Sunday, April 25, 2010

LDS Storymaker's Conference 2010



I cannot even begin to say how great LDS Storymaker's Conference was. There is something different about this conference and I can't really pinpoint what it is, but there is a feeling that prevails that brings everyone together in a different way.

The classes were fantastic and I can't wait to implement what I learned into my books. Dave Farland's class was unbelievably great. Not surprised though. He's taught some really great authors like Brandon Sanderson, Stephanie Meyer and Dan Wells, to name a few. He holds the world wide record of having the biggest book signing ever! How cool is that?

I got a ton out of Jeff Savage's class about villains. I can see that the villain in my book needs to be developed more. Thank you so much, you guys, for sharing your knowledge.

There were over 460 people that attended this year. HOLY COW! I don't know what they are going to do if it keeps growing. Cap it off, I guess.

I roomed with Sheila Stahley of the LDS Women's Book Review and Poscast and that was a total riot! She is so fun and outgoing. I just adore her! Kisses to you, girl!

The thing I loved most was hobnobbing with so many great people. All the authors make you feel like part of the game, totally included. I really loved meeting three of the other authors contracted with my publisher, WiDo publishing. We became like a little family. They are wonderful and have become dear friends.

I am so grateful for this new and wonderful world I've been allowed to enter. I can't even begin to explain how it feels to be a part something like this. The new friends, the training, the closeness you gain at something like this . . . Well, you'll just have to start coming to find out!

Just so you know, the first picture is with Jeff Savage, author of the Farworld series and James Dashner, author of Maze Runner and many other books, who are going to write blurbs on my book, unless, of course, they don't like it. Then I hope they don't say anything.

The next pic is with Sheila Stahley of LDS Women's book Review and podcast and Brandon Mull, author of the Fablehaven series.

The next is Lori Nawyn and Renae Mackley, from my critique group.

Then With David Farland, renowned author, screen writer and writing professor at BYU.

The last is the pic of all four authors who are signed with WiDo publishing. David West, Tamara Hart Heiner, me and Mary Gray.

16 comments:

Old Kitty said...

Hi

Glad you had a great conference and are brimming with positive ideas to develop your writing!

Getting that novel polished, finished and published is really an amazing adventure!

Take care
x

Karen Jones Gowen said...

I gave you an award on my blog today for your sunny happy personality! What a great picture of the WiDo authors at conference! You should email that to marketing for the website!!

Theresa Milstein said...

Conferences are like getting your battery recharged. Sounds and looks like it was great. You're making me look forward to the NESCBWI conference I'm attending in May.

Rebecca Talley said...

Loved the conference. And, you look great!! I just love Sheila. I'm glad you had so much fun, so did I. Awesome weekend.

Cheri Chesley said...

I hate that I couldn't stick it out. But it was great seeing you again :)

Shanda said...

Being my first time at the conference I was amazed at so many things: how many people were there, the camaraderie of being surrounded by others who love the written word as much I do, making new friends and learning, learning, learning. Sheila's mentioned you often and it was great to finally meet you!

Why Not? Because I Said So! said...

Aww Melissa and Rebecca, you both are making me cry! I feel so lucky to have such great friends as you. You both are such wonderful women and you inspire me so much!

Love to you both!


BTW...I had the best time at the conference this year. It was so much fun to room with you. We need to do it again next year. :)

Mary Gray said...

Dude, my face looks twice as wide! Ha!! It was so fun meeting you, Melissa. You have some spunk!

Angie Paxton said...

I saw your award on KarenG's blog and decided to come over and check your blog out. That conference sounds like a great experience. I'm a bit jealous actually.

T.J. Carson said...

JEEZE! That is incredible! So freaking awesome!!! Glad you had a blast and I hope they like your book and have good things to say about it :) wow that must have been an experience you lucky-duck!

Anonymous said...

It was a really fun conference! I'm sad I didn't really get to spend time with you but I was happy to meet you in person! =D

Tamara Hart Heiner said...

oh it was awesome!!! I came away with the same feeling. Like I am apart of an awe-inspiring, awesome community.

Loved meeting you!!! And seriously, you should see me when I'm not pregnant. I take better pictures.

Tamara said...

Hi Melissa,
Thanks for the post about storymakers. I agree it was a great conference. I'm so excited for your book. I also saw a pic of Ranae from your crit group - she was at my boot camp table & I love her writing, too!

Wendy Swore said...

I too had a ball at the conference. It's fun to see your pictures! *note to self, figure out how to include pictures in posts*

Good luck on your goal!

Taffy said...

I am #100 follower!!!

aisyahputrisetiawan said...



Banned complain !! Complaining only causes life and mind become more severe. Enjoy the rhythm of the problems faced. No matter ga life, not a problem not learn, so enjoy it :)

Ciri Dan Tanda Anak Terkena Pelecehan Seksual
Cara Menghilangkan Noda Hitam Di Wajah Bekas Jerawat
Obat Sakit Bernafas Dan Berbunyi
Obat Tumor Rahang Dan Gigi Atas Bawah
Obat Kanker Payudara Yang Menyerang Ke Tulang
Hilangkan Batuk Filek Dengan Jahe
Obat Untuk Menjaga Lambung Agar Tetap Sehat
Cara Alami Menghilangkan Nyeri Dada Saat Bernafas
Cara Memutihkan Selangkangan Secara Alami
Obat Infeksi Akut Di Kepala Dan Leher