Monday, February 15, 2010

Writers Rock

As you know, I spent this last weekend at the LTUE writers conference. To sum it up in a single sentence, it was an absolute blast.

Highlights of the trip

#1 Hanging out with my writer friends: Candice, Natalie, Jenn, and Kasie (the shy one.) These ladies are equal parts brilliant and hilarious.

#2 Meeting a bunch of you blogger friends. It was fun to see you walking and talking, all three dimensional. Meeting you all made me resolve to get more involved in the blogs, so that I can get to know you all even better.

#3 Being a giddy fangirl. Who knew it could be so much fun? Also, who knew that hot shot writers like Brandon Sanderson and James Dashner would be so down to earth and cool? Seriously, I'd hang out with those guys any time. (Brandon? James? Any takers? *whispers* Call me.)

And, #4 Just mingling with a ton of fellow writers. Yes, the classes were interesting. The topic useful and inspiring. I learned a lot. But overall, one of the coolest things about it was to see so many people just like me. It inspired me, actually. Fired me up to work harder and really go for my dreams.

Anyway, that's my wrap up. I had a such a great time. I'd recommend any of you out there to try and attend a writer's conference if you get the chance. It's a great way to charge that battery and have a few laughs in the meantime.

P.S. To those of you who were at the banquet. I gave my husband the spinning ballerina test, and it showed him as LEFT brain. And then I new the test was invalid. ;) Seriously though, I Googled it (yes, dorky, I know) and found an article stating that not only is the test no more than a fun optical illusion, but the whole notion of Right Brain people vs. Left Brain people is outdated, and no legitimate indication of one's skill set or way of thinking. So there! *hugs self, rocking back and forth on ground* I am creative, I am creative, I am creative . . .

19 comments:

Mary E Campbell said...

So great to meet you. I enjoy hanging with writers way more than going to the classes, but some of them were really great too. It's just fun to be around people who get us. You're beautiful - so sorry I kept wanting to call you Rachelle - I know you're Renee and I never forget your blog name Midnight Meditations - love it.

storyqueen said...

sounds like you had a lot of fun!

What is LTUE anyway?

Shelley

Natalie Whipple said...

You ARE creative! Hehe. I'm glad you looked it up so I didn't have to.

Michelle D. Argyle said...

Glad you had a great time!

Yes, you are creative. Never doubt that!

Candice said...

I told Neal about the test and asked his professional opinion. He said that because of where vision is processed in the brain that test didn't make sense. He was totally skeptical that it meant anything at all! You are incredibly creative. I've seen your amazing work!

And the conference, a blast! I wish we were neighbors and could just all hang out all the time.

Renee Collins said...

Mary-I agree! Chatting people was pretty much the best part of the conference. :) It was so fun to meet you!!

Shelly-LTUE stands for Life, The Universe, and Everything. It's an annual writer's conference held at Brigham Young University. And yes, it was very fun!

Natalie-heh, yeah, I knew it had to be off the minute it claimed Ben was Left brained, lol :)

Michelle-Next conference you have to come to some of the classes!! Or just hang out more. :)

Candice-Further professional proof! I feel vindicated. :) Seriously though, I didn't really worry that much about it. I'm satisfied even just to mingle with creative giants like you guys.

Jessie Oliveros said...

I had a dream just last night that we all got together, and we were at Kasie's house and I think she had a pool. Probably I'm just really jealous.

Kasie West said...

Shy One here, I had an awesome time with you all. So. Much. Fun. When can we do it again? Let's not invite Jessie so she feels really jealous and dreams me having a pool again. :) (Jessie, we did talk about you if that makes you feel any better.)

Jessie Oliveros said...

I do feel much better, but if I'm NOT invited I'm going to dream all sorts of horrible things about the places you live.

Renee Collins said...

Jessie-aww, we did miss you there! Kasie's right. One of these days we'll all be able to meet up.

Kasie-I'm still rooting for another writer's retreat!

P.S. Anyone know how to delete comments on blogger? I'm guessing that last comment there isn't an eager new reader of mine.

Natalie said...

I keep reading about LTUE, it sounds like an awesome time. I'm jealous of all you Utah writers!

Jessie Oliveros said...

Oh come on, you don't read Chinese? There should be a little trash icon at the end of the comment.

I have now commented 3 times on this one post. I am not obsessed with you. I just like you.

Renee Collins said...

Natalie-It was a blast. You should try and come next year! I'm actually from Colorado, but I braved the drive. (Not too bad, since I live in Western Co.)

Jessie-Aha!! In all my blogger years, I've never figured that out yet. Lame, I know. But anyway, thanks!! You rock! You're welcome to post as many comments as you like. :)

Unknown said...

Found your blog over at Kasie's whom I adore! You guys look like you had a brilliant time! I can't wait to meet some blog buddies in
3D :)

I love your blog title... It's so fun!! Look forward to following you!

MTeacress said...

Oh boy! When I read your blog entree to my husband he felt sorry he'd been so insensitive! He just wanted to have a little fun with that ballarina thing. No worries. I can see creativity just by looking at you. You leave a trail of creativity wherever you go. It sure was fun to meet you ladies. It looks like you've got a great thing going. :)
michelleteacress@gmail.com

Renee Collins said...

Jen-Thanks! And welcome to my blog. I'm afraid I'm not very entertaining, as I only post about once a week. But I am trying to do better. :)

MT-Oh no! Really, truly, I wasn't offended or upset at all by the ballerina test. It was cool! Tell your husband not to worry at all. I was exaggerating my dismay in this post for comic effect, I promise. :)

Wendy Sparrow said...

So incredibly jealous. I wish I lived in Utah again just for LTUE and then... not after that. Seriously, though, I'm so jealous of everyone who got to go to LTUE.

J.R. Johansson said...

It was so fun to meet you! I'm totally with you on the retreat. ;) As far as the ballerina thing goes - it's still cool, but I'm glad you aren't doubting your creativity anymore.

lora96 said...

Glad you had fun but, honey, never bother basing your self-image on current brain research. lol