Thursday, October 30, 2008

Getting Ready for Bayou Writers' Conference

On November 15Th, the Bayou Writers' Group of Lake Charles, Louisiana is holding its annual writers conference. I'm excited about it. This is the first time I've been so involved in pulling together a conference. Lots of work! I have a new respect for anyone who does this more than once.

Our conference coordinator, Beverly, had a firm grip on what she wanted to see accomplished. Angie, Walt, Nona and I were compatible--no squabbles. I've heard horror stories about members of conference committees who competed with each other instead of working together so I went into this thing half dreading it. Anyone who knows me has probably seen my t-shirt: Suspect Everyone. Yep, I really do!

Angie is all business and knowledgeable about the world of writing. She has a fine eye for detail and is great for brainstorming ideas. Nona is a sweetie and she's worked on the conference committee over and over and over again. Yeah, go figure! I believe she's braver than I am.

Walt--our one guy on the committee kept us females grounded. He was the final say when it came to my brochure and booklet design. Thank goodness for his good eye and copying skills. Like Angie, Walt has an eye for detail. Must be a Yankee thing.

Working with this group makes me think I might, might be interested in doing it again. But then, I'm feeling a little mellow today. Conference will be here and gone before we know it. It feels a little like a holiday meal; it takes days to prepare then it's gone in no time.

Visit Angie and Nona at their blogs. Walt and Bev don't have blogs yet, but if I have anything to say about it, they will very soon.


See us work? Oh no, Angie is going to kill me! She hates that messy table. :) We really did work, and we forged friendships that will last a long, long time. I thank God for this new experience and these good writing buddies.

Tomorrow I'll introduce you to our speakers.

6 comments:

Angie Kay Dilmore said...

All business! Come on, Jess, surely there's a little fun in me somewhere. But I agree, working on this committee has been very enjoyable and rewarding.

Walter said...

This has been a pleasure, Jess. My expectation at the beginning of the year was to be called away to work out of town and not be much help. Well, I made it all year and now, just weeks before the conference, the phone starts ringing. I hope I can enjoy the fruit of our labor.
Walt

Winona Cross said...

I have to agree with Angie. All business? I sort of enjoyed IHOP and Cracker Barrel. I will do it again, I just don't think I could ever do the job Bev has done. It's been truly remarkable.

To those out there reading Jess's blog. If you live anywhere near Lake Charles, come to our conference. You won't regret it.

And, we did all get along . . .

Nona

Erica Vetsch said...

I wish I could come to the conference. It sounds like a good time. There is something about coming together with other writers that inspires and uplifts me and makes me want to dig into my writing with more vigor.

Pat Carroll Marcantel said...

Jessica, loved your take on the work and good helpers on the team. Dear girl, you were hesitant about working on this committee, but you offered yourself upon the altar of "almost" public office? Remember that you encouraged yours truly to tag along for this ride.
You know I'll never let you forget it!

Mindy Blanchard said...

Ha! You guys look great! I love messy tables. That means you're getting stuff done!

I'm sure the conference will be a blast. I can't wait to attend. My Lafayette friends have been raving about the last BWG conference FOR THE PAST YEAR. And they never let me forget that I missed it.

So I'm counting the days....until 11/15/08 when I can experience the greatness that is the BWG 2008 Conference that our wonderful conference committee worked so hard to make the absolute best.

You guys ROCK!