The Exciting Adventures of WIFYR or Writers, Editors, Agents and Armpit Butter

Where do I start about last weeks adventures?

Last week was the BYU WIFYR and it was amazing!!!! I meet a bunch of wonderful new friends, scared off a couple of published authors (never hug someone when they aren’t expecting it…but it does make for a fun story), and I decided this is what I really want to do.

Monday through Friday, my critiquing buds and I headed to BYU early each morning (after a delightful breakfast of Mcy-D’s). From 8:30 until 12:30, we sat in separate groups learning from the best authors around.

I got to work with Janette Rallison, author of My Fair Godmother, Just One Wish, and many others (my daughter is in the middle of Just One Wish and has informed me how wickedly awesome it is…every morning, noon, and night. Yes, my friends, it is that good). She is so funny (Both Janette and my daughter). =)

We had a great group of gals (I mean… we were chic lit. Not many guys wanted to venture into our class room, especially since we were laughing so dang hard every ten minutes). They (our group) were a hoot. And the talent in that class was incredible! It was an honor to read their work and have them critique mine. I’m sure one day I will see them published and be able to say, “Yes, I was in a five-day critique group with so and so. We are like this.” * fingers crossed* And they will say, “I don’t think we are as good of friends as you think we are.” (Erin, that one’s for you!) Ah, good times, good times.

From 1:30 – 2 we got to mingle with any agent, editor, or author that was scheduled for the mingle sessions.

Then came the break-out classes ranging from plotting to finding time to write. I learned something from each class I attended. I loved the class taught by Louise Plummer about anxiety. Because…well… I have it. I learned a lot in that class. Oh and that fantastic class by Sharlee Glenn about being a writer anyway. Loved it!

I think the best part about the conference is that people enjoyed what I had written. Plus, I accomplished the goals I made for myself a year ago. Whoo hoo!

Was the traveling, money, and lack of sleep worth it all? All I can say is, if you haven't had a chance to come to this conference, start saving your pennies. It is well worth it!