...of She Speaks Conference Finale

Mary DeMuth explained, “Nonfiction Proposals that Grab Attention,” for us writer-gals on Saturday in the mid-afternoon. We learned the importance of a book proposal and how to “sell” it for publication. She too was kind enough to put her signature in, “for the Write Reason” by Marybeth Whalen! But that’s not it…SHE TOOK A PICTURE WITH ME AND SAID THAT I COULD POST IT!

There was then an hour block of free time or other Bonus Breakout Sessions, I elected for free time. I should have been in the prayer room, however, I was so wrapped up in self that I’d forgotten about it and went outside to warm up a bit by the sun. At 5:oo p.m., it was time for the Writer’s Coffee House. During this session a literary agent gave advice on networking and building a platform towards pitching a book proposal, ending with questions and answers. The second speaker came from Harvest House publishing. She also entertained questions at the end of her presentation about knowing the publishing company that you want to submit your proposal to.

There was coffee available, however, coffee makes my stomach hurt, I’m talking like curl into a ball hurt, so I didn’t have any. :(

Dinner was served after that evening session and it was AWESOME! The staff was amazing. They were all polite and eager to make every lady feel as if she were the guest of honor! Jennifer Rothschild serenaded over 600 women after dinner with her story that was filled with hope and encouragement. She received a standing ovation! “Ministry should REfine, not DEfine me,” this is what I took away in a large quantity from Ms. Jennifer’s edification.

On our last day, Sunday the 2nd of August, Renee Swope broke down the necessity of rest to us. “Come to Me,” by Renee aided in filling our understanding about resting in the presence of Jesus and His plans. We worshipped God with song and prayer and we also proclaimed our Savior’s death, (1 Corinthians 11:23-26), when we took communion with one another. The praises offered up to God were touching. Some lifted hands, others knelt by their chairs to pray, and then there were those who shed tears. Not one voice that spoke an “Amen,” a “Thank You Jesus,” or “Praise God,” placed out of order.

The morning’s worship ended with a promise from the cross. Each woman, if she desired, walked up to a cross and picked up a card. My card read, “Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between His shoulders.” (Deuteronomy 33:12 NIV) Just for your information, the tribe of Benjamin was the weakest, (Judges 6:15). Chew on that until a later post!

Finally, we were released for one last opportunity to make connections before every one headed to the airport or their cars to drive home. Glynnis Whitwer counseled us to break off in small groups of 6-8 to develop an online writing critique group. Four other ladies accepted me into their group and we exchanged contact information and took a group photo for our site.

Thank you all for hanging in here with me this week while I sent you on a twisted trek about my experience of ‘She Speaks.’ I just pray that you all have taken what has been shared as encouragement to attend next year and to keep on keeping on in spite of the “boulders” that you have to go around, yes, go around, not move, because I’ve learned that they are in the spot they’re in for God’s reason and I do not want to mess with His plans anymore!

On Monday I will post a few photos from the conference and then you all will have to deal with my, I don't know what to call it, but it'll be back to normal...no consistency...just whatever My Heart Speaks...

smooches