In just under two weeks, I head off to Nashville and the ACFW Conference. If not for the overwhelming generosity of some beloved friends, and the enthusiastic support of my exceptional husband and daughters, this would not be possible and I am ever so grateful for their kindness and sacrifice.
So, what will I be doing there? First things first, actually. I’m flying over with the gorgeous and talented Dorothy Adamek, a dear friend. I can’t begin to tell you how much her friendship means to me. We share much of the same background even though we only met in 2013 in Indianapolis! Most people aren’t keen on a long haul flight from Melbourne, Australia to Nashville, USA, but we can’t wait. I mean really, roughly 24 hours to chat books, family, writing, and the Hemsworth brothers without any distractions? Sounds just about perfect, right, Dotti?
Once in Nashville,ย I’ll be hanging out with my dearest friends, the equally brilliant and fabulous Ronie Kendig and Tamara Leigh. Anyone who says you can’t develop genuine friendships online is mistaken. I have no words for the blessings these two woman have brought to my life.
While at the conference, I’m so excited to be catching up with some of the wonderful publicists I work with – look out Amy Green (Bethany House), we have much to discuss on all things bookish, and as I do with my dear friend and newly appointed marketer to Waterbrook Press, Jamie Lapeyrolerie! And of course, the wonderful writers and some amazing bloggers that I have connected with over the years through my blog. I’m not going to list them all here as you may fall asleep reading this post.
Now to my bookish question, is there a question you have for an author, publicist, or blogger that you would like me to ask on your behalf? Anyone you’d like me to take a picture with? I promise to do my best and post answers to your questions on the blog when I return.
Have at it, dear readers!
August 9, 2016 at 10:57 am
So excited, Rel! This is what we’ve been waiting for–ACFW 2016!!! We are going to have such a fabulous visit.
August 9, 2016 at 12:06 pm
You’re SO RIGHT!!! All those marvellous things and MORE! Such adventure awaits us.
Do you think we’ll bump into my friend, Sir Richard? ๐
August 9, 2016 at 4:40 pm
Hey Rel! I am so excited for you! I will miss seeing you this time. The August schedule puts it right at the beginning of fall semester for me and I can’t get away. I would love to hear how publishers and agents are adjusting to the large numbers of indie books coming out now. I would also like to hear more about newbies to CF publishing Amazon’s Waterfall Press and Gilead Publishing. I am loving many of their cover designs and am curious about types of future releases. Have a safe trip and a fantastic time in my home state!
August 9, 2016 at 10:30 pm
Rel, I hope that I find you during the conference. You and I have emailed back and forth over the years, but I’d like to eventually put a person with the online persona. Meanwhile, safe travels.
August 9, 2016 at 11:13 pm
This is not a question, but I can’t really express how excited I am to meet you in person!
August 9, 2016 at 11:36 pm
Rel, I hope to see you there! I met Tamara Leigh for the first time last Saturday and it was such a treat to finally put a real person with the online friend I write with on the Clean Romance Reads Cafe blog.
August 10, 2016 at 3:49 am
I’m excited for ALL of y’all!! My job is connected with the education system so I start back next week or I would be in the midst of all this incredible talent – just to soak up the atmosphere!! What a blessing awaits all of you!
Please give Tamara a big hug for me – Pam – Barefoot Believer – Florida.
August 10, 2016 at 5:46 am
Opps! . . . in all my excitement about your trip and the upcoming conference, I forgot to ask my question.
Some of my favorite authors are indie authors. For those that have switched from a publishing house to indie – and even for those that did not go the traditional route of a publishing house but went indie from the start – – What has been the advantages and disadvantages of going indie?
August 10, 2016 at 10:34 pm
Selfish? Me! I want you to take a picture with me!!! ๐ I can’t WAIT to see you again and give you a big ole squeeze! ๐ ๐
August 12, 2016 at 12:29 am
Sobs uncontrollably…
Prays that Rel, Dotti, Tam and Ronie all have fun…
Disappears into the wilds of Canada and runs away from any and all internet connections…
Pops the ginger ale and has a MASSIVE pity party.
BUT…enough about me…
HAVE A FABULOUS TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 12, 2016 at 12:37 am
Yes, I am amazingly good at making things all about ME.
But in all seriousness, have a fabulous time.
August 12, 2016 at 5:36 am
That’s great, Rel! I’ll be there too, and I hope we finally have a chance to meet in person.
-Rick
August 13, 2016 at 2:39 pm
CANNOT WAIT!!!!! Counting down!