Katy McKenna Raymond  
Personal blog of christian writer Katy McKenna Raymond in Kansas City, Missouri

Personal blog of christian
writer & fallible mom
Katy McKenna Raymond
in Kansas City, Missouri


Katy is represented by
Greg Johnson at
WordServe Literary

Read more Katy at
LateBoomer.net

Follow Katy on Twitter

Follow Katy on Facebook

Friends

Of the 500 writers who attended the 2007 American Christian Fiction Writers conference, something like 135 were first-timers.

They wore little ribbons that said “First Timer.” I made it my mission to meet as many of them as I could, because in 2005, I qualified for a ribbon myself. I probably greeted at least 50 first-timers, just went right up to them and stuck my hand out and chatted them up. Some (waving at Sharon Ball!) became instant friends.

My husband will tell you that I sometimes have difficulty with this type of thing. But you know what? EVERYone at ACFW behaves this way. I have NEVER been with a group of more friendly, outreaching people. Though there are always plenty of inside jokes during the general sessions, the newcomers—I think—feel quickly assimilated into the veteran crowd. I am sure the organization has as one of its goals to welcome everyone with open arms.

If you’ve ever wondered what one of these four-day events is like, you might as well put overwhelming at the top of the list. If you think you’re not the type to bawl, watch out. SOMEthing will get to you, and you’ll have at least a minor meltdown. This year, I did NOT expect to cry, and my dear friend Diann Hunt stood right with me in my puddle of goofy tears, getting her feet wet and not complaining about it one bit.

So what did I cry about? It doesn’t matter. I certainly wasn’t unhappy, since I’d had nothing but great appointments with editors and agents. Maybe it was just that there’s so much involved, as an aspiring novelist, in “putting myself out there” in the conference setting. All I know is, Diann said all the sweet things at the right time. Things like, “I’ve been there, Katy. I’ve felt that way, too…”  Within three minutes, The Meltdown ended and I was all smiles again, thanks to a wonderful friend.

I’ve met so many fabulous women (and a few men, too) who have become more than dear to me through this group. A few I know will end up being lifelong friends. Of course, I joined in order to move my career forward. But even if I never become a published novelist, I wouldn’t trade my new friends for anything.

Thanks to all my ACFW buddies for changing my life.

Posted by Katy on 09/24/07 at 01:31 PM
Fallible Comments...
  1. Katy, I just wanted to add that it was so lovely to see your sparkly, friendly smile, almost as soon as I walked into the fray! I didn't witness your "goofy tears," but I shed a few of my own, during worship and at the end of Peg's Moses performance, in particular. As you said, what a fantastic group of people!
    Posted by Trish Perry  on  09/24/07  at  05:37 PM
  2. Katy,

    I'm so glad I've found your blog! Reading back over your last few posts, I know I'll enjoy getting to know you even better!
    Posted by D'Ann  on  09/25/07  at  01:03 AM
  3. Your cheery self was such a blessing to see at the conference, Katy! And just for the record, I've had sneezes last longer than your "meltdown." I think the tears come because our emotions are in full swing and we get so tired from late night talks with the girls and early morning breakfast. I'm still sleeping in this week. *g*

    By the way, I miss you already, Katy!
    Posted by Diann  on  09/25/07  at  11:37 AM
  4. Hi Katy!
    Just visiting. What a lovely blog. And I agree: an overwhelming and wonderful weekend. I cried plenty too. And laughed. I'm super-inspired and excited about writing now. You and I sat together at Steve Laube's table. Was nice to meet you. Happy writing!
    Posted by janet rubin  on  09/25/07  at  12:09 PM
  5. Trish--It was SO nice to get to sit and chat with you over breakfast! Thank you for including me in your group. You are one of my fave authors, and I love your down-to-earth outlook. You're a joy.

    D'Ann--What a treasure to finally meet you!! I missed your Deb Raney impersonation in the very extremely blond wig, due to an appointment. MAN, I'd love to see THAT on youtube!! Will thoroughly enjoy getting to know you better....

    Diann--Girl, girl. Doug and I both guffawed at "I've had sneezes last longer than your meltdown..." :) The thing is, so have I!!! But the sneezes haven't seemed nearly as traumatic! Rest well, my friend. I miss you VERY much.

    Janet--You of the cute short hairstyle!! I loved sitting with you over lunch. Great to get to chat, and hoping for more opps like that in the future. Now I am off to visit your blog!
    Posted by Katy  on  09/25/07  at  02:17 PM
  6. Sounds like you had a marvelous time...I'm so envious. To think that I've just been home paying thousands of dollars in medical bills... UGH.
    Posted by Bridget  on  09/25/07  at  04:19 PM
  7. Bridgie---Eeeek. I hate that! I'm about to sort through all of Doug's bills, for his back. I'll be out $3000 in cash before the week's out. I feel for you, baby sister!
    Posted by Katy  on  09/25/07  at  05:10 PM
  8. Katy: The highlight of my ACFW was sitting at your table for the banquet.
    You are one of a kind.
    Posted by Patti  on  09/26/07  at  11:25 PM
  9. Patti--I SO enjoyed getting to know you!!! Can't wait to read your Irishwoman book. JUST my kind of story. You are so sweet, the way you're always asking about other people's work and lives. Let's stay in touch!
    Posted by Katy  on  09/28/07  at  03:08 PM
  10. this really sounds like you had a great time. Thanks for sharing this great experience. God bless you and your family.

    <a href="http://www.watchfriendsonline.com">watch friends online</a>
    Posted by john  on  03/08/09  at  03:27 AM
    11. Page 1 of 1 pages
Commenting is not available in this weblog entry.

Next entry: Little Kid Within

Previous entry: A New Girdle In Town

<< Back to main