Thursday, November 13, 2008

Bayou Writers Group Conference is Here!

Yes, conference is here. This weekend. I'm ready. Honestly, I'm ready to look back and say, well done.

What I'm really looking forward to doing is meeting the speakers I've been emailing for several months. I feel especially close to them since I hand-picked them myself. :) I'm sure the closeness is a wonderful figment of my imagination but I consider David, Randy and PJ all mine. Paula from Boy's Life is Angie's editor. I think we have a wonderful line-up. We've worked hard, and I hope everyone will benefit from it.

I'm also very excited about meeting writers who will be driving in from the surrounding area: Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and different parts of Texas.

If I stop to think about the 50, 60, almost 70 people attending this conference, hoping to learn something, make that needed connection, my heart leaps because I want so badly for them to get everything they want and need from our small conference. I feel obligated to them and to our speakers. I guess I put a lot of stress on myself for wanting everyone to walk away completely "writerly-satisfied."

This is the first time I've worked on a conference though I've been to many. I've complained about the lack of organization, lousy, unprepared speakers, even the food.

I'll never complain again. I'll say it louder: I'LL NEVER COMPLAIN AGAIN!

I have an enormous amount of respect for anyone who works on a conference committee and tries to guess what other writers want and need. And I have an enormous amount of admiration and respect for anyone who does it more than once. :)

I hope you enjoy our Bayou Writers Group conference. We worked hard--for you.

7 comments:

Jessica Burkhart said...

Wow! I bet you did an amazing job, Jess, and that people will have a great time. :)

Winona Cross said...

Well, Jess, we have indeed made it to conference. I feel some jitters, but I know we've done a good job.

Like you, I'll never complain about the small things at a conference again.

We can't please everyone, but we can please most. See you there . . .

Nona
http;//winonacross.blogspot.com

Pamela S Thibodeaux said...

Oh Jess,

I just know our conference will be one of the best the folks have attended!

BWG's Conference Committee did a JAMUP job!

Can't wait for Saturday.
PamT

Mindy Blanchard said...

hey Jess. You and the committee did a wonderful job - I can tell it will be fantastic. I have never seen a group sweat and work so hard on a conference - you guys rock!

It will be great. lives will be changed...everyone will be just a little bit more knowledgeable. And you the committee made it all possible.

(applause/applause)

See you this weekend. I for one CANNOT WAIT!!

Mindy

Christa Allan said...

What an impressive line-up! Awesome. I'm so happy you're using your talents!

Debra Harris-Johnson said...

I am certain everyone will be grateful to you and your group for all the hard work. You care so much about writers. I can't ever say thank you enough.

Winona Cross said...

In hindsight, the conference is over and it went GREAT!!! I was so nervous I kept eating, something I can't really afford to do. Lost track at the continental breakfast and had two sandwiches at lunch.

The poundage was worth it. Now, back to being more conscientious.

Nona
http://winonacross.blogspot.com