Am I There Yet? Preparing for a Writers Conference

Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference is just around the corner. Only 8 days away! I've been preparing for weeks. Months. Writing like a madwoman, hoping to complete my first draft of my novel before then. That deadline has come and gone, but the novel is underway - well underway.

I've also been doing several other things in preparation. Gathering devotions, flash fiction pieces, articles - things to share with editors and/or agents and/or authors who would like to see a sample of my writing. I bought a new suitcase, because our carry-ons are too small to pack for a week and our large suitcase has a broken wheel. I organized my binder, bought my travel-sized toiletries, and have spent hours in prayer.

And then came the dreams. Staring last week, I've wondered if I'd make it. I find myself asking God, "Am I there yet?"

In the first dream (which replayed a second night...must be it felt I needed to see it again), I had a family emergency in New York which put me in a place where I'd miss my flight from New Mexico. I didn't make it.

In the second dream, I missed my flight by minutes because I kept forgetting to pack something. I would get to the car and turn back to the house to add one more item to my mostly empty suitcase. Multiple times over I did this. I woke laughing at myself, the one who makes a list and crosses things off as she adds them to the luggage. No way would I really miss my flight because of this. But again, I didn't make it.

Last night I dreamed I made it. But with all four of my kids in tow. Which plain tuckered me out, so I missed the opening session. In the dream, I fell asleep and forgot what time it was. I woke up at 7:30. A little too late. I hate being late.

So, as my dreams invade my excitement, I continue to prepare. Now my preparations include prayers covering all who will be traveling and that we make it. And we don't forget anything. And that we keep our focus on Jesus as we prepare our pitches and our submissions and our hearts as we hope to continue on the career path He's chosen for us. And that all will go smoothly and conference will be as fantastic as it ever is.

We're almost there!