Words. Writing. Words.

Storyline/Living a Better Story Writers' Conference

Portland, Oregon

Sept. 26-27, 2010

He helped himself to some of my popcorn.

Oh, yes.

Hee-Hee.

The picture to the left shows Author Donald Miller (BLUE LIKE JAZZ, etc.) with Hollywood Director Brandon Dickerson and Conference Essay/Story Contest Winner Lori.

What a treat it was to go to this writers' conference! After sixteen years of teaching English, I have never been to a "real" writers' conference. I've attended state, district, and national educational seminars, and I even got to participate in a half-day Barry Lane Educators' Writing Seminar, but this was my first time attending a writers' conference for the sheer pleasure of writing and learning more about writing.

The conference was based on Don Miller's 2009 book A MILLION MILES IN A THOUSAND YEARS which takes the form of the plot elements to frame his essays.

The conference was way too short (day and a half) and the trip from the East Coast to the West Coast and back too long, but I cannot even begin to completely comprehend and realize all the ways that God deposited into me on this trip. I made some fabulous connections and new friends and took some insightful notes.

I want to wax more poetically on the subject, but right now, I only have time for these few words, but these few words will suffice for now.

As Don Miller said, I'll "put more plot on the story" when I get more time.

Weeee!