My ACFW roomies!
Posing with Jody Hedlund’s debut novel, The Preacher’s Bride.
The lovely Erica Vetsch! Yes, I’m holding chocolate. It’s a weird story.
Saturday evening lunch!
Saturday evening lunch part two!
Hanging out at the hotel bar on Saturday night. 
How much fun are these two ladies? Way fun!
The lovely Cathy West.
My wonderful agent, Rachelle Gardner.
After the banquet!And now for some fun….
Jim Bell was the speaker for the early-bird workshop. Can I give you some advice? If ever you have the opportunity to hear this man speak, GO! Not only does he know his stuff, he’s quite funny and inspiring. Plus, he’s written three amazing craft books and numerous novels.
So, Jeannie and I are sitting at dinner on Friday and Jim’s sitting at the table behind us. We want a picture with him, but he’s engaged in conversation and I have to admit, we’re a little star struck. So we get our own kind of picture. Later that night, at the bar, we get another picture. And then another. Can you guess who’s in the background? Do you think it’s accidental? You don’t want to know (and neither does Jim) how many pictures we managed to take with him in the background. I did get an actual picture with him, thanks to Keli Gwyn. He’s seriously an awesome guy. Genuine. Humble. Funny. And a good sport! If you don’t own his craft books yet, what are you waiting for? Get theself to Amazon pronto!
I’m either laughing or in severe pain. I can’t tell. But Keli’s laughing. By the way, if you don’t know Keli, you really should. Talk about a sweet spirit and a smile that lights up the room!
Who’s tiny head is that in there? Jim, is that you? Why yes, yes it is.
This time, Jim’s aware the camera is pointed at him.
Question to Ponder: What are your cares, concerns, and celebrations today?
Oh wow, I'm laughing so hard right now. That was TOO funny! I had such an awesome time hanging out with you, I can't wait to see you again – come to Bermuda!!
But…that picture of me…really? Ugh. I am honored that you put me on your blog though. i hope your readers come back.
;))
ohmygosh. this made me laugh out loud. I am also really starstruck by him and loved his early bird. I think the very best bits of advice I took away were from that session!
I love the picture with the little finger-hearts around him. hahahaha
Love the pics. You HAD such a fabulous time, I can tell by the smile on your beautiful face. 🙂
What a blast.
I feel sad- because all of my blog writing friends are fiction! I just would have no purpose whatsoever going! So fun for you all though!
What fabulous pictures; I feel like I was there! Wish I coulda been, but I was providentially hindered…haven't been feeling great lately. Too much stuff going around already!
It looks like you had a fabulous time, Katie. How fun! I hope to go next year, if God wills.
May He bless you richly this week!
You ladies are an inspiration:) Thanks for giving us a glimpse at a wonderful retreat! I pray that I will be able to attend one in the near future.
Oh I enjoyed that SO immensely! Thank you for making my day! You and our blogging buddies are all so beautiful!
Looks like you had a lot of fun! I love hanging with writer friends.
I'm celebrating finishing a chapter that was making me crazy!
I like your blog. 🙂
Hi Katie –
Thanks for the great pics!
James Scott Bell did a workshop in Philly a couple of years ago. I share your enthusiasm. 🙂
Blessings,
Susan
It looks like so much fun, Katie. Thanks bunches for sharing all the photos! 🙂
Have a great weekend.
Wonderful pictures! Thanks for sharing. I'm so impressed with your James Scott Bell glimpses because next month I'll be attending the Surrey Conference, taking in his "Next Level Fiction" workshop *and* having a one-on-one appointment with him. How exciting is that???
Oh, the chocolate! I totally forgot about that! I love your James Scott Bell pictures. Priceless! It was great getting to know you at the conference Katie–you're such a sweetheart. Have a great weekend!
Cares? Concerns? Probably, but I'd rather mention that you have an uplifting smile. I'll bet your class of kids likes to see you smile.
Great pictures and so much fun! Love all the smiles :O)
LOL! I'm with Wendy, I'm still laughing my head off! The heart picture nearly did me in!
And the chocolate…
Such a wonderful time! I wish we'd had more time to hang out! There's never enough time to hang out!
Loved seeing you in person, Katie! Love your pictures, too!! This year's conference tops them all for me. As I just posted on a friend's blog, I'm still in awe over God's blessings and opened doors.
Awww, you're so cute! And you got Jim in the end. 🙂
Have a delightful weekend,
Lola
Great pictures!
Katie, I love your pictures. Meeting you was a real treat. Talk about a fun person with an infectious laugh. That's you! I had a blast hanging out with you and the rest of the group.
So glad you got to attend, dear Katie. What a great time you had!!! A little taste of Heaven for you.
I'm celebrating knowing Jesus, and a long, healthy marriage. Cheese and apples, too, only make mine meunster.
Great pics.
Look at all the eating! Lunch, supper, chocolate, banquets. Where do I sign up?
In all seriousness, you look like you're having a great time.
~Britt
OOOOHHHH!!! I so wish I could have been there. Thank you for your lovely comment on my blog. That means a real lot to me. I believe God has a place for my words and my memoir is very close to being ready to go on submission. Thank you for believing in me 🙂
I pray for your book often. I look forward to hearing good news 🙂
Wow. Awesome. Looks like so much fun!
Just came back to say I know how you got that chocolate!
~ Wendy
I didn't realize you got that many pictures with him in the background…too funny!
I love the pictures! You are so beautiful and all of you look so pretty!!! I'm with Terri, you wear some gorgeous pieces of jewelry!
I'm excited it's friday, means my husband is free this evening and we get our date night for the week. The Great Blogging Experiment is in full force today so that's a lot of fun!!!
Oh I love seeing these pictures! You wear fantastic jewelry–I'm borrowing some next year!
Hysterical! I'm still laughing. I just want to know who the hottie is on your left in that first picture! 😉
Love you, Katie!
~ Wendy
Wow, wow, wow!!! It's so much fun to see your fun! You look amazing and what a gorgeous smile you have! I'm hoping you have plans to share some of the wisdom you gleaned from the conference. ????? 🙂
Looks like you had a fun time.
OH, my, that's funny! And just one of my favorite memories – capturing Jim in many photos. I will agree with you. He really is a wealth of knowledge on how to write and get it right.
Happy Friday, Katie!