As I continue to try to bring this horrid Crohn’s Disease back under control, my blog has gone by the wayside, primarily because I get tired of writing about Crohn’s and being sick and weak and fatigued. And I’m certain everyone is tired of hearing it.
Today, though, I at least have something different to write about. This past weekend, I got to speak at the Bridge to Publication Conference hosted by the Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Let me tell ya–that was fun! BWG treated its guests like VIPs: wonderful motel room, incredible Cajun dinner at one of the best restaurants in town, a personal driver.
The conference itself was a day-long affair, with sign-in at 7 a.m. and ending at 5 p.m. Considering how I felt all the previous week–again, sick, weak, fatigued–I was amazed I made the 3 1/2 hour drive to Lake Charles Friday afternoon, and was a bit worried about making a full day Saturday, but I never had to budge except to move from the conference room to the private room where I was taking submissions for Terry Burns and Port Yonder Press–and for my speech, of course. Otherwise, I had folks hovering nearby to help me with whatever I needed. Talk about spoiled!
My speech was about the importance of freelance editors in the publishing process. I’m a firm believer in this step between self-editing and submitting to an agent or editor, to the extent that I’m on a crusade about it. Self-editing is vital, don’t get me wrong, but authors are notoriously blind to their own work. As I said at the conference, we’re married to it–we’ve reached the point where we ignore its snores because we’re so in love. A set of fresh, experienced eyes can find things we can’t. Which is why we shouldn’t skip the step of finding a good freelance editor.
Did I convince anyone? Judging from the number of folks who came to talk to me afterward, I think so–particularly the ones who were serious about getting published. There are writers who believe they know all there is to know about writing and will never believe they need outside help; there are writers who can’t justify spending the money; and then, there are writers who are willing to do anything to give themselves an advantage because they realize how competitive this industry is. This last group is the one most receptive to my message.
My absolute favorite part of the conference was meeting Jessica Ferguson in person. Jess is instrumental in my writing career–it was she who first ordered me to “study the craft” some dozen or so years ago. During all that time, we’ve been email buddies and cyberpals, but met in person for the first time Friday night. She had bronchitis, and I had/have a weakened immune system thanks to my meds, so I couldn’t hug her neck, but just meeting her and spending time with her was such an honor.
Jess has been in the business forever, from teaching writing at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, to editing and contributing to magazines, to getting published in anthologies like Chicken Soup for the Soul and Seasons of Love: Hearts, Hearths, and Holidays. She has a gift of encouragement, and I’ve been fortunate that she has used that gift on me for the past several years.
And I got to meet her finally. Happy sigh!
So my first conference experience was stellar. I just hope if I’m ever privileged enough to do another conference I’ll feel better.
Several years into it, and this blog still refuses to be categorized. It's eclectic and includes everything from writing posts to snippets from my ordinary life. 
Linda W. Yezak 
Jess is a real sweetheart isn’t she? BWG always has a good conference. You made some very valid points when you spoke to us. Thank-you. I was glad to finally meet you as well. I hope you feel better soon, Linda.
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Thanks, Peggy. I enjoyed meeting you too. Always fun to meet my cyber pals!
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So glad the conference went well! Great article!
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Thanks, Marji!
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Hey, my favorite redhead! (Ha! Spelled it out!) I miss you! I’m so glad you got to go to the conference. You look mah-va-lous! Love the hairdo! (LOL Remind me to tell you a story about hairdo!) Praying you feel better!
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Oh, don’t get me started on my hair! The style is thanks to the meds–they’ve left my hair so soft, so limp, it won’t do what I want it to, and no gel or spray is going to make it. Grrrr!
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Sounds GREAT – praying you’re feeling better each day. And I’m also a believer in that editor. Cuz I do NOT know everything.
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I’m glad you believe in editors. You’re one of the ones who takes your work seriously!
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Hey Linda… I’m supposed to be cleaning house but wanted to check on you. Hope you’re feeling better. What fun to hang out with you and visit in person. I knew you’d be WONDERFUL! Could have talked all night. And if you ever need a reference to speak at a conference, just point them my way. You were fantastic. A natural born speaker with a lot of helpful info.
This is a good post. I especially love the way you’ve made me sound so smart and experienced. 🙂
Have a good holiday, sweet lady Take care of yourself.
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I’m glad you enjoyed the speech. If you ever hear of a small conference within driving distance from me in need of a speaker, drop my name in the hat, okay?
Loved meeting you. Hope we can get together again soon. Maybe when you move back home to Lake Charles? 😀
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On another note, WordPress won’t let me post without showing my husband’s blog. Isn’t that crazy? I don’t know how to undo it …
Jess @ http://jessyferguson.blogspot.com
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You had that problem once before and I never could figure it out. WordPress is just odd, I guess.
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You look mighty professional. My knees would have been shaking!
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Which is why I walk the stage. You can’t see my knees knock, and they can’t lock up on me. Doesn’t matter how many times I’ve been in front of a crowd, I still get nervous!
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Linda, enjoyed meeting you at the Bayou Writers Conference. I couldn’t tell you were feeling bad!
Hope Clark
http://www.fundsforwriters.com
http://www.chopeclark.com
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Oh, I’m so glad you couldn’t tell. Last thing I wanted to do while I was there was talk about being sick. Nothing’s more boring than a person droning on about her ailments!
It was wonderful meeting you too! You and your husband were a delight!
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