This Is How You Do It: Lumiere

There is a heck of a lot in the news these days about self publishing.  Heck, I've written a blog post or two about it myself.  If there's one thing I've learned about the industry it's that the Field of Dreams "If you build it, they will come"…., well, that doesn't really work in reality and especially self pub. 

Nick Morgan of Forbes noted last year that "there are somewhere between 600,000 and 1,000,000 books published every year in the US alone, depending on which stats you believe.  Many of those - perhaps as many as half or even more - are self-published.  On average, they sell less than 250 copies each. Your book won't stand out.  Hilary Clinton's will.  Yours won't."

Wow, that's a bit depressing isn't it?  Well, for those of us that are okay with sending our novels out into the ether and waiting for things to "happen", it probably is.  But for others like author Jacqueline Garlick, well, she's not going to sit there and twiddle her thumbs, she's going to make things move.

Which brings me to the amazingness of what this author/entrepreneur has created for her readers.  To celebrate the launch of her steam punk novel Lumiere, Garlick offered special limited editions to her first one hundred fans.  I just received mine today and well, I'll let the photos speak for themselves. 

A package in the mail!

Everything you need to start your steam punk adventure.
Eyelet's favourite candy and tea!

Special note from Lumiere's Urlick & Eyelet

A clue to a secret letter.  Check out jacquelinegarlick.com to
find out the answer!

A cool contest for the lucky 100

Original artwork by Jacqueline Garlick and
conceptual art piece by Tanner Fife

The coolest piece - a prototype of Urlick's latest invention -
a pickle stabber!

Industry Month In Review: Oh What A Year!

As we close in on another year, I can't help but reflect on some of the great successes and sad losses. From the release of highly anticipated YA movies like The Hunger Games: Catching Fire end Ender's Game  and novels like Jacqueline Garlick's Lumiere to the recent passing of acclaimed author Ned Vizzini. 2013 was definitely a year of change. 

Here are some of the highlights, check it out!

New Blogs:

Here are two new blogs that are sure to tickle your YA fancy!

Write On Sisters

This blog features a perfect mix of perspectives.  From a television writer to a historian to a teacher and an agent/editor, you're sure to get just the right dose of insightful learnings and entertaining tidbits.  

YA Series Insiders

What's more exciting than having released your first book in 2013?  Releasing the first in a series in 2014! This new blog features authors who all have lead YA series starting in 2014.  Want to be in the know or win fabulous prize packs? This blog has it all. 

New Books:

Speaking of new books, there are simply way too many coming out in 2014 (see YA Series Insiders to name just a few!).  

Epic Reads had done the dirty work for us and highlighted 15 of the most anticipated YA Books to be published in January 2014 alone!

I for one can't wait for Veronica Rossi's Into the Still Blue or Ransom Rigg's Hollow City.

Upcoming New Movies:

2013 has seen its fair share of YA adaptations and 2014 looks to be no different.  Here are four that I know will be on your "Must See Movie" list.  

Divergent, Veronica Roth

The Fault in Our Stars, John Green (which has already garnered some criticism from it's poster tagline).

The Maze Runner, James Dashner's

If I Stay, Gayle Forman

Happy Holidays Everyone!

To Self Pub or Not To Self Pub...

Self pub seems to be the hot topic these days.  Indeed we're seeing so many books on the scene, in Good Reads, fan fiction websites, Kobo, Amazon, you name it. It's everywhere, and for the average reader, this can be daunting.  How do you weed the good from the bad?  Where do you invest your time and energy? For writers, at first it may seem like a great idea, but most often, it's like running up a river with piranhas nipping at your toes. 

So how do you do it right? It's hard to think of your labour of love objectively.  I could probably go on and on about this topic but I'll highlight what I think are three key assets to break free of the self pub muck and have the potential to become a real indie breakout novel.

1. Independent Editors

You've invested months, maybe years of your time to create your piece de resistance. It sounds like music to your ears.  You pat yourself on the back for those witty lines or gorgeous paragraphs that paint a landscape worthy of being called a Monet with words.  

There lies the problem. 

It may be a masterpiece to you, but is it a masterpiece for the market?  Investing in an independent editor may seem like an unnecessary expense but you will soon find that the right one is invaluable.  Why? Because they've done it a thousand times, they know your market and they know story.  A great editor will also tell you the things you don't want to hear...that your story isn't perfect and they'll guide you to make changes to make it better.  Readers read books and often times they have no idea why they don't like it. They feel unfulfilled, bored, or frustrated with the protagonist.  An independent editor will help you to identify the issues in your manuscript that the readers can't communicate and fix them.  She's a secret I'd love to keep because she's that good, but if you're thinking of hiring one, check out Lorin Oberweger - might as well start with the best!

2. Covers

Don't judge a book by its cover...unless what you're talking about is actually a book.  What sets self pub apart from trad pub is that you have the ultimate control. You can decide what your cover will look like.  Self pub author and workshop guru Jacqueline Garlick has one of the hottest anticipated releases this Fall with the first in her Illumination Paradox series LUMIERE.  Check out her post here where she outlines in detail the intensive process she went through to make her cover the gorgeous artwork it is today.  Many authors in this arena seem satisfied with using stock photos but Garlick took it one step further and created her own.  I know what you're thinking - another cost?  And yes, this can run upwards of several thousand dollars, but this is a product, it won't sell itself.  Think of the cover as your calling card and a reader's first impression. If it looks like it was slapped together in two minutes, you can bet most people will assume what's inside was done the same way. 

3. Marketing

We're writers, we don't promote.  We huddle in our corners and play in the fictional worlds we've created.  Unfortunately, if we continue to do so, the only ones who will come play with us are probably also in our heads.  If you want your book to be a success, you need to be out there, making a mark on your readers.  They need to feel connected with you and interested in what you say.  Since you don't have that publishing machine behind you, that's all the more reason to get out there and make a statement.  Otherwise, how is a reader going to decide between spending their time reading a NYT Bestselling YA Dystopian novel and your self pub book that's currently number 750 on the list (and that's actually good!). 

So my thoughts on self pub - it's a great option...for the right book.  Great cover, fantastic edits (combined with positive feedback from professionals) plus a solid dose of marketing  hutzpah courtesy of the writer = a book that will rise above the rest and become the beautiful needle in a haystack (in a good way!).  

Fun Times and New Beginnings

Can't believe how fast the summer has flown by (kids going back to school, hello?).  I mean every time I go to the grocery store and see Halloween displays, I feel that ice cold trickle down the spine that makes me want to bolt for the exit STAT.  

But with all ends come new beginnings and in case you haven't heard, NYT Bestselling Author Veronica Rossi and Story Guru extraordinaire Lorin Oberweger have just launched their new venture Wildcard Storymakers - a premiere story studio.  Their game plan: 

To pair fresh ideas in middle grade, young adult, and new adult fiction with the writers meant to bring them to life.  

This dynamic trio (including Rossi's husband Michael) aren't starting off slow.  They've already inked a six-figure, three book deal for a new adult project (first book entitled BOOMERANG).  Can't wait to see what else they have coming out - at this rate, they may reach their yearly targets by Christmas!

Another writer who is embarking on a new journey is awesome conference organizer Jacqueline Garlick who will be launching her first self published YA novel Lumiere later this Fall.   Garlick has something most writers dream of: immense talent and infinite amounts of gusto - key ingredients if you want to stand out in the online crowd. Definitely one to watch in the coming year. 

Elizabeth Gilbert reading an excerpt from her new novel

Someone else who's also doing something new is NYT Bestselling Author Elizabeth Gilbert  (EAT, PRAY, LOVE).  Her first fiction novel THE SIGNATURE OF ALL THINGS will be on sale October 1st.  I had the pleasure of attending Penguin Canada's Indigo Exclusive Event where Laurie Grassi, Books Editor at Chatelaine Magazine sat down for a one on one discussion with Gilbert. Open bar, an evening with the ladies and a free advanced copy of Gilbert's latest novel - what's more to love?

Finally, the sad news is that it's still eleven months till Comicon, the good news is I got to do it all over again, Canuck-style this weekend.  Happy I got a chance to sit in on Canadian YA novelist Adrienne Kress' Steampunk Author Panel, see some old super hero friends and meet some new ones! Here's a recap of Fan Expo 2013 in photo:

Daleks - Dr. Who's No. 1 Enemy 

Spidey to R2: "Stop following us!"

Hulk Hogan, he wrestled our Mayor!

Vintage Stay Puft 

Ontario has a Ghostbuster Society - who knew?

Industry Review: It's A Small World

Writing can be a very solitary activity.  Typing away on our keyboards as we stare endlessly at our computer screens.  From time to time we stand up and stretch, go for a walk or grab a coffee break, but interaction with others (especially during the work day) can be few and far between. 

Which is why I feel so blessed to have such a great writing community that I can turn to whenever I need a little nudge or a big guiding light. This past weekend I attended the Niagara Writers Retreat and Conference for YA and Children's Writers.  Organized by conference organizer extraordinaire Jackie Pynaert, I had the chance to spend three days with an intimate group of top notch writers, brainstorm with an incredible critique group (lead by indie editor Lorin Oberweger), have one-on-one time with Susan Rich (Editor-at-Large, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) and be inspired by the likes of Ellen Hopkins, Sara Zarr and Kimberley Griffiths Little.  

It was a great event and I learned a lot, but more importantly, I came away with new friends who are all welcome additions to my writing family.  Through emails and Facebook, we keep in touch, spread important industry news and cheer each other on when we've finished writing a chapter or signed with a new agent. 

There are many ways to build your own network of cool industry peeps, from message boards to meet and greets at the local library. Below, I've listed a few of my support groups who all help to give me that extra kick in the writer pants (and a hug) when I need it.

1) Thinking to Inking

We started off as four strangers - most at our first writers conference (the Big Sur Writing Workshop) and came away bosom blogging buddies. 

2)  Torkidlit 

Where Toronto YA and Middle grade writers catch up online and off. 

3) The Conference Crew

Workshops aren't just weekend events, they set the stage to build long lasting friendships.  My "Your Best Book" class of 2012 is still going strong and keeping everyone informed and motivated through our Facebook group page.

Where do you go for your writer support and inspiration?  Feel free to post your replies here and spread the word on community. 

Industry Month In Review: Conference Call

Mount Carmel: Niagara Writers/Illustrator's Retreat

This month's Industry Month In Review is more like Industry Month Fast Forward.  Reading articles about tips and tools for the trade is great, but if you're like me, most things go in one eye and out the other (apologies for the somewhat disturbing visual).  I find I learn the most in an interactive environment where I'm not just spoken to, but engaged in activities and diving into my own creative work.  

So it's with great pleasure that I had the opportunity to interview Jackie Garlic-Pynaert, who's YA & Children's Writers and Illustrators workshops include the Niagara Writers/Illustrators Retreat, B&B Garden Party Writer's Workshop, and most recently Novel Gurus held earlier this month in Delray Beach, Florida. 

These workshops are smaller, intimate affairs that allow writers of all levels to learn from one another as well as top-tier faculty including agents, editors and authors. Here Jackie talks about what started it all and her upcoming Niagara conference.

JP:    Tell us a little about yourself
. 

JGP: I’m a writer and a pillow maker (that’s right, I make pillows, fancy ones, and I just opened my own little shop on etsy featuring my creations. Shameless plug, sorry, I’m just so excited!). I am also a teacher (in the regular system for 16 years, but now I mainly teach writers about writing) and a public speaker and conference co-coordinator. Wow…that’s seems like a lot, doesn’t it? Basically, my work centers on the things I love the most; writing, teaching and being creative. 

JP:    How did you get into conference/workshop organization?


Jackie (center) with fellow attendees at Novel Gurus

JGP: I guess it all started because I’d been travelling State side for about three years attending writing conferences and wondered why we don’t have something just as wonderful going on here at home? As well, I’d gotten to the point in my career (as a writer) that what the larger conferences were offering, was no longer meeting the needs of me, or my friends, at the stage we were at in our writing journeys. We were in that precarious place where you are no longer a beginner, but you have by no means risen to the top. Some of us were agented and others were querying favorably but still not being picked. We all knew we needed to work on craft and to be challenged through more serious critique sessions, but nothing like that was being offered. I think it was when I attended Big Sur hosted by Andrea Brown Agency that the lights really came on in my head. That was the first conference I’d ever been to where multiple critique sessions were offered and rewrite critique sessions were mandatory. Taking that model and the wonderful critique circle model I’d participated in for several years out in Nevada at their retreats, I decided to combine what I found useful at both events and create a new event that would address the needs of me as well as my friends, those ‘in-between writers’, as well as the seasoned veteran and the newbie. From there, I literally stumbled on the venue (I was lost, looking for another venue, pulled into Mount Carmel’s driveway to ask directions, and fell in love) and the rest is history.

JP:    Big conferences versus little workshops?


Author/Illustrator Debbie Ohi
2013 Niagara Faculty

JGP: Although Niagara is technically billed as a Conference and Retreat, it is small enough to still have that small workshop feel. I think the major difference between a smaller event like Niagara and a larger conference is the amount of ‘Faculty Face Time’ the attendees get. People complain all the time at the larger conferences about feeling invisible and not being able to get any time with the faculty. They complain the size of the event makes it hard to connect with people, especially industry professionals, who’d rather run from the attendees it seems, than take a moment to chat. Attendees are often kept at a distance from the faculty at larger events, in an effort to keep them from inundating them with questions, because after all, we do want them to come back, don’t we? But at smaller events like Niagara, there are less people, so right away the faculty feels relaxed. Also, Niagara by design is a retreat, meaning everyone eats, sleeps and hangs out with one another all weekend long, faculty and attendees alike -- like great big kids at a summer camp. This gives attendees plenty of time to chat with faculty and vise versa, so that urgent feeling that you have only a small window of time to pitch your book before the faculty disappears, completely goes away. I also think smaller conferences lead to more natural discussion between faculty members and participants, which leads to more invited and organic pitching. At Niagara there is also the added bonus of being able to purchase twenty minute private one-on-one critique sessions with a faculty member, for an additional $45, where an open discussion of your manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as the scope of your overall synopsis, occurs. Lastly, I’d say the benefit of smaller conferences is the host’s ability to make attendees feel welcome. With fewer people to worry about, a real atmosphere of friendliness and inclusion has a better chance of being established.

JP:    Who do you think would best benefit from Niagara?

JGP: Hmmmmm (taps chin)….I’d say, everyone. Everyone who really loves writing, who strives to improve their writing, who’s goal it is to produce quality writing, writing that rises to the top, whether it be through the traditional publishing model, or the newer self publishing avenues. After all, everyone wants to put out the best possible product they can, regardless of their venue, and that takes a lot of work, immense study of craft, exposure to quality critique, and constructive informed criticism, and Niagara offers all of that (along with some invaluable information about marketing and the industry). I also think anyone yearning to know more about the American Publishing Market should attend Niagara. With so many top-notch members of the faculty hailing from the States all under one roof, you can’t go wrong.

JP:    What makes Niagara special?

JGP: I think I might have addressed that somewhat in answering number three, but I’ll add this, I think it’s the people. The quality of staff that agrees to attend Niagara are some of the biggest names in the industry. And the attendees are top-notch dedicated writers and illustrators, who really challenge themselves and strive to create quality work year-after-year. Establishing such a dynamic is invaluable at a conference, and I’m so very lucky to have such people attend, I really am. I also think it’s a great place to get face time and lots of it, with an acquiring editor and agent(s) in the industry (two agents this year!) that you can’t get anywhere else.

JP:    When should our readers be marking their calendars?

JGP: May 3-5.  It’s a great place and a great time, with great food…did I mention the food? Shout out to Steve here, the venue’s caterer…omg…there are no words…anyway, do join us! I’d love to see you there!

Deja Vu-Over

Whether you're attempting your first manuscript or a seasoned novelist, the creative life we chose is definitely not an easy one.  We work really hard to get our stories right, writing, then rewriting, continuously cultivating our craft and project.  You think you're almost finished and pat yourself on the back for a job well done.  Then the unthinkable happens.  You read about an existing series, the synopsis sounds exactly like yours - it's even located in the same city!  Paralysis takes over and instead of continuing to write, you're rummaging through the liquor cabinet for that 100+ proof bottle of scotch.  

That was how I began my week.  Wondering if I should throw in the towel and start all over.  Luckily, I have an incredible support group that consists of very smart people who know way more about the industry than I do.  Indie Editor Lorin Oberweger came to the rescue and offered some great insight into the "other" series, assuring me that the stories were very different (whew!).  

Writer/conference organizer extraordinaire Jackie Garlick also provided me with some sage advice and a great quote.  

"Write away from what you know the other story to be....make sure you make your book unique and your own...there are a million sci-fi novels...and many brush very close to one another...but they are all uniquely different because of who writes them and the angle the writers take.  Short elevator pitches can be misleading.  Don't doubt yourself.  Just write your book."

While you may not be writing a sci-fi novel, there will come a time when you hear of another project that sounds very similar (if not identical) to yours.  Just remember, an idea is a dime a dozen and at the end of the day, it really is all about (your) execution.  I for one am back to banging away on the keyboard (with my fingers, not my head).

The Independent Editor: My Not-So-Secret Weapon

You've passed on dinner with friends, avoided the gym and skipped out on family events but it's all been worth it cause now you're finally done! You type those two little words "the end" and sit back to admire your pièce de résistance...at least for a minute.  Then you press send and forward it to your beta readers and writing group for feedback.

 

A few weeks later, the responses trickle in. 

Mother's friend's daughter: "Fantastic! Wouldn't change a word!"

Your bestie Director of HR: "I think chapter four should be chapter one and chapter six should be chapter twelve and chapter two should be at the end."

Writing group friend extraordinaire: Love your protagonist but I'm having trouble believing your antagonist and losing interest in the second third of your manuscript.

You scan the replies and scratch your head (maybe even pull out a hair or ten).  What does this all mean? Where do you start? Who do you listen to?

At times like this, you wish you had someone to lean on, someone who really knew the business and the minds of the editors and agents alike.  Someone who's like an editor but will give you the detailed feedback you need to make your book that much better.

Well, there is, and you do.

Cue *angels singing from heaven*

These fine folks are known as independent editors.  Individuals who are not publishers or agents but who've worked in the business for years as publishers, editors and/or writers and who are in tune with the ins and outs of the industry.  Be it a synopsis, outline or full manuscript, you can hire these editors to review your work and provide feedback.

Wait...hold on.  I know what you're thinking.  You want me to shell out my hard earned money to get another person to read my book and give me notes? 

The answer: yes, and here's why.

Your manuscript is your baby and you've spent countless hours caring for and nurturing your story.  If time is money, then you've already invested at least the equivalent of a down payment on a country home.  An indie editor will help you take your manuscript to the next level.  They will identify those areas that don't work not because they "feel" it doesn't work but because they know the reasons why it doesn't work.  They will ask the hard questions (you know, the ones that your husband/child/sister wouldn't dare ask) and provide the guidance you need to improve not just your manuscript but also your writing skills.

Jackie Garlick-Pynaert of Blah Blah Blah Blogger provides a great analogy.  Behind every great athlete is a fantastic coach.  Athletes don't become great without someone pushing them to be better.  Think of your indie-editor as your coach, helping you to hone your craft and make your manuscript the best that it can be for the markets of today.

Over the past year, I've had the pleasure of working with Free Expression's Lorin Oberweger on my manuscript. Since I am one who outlines, Lorin's feedback has helped guide my story development and steer me away from storylines and tangents that may have resulted in many wasted hours (something I definitely can't afford).   

But how do you know the good editors from the bad?  The best thing to do is research.  Check out your editor's background.  What have they done in the industry, whom have they worked for and who are their clients?  Conferences and workshops are great places to meet indie editors where they often provide their services specific to the event at rates that are very affordable for attendees.  This is a cost effective way for you to test out potential indie editors and see if they are a right fit for you. 

While hiring an indie editor won't guarantee a publisher will present you with a six figure book deal, it will help you to create a better manuscript.  After all, your manuscript is a reflection of you and wouldn't you want an agent or publisher to see you at your best?  

For more information on independent editors, check out:

Lorin Oberweger and Brenda Windberg at Free Expressions
Emma Dryden at Drydenbks 

Workshops: Not Just For the Un-Published

I recently overheard a writer chatting to a friend about how one day when they get published, they won't have to attend all these conferences and workshops anymore.  To say that I didn't have this same thought when I first started writing would be lying.  I remember my first conference as a fantastic affair.  Still, you feel like a little fish in a very, very big pond especially when your value is rated by the word "published" in front of "writer".  I fathomed that once one reached the level of "published", it meant you should be the one lecturing at speaking engagements and not sitting in the audience engaging the speakers. 

But from these conferences and workshops, I grew to know many great writers, some published, some not who continue to attend these functions not just to meet publishers but to keep their skills fresh and to gleam ideas and perspectives they might otherwise miss holed up in their offices typing away. 

Novel Gurus Weekend Retreat
Duncan Conference Center

Workshops are especially helpful to published writers looking to write in a different age category or genre.  Where a writer's work may be stellar in middle grade, they may need new tricks of the trade and a fresh perspective to add spice to their foray into YA.


The last conference that I went to was SCBWI's LA conference which was a great event with round the clock speakers, activities and meet ups with old friends and new.  But the ones that really hit home for me, that I learned the most from as a writer were the more intimate workshops and smaller affairs.  The ones that offered opportunities for on the spot critique groups and small group presentations and work sessions. 

Which is why I'm very excited about two upcoming events. The first is Free Expressions Your Best Book workshop which is taking place in Charlotte, North Carolina starting this Friday.  This workshop offers an intimate setting for a small group of writers to learn from each other, to focus on their craft and projects and to meet with and listen to top agents, publishers and writers....for a week!  

The second is the Novel Gurus Weekend Retreat to be held in Delray Beach, Florida, March 1-3, 2013 where you get the opportunity to spend the weekend with two top publishers and freelance editor extraordinaire Lorin Oberweger.  The best part about this?  There's only room for 20 attendees!

Not everyone can afford to or have the luxury of attending all these workshop opportunities but for those who are published and think these aren't for them, I would say, think again, you just might find that it's more beneficial than you think. 

Beyond Writing: Conferences, Workshops and Beer Night!

It's t-minus five days till SCBWI's Summer Conference in LA - an event of epic proportions which brings together hundreds if not thousands of would-be authors, illustrators, tops agents, and editors in the children's and youth's fiction industry.  

It's going to be filled with mad dashes to speaker sessions and round the clock meet and greets which is what makes the sweet little 2 day workshop that I went to last weekend seem all the more cosy, intimate and well worth the drive to Guelph, Ontario (I know my American friends are all scratching their heads wondering where the heck is Guelph?).  

Organized by writer extraordinaire (and co-ordinator of the SCBWI Niagara Conference) Jackie Garlick, the B&B Garden Party Writer's Workshop was one of the best writing experiences (outside of writing) I've had to date and I can count the number of participants on both hands.  It featured two days of writing, critiquing and sessions lead by Jackie and independent book editor and ghost writer Lorin Oberweger.

Jackie Garlick teaching at the B&B Garden Party

Which brings me to the topic at hand - what to do beyond just writing?  Whether it's just an idea, an outline, four chapters or a full manuscript, there's always something beyond writing (be it a conference, retreat, or industry beer night) that can help you make it better. 

Writing is an investment.  We would like to think that it doesn't cost anything besides paper and a pen, but it does.  This is your product and it needs the same care and attention to bring it to the market as any other product.  The nice thing to know is you don't have to spend thousands of dollars a year travelling across North America to have a great experience.

Here are a few points to help you identify which conferences/retreats/get-togethers work best for you.

1.  Set your goals for the year.

2.  Identify your wish list of events. 

3.  Set a budget and prioritize.

4.  Keep an open mind and have fun!

Big Sur

What are your writing goals by the end of the year?  Do you plan to have an outline, a few chapters or a full manuscript completed?  This will help you to determine which type of conference best suits your needs.  If you only have a chapter or two written, you may want to forgo the larger conferences early on and focus on the smaller ones where the focus is more on five page critiques and intimate group settings.  The Big Sur Writing Conference organized by the Andrew Brown Literary Agency and the SCBWI Niagara Conference are two that I've attended that were great for just this reason.  For those that want more than just a weekend and are looking for workshops to really tighten up their manuscript, there's also weeklong events such as Free Expressions Your Best Book workshop which has a cap of 30 participants and gives writers ample opportunity to work with top children's agents Tracey and Josh Adams from Adams Literary and independent editors such as Lorin Oberweger and Emma Dryden.

Finally, if you can't make it out to a workshop or conference, check out your local writer get together.  Toronto has a great group of young adult and middle grade writers who are warm, friendly and often hold events to get to know one another.  You can get the latest info here.  

There's going to be good conferences and bad conferences but at the end of the day, it's really what you make of it.  Have you learned something thing new?  Met a new contact or have a "eureka!" moment about your story.  Focusing on the positive aspects of the events that you attend helps you to continue to push forward.  The best thing that came out of the first conference I attended.... meeting my three fabulous blogmates!