The Very Inspiring Blog Award

These things are always fun! Thanks, Amanda Fanger, for giving me a nod at her own blog, which you can find here. Amanda is a reporter for her local newspaper and an aspiring novelist who blogs about her writing journey. Definitely keep your eye on this gal!

 As part of this blog award, I have to share seven things about myself. So in no particular order...

• I love milkshakes.
• I love Hawaii, particularly Waikiki. My husband and I went there for our honeymoon and have been back two times since.
• My favorite band is Switchfoot.
• I'm passionate about animal rescue and have two of the most adorable rescued Cocker Spaniels. You never would've dreamed I found them at the Humane Society and animal shelter.
• When I was young, my mom used to keep a "diary" for me before I knew how to write. Many of the entires involved stickers and references to everything being my "best friend." I'm so thankful to have parents who have encouraged my calling from such a young age.
• I love milkshakes. Oh wait, I already said that. I'm also a vegetarian.
• When my head hits the pillow each night, I think to myself, "I am living a dream." Some days I still can't believe that all of this--all of you readers and the relationships I've established with those in the writing industry, even my heroes like Rene Gutteridge-- is real. And for that, I continue to be so, so thankful, and so very in awe of God's purpose.

Now, to spread the love around! I nominate the following gals for this award:

• Angie Dicken--my fabulous critique partner, now agented by Tamela Hancock Murray!
• Casey Herringshaw--who you no doubt already know-- because let's face it, she's adorable
• Gabrielle Meyer-- I had the privilege of meeting Gabrielle at ACFW this year, and let me just say, she scatters sunshine all around. LOVE her. Definitely check out her blog if you haven't already. This gal is going places.
• Kristy L. Cambron-- As if being the most gorgeous pregnant woman in the world (who now has a new baby) weren't enough, Kristy has an equally adorable blog. She writes vintage romance... isn't that a cute tagline? Love it, and I love her. Definitely stop by her blog.
• Lindsay Harrel-- Who doesn't love Lindsay? I was SO happy we finally had the chance to meet at the ACFW conference. Lindsay is an incredible writer, and I expect you'll see great things from her sooner rather than later!
• Rene Smith-- Don't let Rene's easy-going demeanor fool you. This lady is a Genesis winner and has nabbed a superstar agent. She's a stellar person and writer. Don't miss the cool stuff she's doing at her blog!

Hope you enjoy browsing through these blogs and "meeting" some of these ladies. Do you have any other favorite blogs you frequent? Would you share the links with us?

ACFW Conference :)

I had SO much fun at the ACFW Conference this past weekend and am having a hard time believing it's already over! The whole thing feels like a dream. A very tiring, very memorable dream full of laughter, nerves, and wonderful friendships and opportunities. I don't know where I'd be without this organization and am so thankful to those who listened to the pressing of God when He laid it on their hearts to start ACFW.

Some highlights of the conference...

• Using the word "peeps" in a conversation with Becky Monds. Thankfully, she laughed.
• Stalking the appointment board and driving poor Casey Miller flat crazy.
• Lots of laughter with my roommates Angie and Amy, staying up until welllllll past our bedtime. The rooms were so quiet, we couldn't sleep!
• Making connections with past and present heros, like Allen Arnold, Allison Pitman, and Rene Gutteridge.
• Wonderful workshops, thanks to which (shout out to Rachel Hauck!) I think I'm finally going to shake my terror of brainstorming.
• Worship with other storytellers, the shapers of the world of fiction. What a privilege.
• This piece of pecan pie.

Here I am with The Alley Cats. Love these ladies! So excited to be an Alley Cat this year. :)

I was so happy to be able to spend some time with Sarah Forgrave this year. Love this girl!

Lindsay is SO much fun!

This year I had the privilege of meeting the cutest pregnant woman of all time, Kristy Wedge Cambron. Love this girl! 

Roomie pic! Angie, Amy, and I before the banquet. I pretty much have the prettiest roommates in all the land. Such great times with these women!

Mentor of the year herself: Allison Pitman. After spending some time with her this year, I can tell you the award was well-deserved.

My editor and friend from the e-zine I write articles for, SciendaQ. Happy to meet you, Cat! So fun chatting!

Casey is absolutely the cutest! Such the glittering social butterfly! Loved getting to meet you this year, Casey! 

One of my favorite moments of the conference... meeting Rene Gutteridge.  

Beth Vogt is so PRECIOUS. I could talk to her for hours.

Cara, Amy, and I

My friend and published author, Krista Phillips! So fun hanging out with her this year!

These ladies are so much fun. Linsday Harrel, Katie Ganshert, and Gabrielle Meyer. You should see the picture that followed this one!

And last but not least, here's a short clip from the MBT pizza party this year, featuring Lindsay Harrel, Karen Ball, and Susie May Warren. They had me laughing so hard with this song.

I miss you already, writing friends!