Tuesday, October 02, 2007

MY FORMULA FOR SUCCESS

Yes, I’ve returned from the ACFW Conference. For those of you not in the know, the initials stand for American Christian Fiction Writers. I’m happy to report Murphy stayed home this time, but Elvis did show up (I’ll cover that topic later).

In some writer’s eyes, my conference wasn’t much of a success. The reason: I didn’t have any meetings with publishers, editors, or agents. I didn’t pitch my book (well there was the one time at the lunch table) I didn’t follow an editor into an elevator and give them my 3 minute synopsis. But I DID have a blast hanging out with all of my writer friends, and making new ones. I DID learn valuable techniques to help my writing. And I DID, for the first time in a long time, feel I fit in. I truly felt the love and acceptance of my fellow writers. Those three things spelled SUCCESS for me.

Now to the Elvis sighting:

He showed up(not literally). Elvis made his appearance when someone asked me my most embarrassing moment. Remember in my last blog, I told you I’d tell you the now infamous story. Here it is:

Hubby and I had the privilege of seeing a display of the Shroud of Turin. It wasn’t the actual burial cloth supposedly worn by Jesus, but the traveling documentary moved me, nonetheless. We read all the paperwork stating the validity of the Shroud, and I went away a believer that the Lord actually wore the grave clothes in the colored pictures.

Later that evening, R and I went over to our neighbors to play cards. We told them all about our interesting day. Near the end of our conversation about it, I exclaimed in a loud voice, “Yes, Elvis lay there wrapped in the shroud.”

The moment the words left my lips, I knew the silence beside me meant only one thing. I had truly said Elvis, not Jesus. What is the matter with me? I looked over at my hubby and Ellie and Jane. Their stunned expressions spoke volumes. Finally Ellie cleared his throat and stated, “Well, he is a king, too.”

So, now you know my most embarrassing moment – what’s some of yours? I’d love to hear them.

nettie

5 comments:

Annette O’Hare said...

That story gives a new definition to the song, "The King Is Coming"!

Unknown said...

Ugh! My most embarrassing moment... 11th grade. I'd been asked to sing a solo in front of nearly 2000 people. I totally messed it up. I'm not sure I ever got over that.

Anonymous said...

You are a WINNER and new friend. I had a blast with you. Thanks for letting me poach your Marriott room for a night. I felt like a queeeeeeeen, especially with such hilarious roomies.

WINNER, WINNER, WINNER...that's what you are.

Melisa said...

Hey J,
Thanks for the info you shared tonight. I love the Elvis/Jesus story. Too funny! I'm off to check out nanowrimo. See you Thursday.
Melisa

kafar said...

In early marriage, my husband Ray and I went to enjoy a dinner with my best friend from college and her mate. She'd included another couple we didn't know, but to break the ice, they offered us a game of Lie, Cheat, or Steal. (We were all Christians.) I was appointed the banker. As we played the game, I noticed there were ways to lie and cheat, but none to steal. So, to be true to spirit of the game, as the banker, I innovated. Now I had not really wanted to play such a game, but when found in it, the competitive urge moved me. Eventually I was found out, and the others were appalled. My defense was, hey that is the name of the game! I did not come up with the thought!