Conferences and such

This time last week I was reflecting on everything I heard and learned at the Tri-Region SCBWI conference in Gettysburg.  It was amazing!  One thing that was very cool was the fact that over the last few years I've made friends at these conferences.  Now, it is true that I don't get to see these friends very often, but our love of writing, and probably our shared frustration regarding our writing that at times we all experience, makes it easy to pick up where our last conversation ended.  These are the people who understand how much I care about my characters, and who know how far my story has come--and improved!

And, since I've already marked my calendar for the Spring WPASCBWI Retreat, I know when I'll see many of these writing friends again.  I also found out more information about another conference I want to attend, so I'm working on getting a submission together for that.

Oh, and did I mention I spent more money than I'd planned buying books!

The past few weeks have been hectic because of complications around my day job, and while those complications are still present, I have come up with better ways (I hope!) of dealing with them; therefore, I plan to get back on track with my postings as we move into the holiday season.  So, with Thanksgiving right around the corner, I want to share how thankful I am  for all of you who have encouraged me in my writing, especially my sweet husband.  Most of all, I am thankful to God for the stories He's given me, and I hope the next few months find me being a good steward of those stories, as well as of all the other gifts He's given me.

Happy Thanksgiving!  What are you thankful for?