For someone who is naturally an introvert, my first writing conference was exhausting. Seven hours of talking to new people is not how I’d prefer to spend a Saturday (other hands up for a good book and a cup of tea instead?). But it was also amazing. Everyone was so friendly, and the two ladies in my critique group were particularly fabulous.

I received some questionable advice that made me raise a eyebrow. But I also received unbelievably astute and helpful comments on all three of the pieces that I took with me (score!).

Heart thumping, face flaming, and hands ice cold one minute, dripping sweat the next (thank you, Social Anxiety), I sat down at the pitch session with a literary agent and eight other aspiring writers. But I made it through my pitch safely (no one was injured), and I learned that my piece was actually funny (more than one person laughed in all the right places), well written, and clever. Whew!

I have no illusions about how difficult it will be to see one of my stories in print one day. But I do have hope. I have a few more tools in my toolbox now, and I begin revisions on my pieces tomorrow…right after I put the kids to bed.