She Glows

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.


22 comments:

Kelly said...

I loved She Speaks! It's where I met you!!!! Meeting lots of like minded women, not to mention everything I learned about writing. Great conference! have fun! Wish I were going too!

Kim said...

Thanks for the great tips Julie!

I am so excited to be attending this year's She Speaks. I almost feel like a Mastercard commercial: Experience Speaking--zero, Experience Women's Ministry--minimal, Experience Writing--very limited, Listening and Trusting God--PRICELESS!! This conference is a gift to me by some friends who believe in supporting the dreams that God has placed in my life. I am so blessed!

Thanks again for sharing your experience!

Jan Cline said...

Ive never been to a She Speaks, but it sounds like something I would like to experience. I attended my first writers conference this year and I was overwhelmed - loved going to all the seminars and meeting all the writers that were willing to take time for newbies. Have fun and keep us posted.

Melissa, Multi-Tasking Mama said...

I attended She Speaks last year and it truly changed my walk with God...there is NOTHING like that prayer room...it is so thick with the presence of God I began to cry simply upon entering the room.
The ladies at Proverbs 31 are the real deal and you all will be so blessed. Praying that I can attend next year!! Have a great time!

faithWalker said...

Julie,
Great tips! I attended She Speaks last year for the speaker's track. This year it's writing. I'm so not ready! A two-week hospital stay plus recovery time has put me soooo far behind. But with all my heart I believe God has something there for me, whether I come ready or not.

You are right about the prayer room. That place is anointed. Women are forever changed in that sweet room.

Hope to meet you for real!

Deb

Jody Hedlund said...

Julie,
I've heard you and other bloggers talk about She Speaks. Is it a conference geared more for non-fiction writers? Or is it for both? I'll be praying that you'll make some good connections with publishers there this year!

Julie Gillies said...

Jody,

She Speaks is a conference for writers and speakers, and both fiction and nonfiction are are covered.

Thanks SO much for your prayers!

Terri Tiffany said...

Again-- I would love to attend this some year. It sounds amazing!

Karen said...

Julie, I hope you have a wonderful time. I know you will do well. God bless and for your kids going to Haiti, God bless them and keep them safe.

Jennifer @ JenniferDukesLee.com said...

Julie -- All the best to you as you prepare for the conference.

And that prayer room? It sounds heavenly.

Enjoy ...

kathy taylor said...

Julie, the conference sounds wonderful`and I just said a prayer that God's perfect plan for you will be accomplished during this mission.

Laura@OutnumberedMom said...

Awww...Julie! You make me want to go!

Love your tips. I haven't been to this conference, but your tips seem right in line with the ones I've attended.

Aren't you excited about the new friends you'll make? I'm a little green...

Rebecca Ramsey said...

How wonderful!
I've heard bits and pieces about the conference, and now I'm wishing I had planned to go! It's just a couple hours from home. Maybe next time.
Can't wait to hear all about it!

KelliGirl said...

Oh Julie, have a wonderful time at She Speaks. Just think how far God has taken you in the last three years, how you've grown as a writer and how He's using your writing to tell stories that need to be told. I pray that the experience blesses you tremendously...that you find new outlets for your writing...and that you are an encouragement and blessing to others (which I know you'll be). Wishing you lots of success with your presentation, too!

Safe travels. Looking forward to hearing all about it.

Blessings and prayers,
Kelli

Bethany LaShell said...

I wish I was attending She Speaks! I just can't afford it and I entered every contest the P31 girls had. Sigh. I live in town, though :-). Great tips for when I get to go next year (hope, hope). Have fun and learn lots!

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I appreciated your comments about community.

phzlt said...

So glad you saw my post on Twitter. I hope we can meet at She Speaks next week. Where on the Gulf Coast do you live? I grew up in Fort Myers/Cape Coral, college in Tampa. Transplanted Florida girl, I like to say! Thanks for the encouragement. Hope to see you next week.

pinkdaisyjane said...

Thanks for the practical tips! Attending for the first time on the speakers' track!

Billy Coffey said...

Sounds like a great time ahead, Julie. Hope you have a fun time!

Sandra Heska King said...

Great tips. I wish I was could be there! Bring back some good stuff.

Lori Fairchild said...

I'm so excited to be attending She Speaks for the first time this year. I love reading tips from people who have been previously. I'm taking the writer track and have a couple of publisher appointments. I'm very nervous. I've never done anything like this before. Hope to meet you there.
Lori Fairchild

emily freeman said...

It has been such a sweet joy to meet you this weekend. One of my highlights, for sure :)

Tea with Tiffany said...

Praying for you and all the women there this weekend. Can't wait for the God sized update. :)

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