Conferences
The year 2016 was a year of travel for me. I was privileged to be on faculty at many conferences. I appreciate the warmth and kindness of conference staff and volunteers, as well as all the hardworking and generous conference directors. Everywhere I went, I felt welcomed and at home. For me, reconnecting with editors and other publishing professionals is always a conference highlight. I also love meeting and conversing with new and established writers. I could not have asked for a better year for travel.
When I first became a literary agent, I had been a published author for some time but had never attended a conference. Back then, before each conference, I’d look at the faculty roster and think, “Wow, I don’t know anyone!” And I’d feel a little scared. Now I look at the rosters and say, “Good! I’ll get to see my favorite people again!” Such is only one benefit of experience.
One family benefit that came from so much travel is that it gave my husband and our college-aged daughter (commuting to the university from home) a lot of “Daddy-Daughter” time. But after several times of announcing conference plans, my daughter said, “Again? You’re never home!” We all agreed to make 2017 a lighter travel year.
Contests
In 2016, I judged several contests, as I am honored to do every year. This seems like a great time to give a shout-out to all the dedicated and committed contest coordinators. I don’t see much that goes on behind the scenes, but, as with conference directors, I realize that contest coordinators deserve credit for their hard work.
Family
Our blog readers have become aware of my mother’s unexpected and prolonged illness. I cannot express enough how much I treasure the support of our publishing community. She continues to improve, and for that (and everything else good!) I am grateful to the Lord.
The Future
I look to the year 2017 as one of great promise. As always, I am blessed to work with many wonderful and talented authors and top notch editors. I appreciate being a part of The Steve Laube Agency.
My prayer is that in 2017 and beyond, you will find peace and prosperity as you travel on your publishing journey with us.
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God and family are most important. Praying for your mom’s complete healing. Blessings to you in 2017!
Thank you for giving us a glimpse of your life in a humble way although you certainly could be prideful … you are kind and inclusive. One of the best parts of this blog is the feeling of landing among encouraging friendly people who are willing and able to connect and help writers.
Thank you all so much for your dedication and guidance under the Lord’s shelter.
Tamela, I’m really grateful that you did travel a lot in 2016. My heart was in my throat when I saw that I could meet you at BRMCWC in North Carolina in May. My interaction with you has deeply encouraged me in this writing journey, and your kindness in person and online reminds me of the type of person that I want to be with others.
Blessings on your 2017!
It’s wonderful to see how life evolves. Thank you for this lovely and encouraging recap.
Tamela, I pray that 2017 will be a superb year for you! Thanks for all the knowledge you share with us on this blog.
Thank you all so much for your uplifting and encouraging comments. You are the reason why I write these posts.
I feel blessed to have met you and chatted with you at the conference in Woodbridge VA in 2016. You gave me inspiration and encouragement. I truly appreciate the time you took to chat with me, a new writer. I pray that one day our paths will cross again. Blessings to you and your family
For me, 2016 was a year of learning through conferences and seminars. These learning experiences encouraged me in my writing. This new year will be a time of introspection for me and a refocus on my writing. I will look to go for guidance and wisdom.
I wish you all God’s blessings in all you do this year in your writing career.
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