Choosing to drive 358 miles, 6.5 hours on Friday to Upland, Indiana, for a 2-day writer’s conference, and then back home 358 miles, 7.5 hours, the very next day may seem a bit “out there” to some. But, this amazing conference was well worth the exhaustion. The beautiful campus welcomed me in with miles of cornfields, two sky-high windmills, and a science building whose atrium room took my breath away. I learned so much in two quick days, so narrowing it down to the top five was difficult.

1. We are all on a journey. Thank you Ann (no ‘e’) Byle for pointing this out. Each author who attended is at a different place on their journey and just because I am still near the beginning does not mean I won’t make it to the end some day.
2. I am a giant killer. Thank you James Watkins. Your first-thing-in-the-morning speech was a fantastic way to start Saturday, and truly inspiring. I feel more empowered to slay the giants in my life.
3. Be specific, but flexible. Thank you Ginger Kolbaba. Your words of advice in our one-on-one were spot-on.
4. Strive for closure! Thank you Dr. Dennis Hensley for reminding me to keep focusing until the project is complete.
5. Christian authors and writers are easy to talk to, quick to pray, and kind with words of encouragement. Thank you to all attendees for welcoming me to Indiana and helping me grow.

I wish I could express to each person who taught me something this weekend how much I appreciate it. I cannot wait to attend next year’s conference, and would encourage any writer to make plans now for the awesome event.