With the She Speaks conference less than two weeks away, I'm in full-throttle prep mode. This year, that means practicing what I'll be saying to the publishers with whom I'm meeting, practicing a mini-talk I was asked to give, and working on sign-up sheets for the critique groups that will form after the conference is over.At the same time, I'm pulling together a long list of supplies for my 20 year old son and 14 year old daughter as they prepare for a 10-day mission trip to Haiti; they leave just a few days after I return from the conference. (Crazy timing!)
Two things I'm most looking forward to are getting to know writer/speaker friends (both old and new) and spending time in the prayer room. There's just something about being around like-minded women that absolutely catapults me into bliss. And the prayer room? Phenomenal. Holy. Awe inspiring. Life changing. As is this conference.
Some Practical Advice:
- Take a sweater. The host hotel is frigid!
- If you don't finish your book proposal in time, consider taking a One-Sheet, instead. Sample
- Bring business cards, if you have them. You'll want to stay in touch with new, like-minded friends. (Don't have any? You can always make your own! Instructions )
- In a speaker evaluation group? Visit Zoe's blog for some great tips.
- Think you're writing isn't good enough to attend the critique session? Go anyway!
- You MUST visit the prayer room. You really, really must! Really.
- Bring a tote bag. You'll need it.
- Stuff a few water bottles into your suitcase for your room. You'll thank me later.
- Don't bring note paper; you'll receive a spiral-bound notebook upon registration.
- Smile, even if you're nervous. Especially if you're nervous.
If you'll be at She Speaks this year, leave me a comment so I can get to know you. Tell me what track you're taking. Let me know what you're hoping get out of all this. And hopefully we'll see each other there! I'll be the one glowing.
If you won't be at She Speaks this year, but have attended a prior She Speaks conference--or any other writers conference...describe your experience and share what you learned or your favorite part of the conference.












