing for you all of this, Rel. Bless you!
September 16, 2013 at 8:56 pm
Listening to the podcast. Smiling at the accent! It’s so nice. 🙂
September 21, 2013 at 12:40 am
Ganise » Ha! I’m glad you like it – it sounds just weird to me!
September 21, 2013 at 12:40 am
Ganise » You are so right – a blessing I’m so grateful for.
September 16, 2013 at 9:44 pm
I have loved reading about your adventure in Indianapolis. What a great opportunity. Can’t wait to see your pics! Have a great few days of R&R and a safe trip home.
September 21, 2013 at 12:39 am
Beckie B. » So sweet of you. It’s been an amazing trip from start to almost end! I head home tonight – here’s to a long haul flight – LOL!!
September 16, 2013 at 10:16 pm
It sounds like you had such a marvelous time! I’m sure it all went by far quicker than you ever imagined it could!
I giggled when you said Ronie was crocheting while you “worked”… that girl.. such dedication.. heh
September 21, 2013 at 12:38 am
Kate » Ronie is the most gorgeous person – it was my complete and utter privilege to spend time with her. She is such a blessing. Can’t wait for you to enjoy what I have in store from the conference to share with you all.
September 17, 2013 at 12:05 am
I’ve so enjoyed reading about your “American Adventure,” Rel, and glad to hear it’s been really special for you! Hope one day to meet you “face-to-face!”
September 21, 2013 at 12:36 am
BJ Hoff » That would be such a treat, BJ. Kelli can’t talk highly enough of you. Thank you for being such a friend and support to her xo
September 17, 2013 at 12:58 am
Ah! These posts were so fun to read, Rel! I’m so so happy that you had as wonderful a weekend as you were hoping for. All the awesome people you met and the interviews and hugs and chats and just everything! Have a restful next few days and hopefully they will be a bit less busy than the last two. 😉 Thanks so much for sharing your adventures with us! It made me feel as if I were there at least in spirit. 🙂
September 21, 2013 at 12:36 am
Kara » Thanks, dear Kara. So much to share about my time away. It’s going to be such fun for you guys to listen to the interviews and lots more….I’ve got quite a bit of work to do on my return home!!
September 17, 2013 at 6:01 am
Aw, what wonderful experiences it sounds like you are having, Rel! So happy for you.
Loved all the pics you’ve shared – and all those fabulous meetings. 🙂
Ooo! Katherine Reay – she is lovely! I’ve enjoyed chatting with her via social media. Yay for meeting Jenny, Dani and oh so many talented authors.
Enjoy the R&R, Rel – you deserve it!
September 21, 2013 at 12:35 am
Rissi » Katherine is such a delight – really loved chatting with her. Then I discovered she has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do! Good thing we got along well, right?!
September 17, 2013 at 10:54 am
It was fantastic meeting you in person, Rel! A definite highlight from conference! And the stairs were a riot. But since it was in America, I think it is an elevator? 🙂 By the way, your chocolate cookies were absolutely incredibly delicious!
September 21, 2013 at 12:33 am
Aaron McCarver » Do you think the four of us would make a pretty formidable team the way we tackled those stairs?!?! I so loved meeting you, Aaron…and that accent of yours? Just fabulous! Glad you enjoyed the Tim Tams 🙂
September 17, 2013 at 1:23 pm
Rel: Truly, meeting you was the highlight of the 2013 ACFW conference. And while I managed lots of hugs with you (and photo ops) — I could have taken a few more. But I’ve tucked precious memories — and the lovely sound of your accent — in my heart. You are a delight.
September 21, 2013 at 12:31 am
Beth K. Vogt » You are such a sweetheart to me and made my time at ACFW extra, extra special. I was only telling our Kelli what an incredible blessing it was to spend time in your awesome presence 😉 Seriously xo xo
September 18, 2013 at 3:09 am
I LOVE YOU , REL! you are such a delight!!!!
September 21, 2013 at 12:29 am
rachel » You!! Thanks for being so welcoming, Rach, and such a cheerleader for me. You are precious xo
September 18, 2013 at 8:07 am
Thanks for posting about your American Adventure! So much good stuff happened for many dear writing friends at this conference. My heart is glad for them all!
September 18, 2013 at 8:09 am
PS: you just convinced (or reminded) me that I wanted to read Gideon’s Call by Peter Leavell. I’ve ordered a copy.
September 21, 2013 at 12:28 am
Lori Benton » Peter is an absolute gem of a guy. His book is in my TBR as well. If it is anything like the man himself it will be stellar 🙂
September 21, 2013 at 12:30 am
I got it yesterday and started it last night. 🙂 Gripping first chapter.
September 21, 2013 at 12:28 am
Lori Benton » That’s great to hear, Lori. I must say I was very grateful to be attending as a blogger and not a pitching author – that’s some stressful times, poor things.
September 18, 2013 at 11:21 am
So glad I got to meet you, Rel! Loved reading about your adventures here.
September 21, 2013 at 12:27 am
Patricia Bradley » It was a delight to meet you, Patricia, even if ever so briefly 🙂 No doubt we will continue to catch up on the web1