because I haven’t posted much about my conference experience. Truthfully, it’s been all I can do to get my life back on track. I’ve been amazed at all of the awesome posts about the conference, especially over at Shannon McNear’s blog. I’m not sure I could be that transparent, revealing every emotion. But I know that anyone who is able to do that is certainly an awesome writer–one who is sure to carry readers through a powerful emotional experience. I’m waiting to buy your book, Shannon!

It’s interesting to step back and look at everything that we do as aspiring writers. There are the contests. . tons of contests. And conferences. Does anyone ever get published without going to a conference? Does anyone know what the stats are on that? Then there’s the blogging and the newsletters. I’m not sure how much, if any, effect it all has on whether or not one gets published. I know that while I was a finalist in the Genesis, a friend who did not final landed a top agent instead. And yet another friend who did not final has manuscripts being seriously reviewed by editor’s at major publishing houses. Bottom line is that we all have a different path we must take.

This week an editor contacted me to tell me the great news! They want to buy my book! What boggles my mind is that for all of these years I’ve been writing historicals and then this last year, worked on a fantasy. My first book sell is a contemporary romance! How funny is that? I won’t post the details, of course, until I’ve signed the contract. But I invite you to celebrate with me nontheless.

Blessings!
Beth.