WRITER'S DIGEST CONFERENCE 2014

When my husband and I set off for the concrete jungle of flashing lights that is NYC, we had no idea what we were going to experience. Our airline of choice, because of lower rates, was a horrendous flying experience. The seats were small and poorly angled for back support, my husband's knees jammed into the back of some unfortunate traveler. There was no complementary anything and we had to stuff a weekend worth of things into a small backpack because carry-ons were no less than $50 each way.

When we finally arrived, stiff and uncomfortable, we found ourselves trying to adapt to big city norms. We found a bus route that dropped us off at Grand Central Station and we walked a few blocks to our hotel, The Roosevelt, where the conference would take place. The rooms were nice, but we were surprised by the small European designs and crowded elevators. It always took 10 minutes of more to ride down from our room on the 15th floor down to the lobby and people treated the elevator in the same manner as the subway.

Everywhere we went was overcrowded. Fresh air could not be found, and we soon realized that $200 wasn't nearly enough to feed a couple for an entire weekend.

I was in a really bad place mentally, and wondered why I had put myself through it. I felt like I had failed and I hadn't even attended my first session yet.

But I reminded myself why I was there. I needed confirmation that my dream was possible. I was putting myself out there, heart and soul, to a group of strangers who shared my passion of writing and took it seriously as neurosurgery. I was taking myself seriously as an artist and my husband was there to make sure that I did.

To be completely honest, it was worth every copper cent!

This experience was invaluable because it changed me. I had several realizations about myself that was limiting my writing and learned how to set myself up for success in the best ways possible. I met all types of individuals and even received 7 offers from agents to look at my work. 

It was my very first time pitch to professional agents.

I could on and on about my time in New York, but I've got to get back to writing. I will say that my mentor was 100% spot on when she said to attend a conference. Its going to take my work to the next level and I wouldn't have had this perspective without an experience such as this. 

Your career is an investment. Do it sooner so you can grow faster and start writing material that means something. The industry isn't fair, so work harder.