So, it’s finally time for the big ‘update’ post.

An incredible amount has happened in the last week and I haven’t really communicated it to anyone, so I’m going to start here, with my blog, and you guys can be the first to know.

Where, oh where do I start.

…. think, think, think….

Let’s start with the Antelope Valley Christian Writer’s Conference. No, back up, let’s start a day or so before that.

I knew that I was heading to a writer’s conference, so I knew I had to get some stuff in order (quickly) before I went. What people had told me was that writer’s conferences are a great way to network and meet people who may be able to help you on your journey to becoming a published author. In this technological, online, world I figured that meant I should have a website up and running for people to go to if they wanted to know more about me, get in touch with me or find my blog or anything of that ilk so I finished designing my website: www.peterpollock.com.

I’d love it if you could stop by there and give me some feedback on everything, design, usability, navigation, content. Everything. Thanks guys, you’re awesome! (that’s peterpollock.com, click now to visit!)

Once I had done that, updated my business cards, changed my email signature and packed my bags I was as ready as I could possibly be to head out to the conference.

I had no idea what to expect at a writer’s conference. I’m naturally very shy and introverted so I didn’t know how I would do with the networking side of things and I really didn’t know if I would learn anything. My wonderful sister paid for me to go though, so I had to step out and see what God had in store.

My overall opinion: it was WONDERFUL!

The people were the nicest people I could have ever hoped to meet, the faculty gave great lectures and were so friendly and willing to talk with us. I felt comfortable there and I felt that I was in an environment where people genuinely loved God and were supportive and encouraging.

If you are an author or an inspiring author, I definitely recommend that you go to a Christian Writer’s conference, it really is worth the time and expense. 

A quick shout out to some of the faculty there: Kelly Mortimer, Sheryl Crawford, Paula Friedrichsen and Sharon Elliot. You guys are awesome!

I went to the conference very uncertain of whether or not God wanted me to pursue being an author. Is this something he really wants me to put the time, money and heartache into?

I came away from the conference feeling that yes, God does want me to pursue getting my books published and here’s the reason:

God has given me something with which to teach and minister to children. If I restrict that to only my own children then I am being not only selfish but a poor steward of what God has given me.

Once words like ‘selfish’ and ‘poor steward’ came in to play, that settled the matter for me!

So now I’m on the path of trying to find an agent and a publisher and doing all the revisions and edits that are necessary to take my book from being just OK to publish quality. Please pray for me about that. It’s not easy!

Okay, I’m going to end there. The really good stuff is still to come but I don’t want to make this too long so I’ll tell you about the rest of the weekend tomorrow.

To God be the glory for all the great things that he has done and continues to do.

To be continued…..