I attended my first Realm Makers Writer's Conference in St. Louis this month. It was fantastic! Realm Makers is a Christian Speculative Fiction writers conference. The cool thing about it is that a variety of genres are represented here, and while I enjoy the smallness and closeness of Breathe, my preferred genre (fantasy) is not terribly well-represented there. The keynotes, sessions and workshops were more genre-specific (but still broad enough) which was very helpful.
I traveled with writer friends Tricia Mingerink, Emily Hayse, and Schuyler McConkey, and I made new friends, too! I met Nadine Brandes and Jaye L. Knight face to face (totally fangirled) and left with signed books from many of them. (The book problem is only getting worse guys- I found my genre and my people and restraining myself from purchasing out the store was so. hard.) I met Mary Weber and S.D. Grimm and was convinced that I need to read their books post haste. Kathy Tyers was there, and we sang happy birthday to her. (I can't believe it never registered in my brain and I should have brought Truce and Bakura to be signed as well.)
I'm definitely praying about going back. My brain was so full (spinning, how do I put it all together?) and my heart so full.
Then finally, finally, last night, a puzzle piece fell into place and Ember has an ending. It isn't complete yet, but with the ending came an understanding for the antagonist, and I think we can at least stand on mutual ground now. This opens so many deeper, fuller windows for writing the antagonist thanks to a small comment Sara Grimm made to me. (Yes, I just used "the antagonist" twice and no, I'm not sharing any details. If you would like to sign up for my newsletter where I occasionally spill small details and fun facts about Ember, there is a Subscribe To Our Mailing List box on the right hand side of the blog.)
One final note before I go, *whispers* I found the ninja in Fawkes. ;)
