Success only flourishes in perseverance -- ceaseless, restless perseverance.
--Baron Manfred Von Richtofen

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Back to the Book Academy

This week is the Book Academy writing conference. I'll be going again. Last year, I felt like it was such a big, honkin', hairy deal that it loomed on the horizon of my consciousness for weeks. I looked forward to it, I worried about it, I alternated between being wildly excited and feeling like I didn't want to go at all. I studied the schedule, planned out all my classes, and lost sleep anticipating/fretting about the whole thing.

This year? Well, last week my husband and I were discussing his remaining vacation days. He said, "Since I'm taking off the 30th, I won't take off the day before Thanksgiving."

Me: "The 30th of what? Why are you taking off the 30th?"

Hubby: "Uh, you're writing thing?"

Me: "Oh, right."

It was only later in the week that I realized it was next week! I didn't even look at the workshop list until today. I don't know which classes I'll be attending. I'll just play it by ear. I'm not losing any sleep over it. Not because I'm not excited, but just because I realize now that while writing conferences are fun and all-around awesome, they aren't the beginning and end of my writing life.

Anyway, this year's keynote speaker is Brandon Mull of Fablehaven fame, so I'm looking forward to that. There are some great presenters too. I think some of my friends will be there. It'll be fun, I'm sure. I'm just glad to be feeling more relaxed about the whole thing. This is the conference last year that sparked my "Big Goal" (see the sidebar), so I'll update you on my progress on that in an upcoming post.

21 comments:

Shallee said...

Have fun! I wish I was going too. I'm sure it'll be great!

tiffany said...

sounds like fun

is brandon mull the author of fablehaven? i havent read them yet i will thow im reading the percy jacksom & the olympians right now

Jennifer Shirk said...

Oh wow, enjoy! and come back with all sorts of great notes. :)

Angie said...

Yes, Tiff. He wrote the Fablehaven books. They're good. I think you'll like them.

Stephanie McGee said...

Have fun! (Say hi to everyone for me!)

Theresa Milstein said...

I'm glad your husband reminded you! That happened one college semester. I almost missed the first day of school!

Have a wonderful time. Can't wait to hear how it goes.

Terry W. Ervin II said...

I'm sure you'll have fun and get something out of it!

Larry and Cindy said...

Have a wonderful time and enjoy yourself!

Angie said...

Thanks, Terry and Mom and Dad. I plan on having a blast!

Jane Isfeld Still said...

Have a kickin' good time. Glad your relaxed and I can totally relate. :)

Anonymous said...

Enjoy.

I also get really hyped up about conferences and I also get upset if I can't go to one. Then I tell myself there are so many out there that I shouldn't feel like I'm missing out on anything (even if many of them are awesome).

Carolyn V. said...

I can't make it to Book Academy this year. You'll have to let us know how it goes! =)

Diana Paz said...

Sounds like fun! I wish I could go! I can't wait to hear all about it :)

Tyrean Martinson said...

Glad to hear you are relaxed, and ready to enjoy the conference.
My first conference felt much the same, and then the second one was way better . . . although I haven't been to one in a few years now.
Hope you have fun!!!

Jo Schaffer said...

I just realized I know you from your blog. I met you at Jaxies the other day when I was there having lunch with Suzette. (-=
I hope you post about the workshop with Brandon Mull. So cool.

Angie said...

Thanks, Tyrean. I did have a good time. Hi, Jo! I hope you and Suzette had a great lunch together. It was nice to meet you, even if it was just for a second. Brandon Mull's keynote address was great. I'll have to post about it.

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MTeacress said...

Angie, I wasn't able to go, so I'm hoping you'll give us some of your impressions. :)

Jan Markley said...

Have fun and learn a lot. I'll be heading off to the Surrey International Writers' Conference soon!

Angie said...

Thanks, Jan. Hope you have fun at your conference, too!

Anonymous said...

I really enjoyed the conference. I'm exactly like you, last year I sweated about it for weeks (months!). This year, much more relaxed!

I love your "Big Goal", especially the countdown!