#reunited22

This past weekend I attended my first conference in four years – the SCBWI Florida Regional Conference in Orlando. All I have to say is, wow. Just wow.

I’ve attended various writing conferences before, including the SCBWI ones in the northeast. But this one was different. Smaller. Personal. Supportive.

Rob Sanders and Becky Herzog, the co-regional advisors of the SCBWI Florida region, as well as Angela, Candy, and Fred, and all the volunteers of the SCBWI Florida region, went above and beyond to make sure that the conference ran smoothly. They ensured that all the faculty and attendees were comfortable and had everything they needed to have the best experience possible. I’m especially thankful to Eileen Meyer of the northeast Florida region who made a point of speaking with and supporting everyone who approached her.

The breakout sessions with authors, editors, and agents were the most informative of any conference I’ve ever attended. The keynote speakers were heartfelt, motivating, inspiring, and overall blew me away with how giving and generous they were.

I met so many wonderful authors and illustrators, people that I hope to keep in touch with and continue to evolve with – Sahtinay, Laura, Sharnese, Erika, Caroline, Stephanie, and many others. The connections I made are invaluable.

Maybe it was because I hadn’t attended a conference in a while, or maybe it’s because I was so hungry to be part of an in-person creative tribe again, but when it was finally over on Sunday, I didn’t want to leave.

A mixture of emotions flitted through me throughout the weekend: Inspired beyond belief, humbled to be among so many successful and talented people, and motivated to continue to grow in my own writing path.

Most of all, I felt honored to take part in such a beautiful event with this wonderful community of people who are generous and giving of their time, advice, and support.