It is at last Realm Makers 2019 recap tiiiime! A little later than I meant, but I am here now and SO ready to tell you guys all about the writers conference! Because WHEW. What a magical weekend.
If you don’t know, Realm Makers is an annual speculative fiction Christian writers conference (try saying that 5 times fast) and the BEST writers conference out there. (Okay, I’ve never been to any others, but I just know.) I went for the first time last year, and was so beyond ecstatic I got to go a second time. (Especially since I probably won’t be going next year. *sobs*)
Last year was the most, amazing, surreal experience. I mean, being in a building with sooo many of my internet friends and surrounded by crazy writers was just INSANE. It barely felt real! It was, honest to goodness, the best weekend of my entire life.
This year?
It was even better. By a long shot!
I didn’t think anything could ever top last year’s euphoria, but this one did it!
I can definitely say, without a shadow of a doubt, this Realm Makers was the best time I’ve ever had in my whole 27 years of life. It makes me all jittery just thinking about it.
But enough of this sentimental rambling (JK! This whole post is sentimental rambling). Let’s get to the recap!
(Warning: I literally just wrote this in a feverish state trying to get everything down while I remembered it and…it’s a babbling mess. So, erm, enjoy my squealing run-on sentences and all caps and nonsense. *grins*)
REALM MAKERS 2019
The first day was definitely my favorite last year. Just getting there and meeting everyone without the pressure of having to attend a ton of classes and things yet is fabulous. This year, Thursday may also be have been my favorite. But UGH. I don’t know! Every single day had a major highlight.
My dad and I started our drive to St. Louis Wednesday, went a little ways, stopped for the night, and finished the drive Thursday. (Also, major kudos points to Dad for accompanying me! So, so grateful.) We arrived at the hotel around 1:30 in the afternoon and I became a buzzing ball of grins and enthusiasm because WE HAD MADE IIIIITTTT.
Last year I was super excited to get to the hotel, but also a little nervous because I didn’t know what to expect whatsoever at all. I had never been to a writers conference, had never met any of my internet pals but Deborah in person before, had never done anything like this everrr. I was a little overwhelmed. This year? Pssshhh. I knew what to expect, knew all the Realmies (a.k.a. the people who attend Realm Makers) are the nicest people on this earth, already knew the area since RM was in the same place last year, and 1000% planned on tackling every single friend there I knew, whether I had already met them in person yet or not.
I. Was. So. EXCITED!!!
The first person I ran into right there in the lobby was my girl Christine Eyre!!! Whom I hadn’t met yet but was DYING to. I was so ridiculously happy she was coming to RM this year! Muuuch squeeing commenced. Then my precious, sweet Mary joined us and muuuch more squeeing commenced. I had to pull myself away from them for a minute to actually get my room and unload the car. But as soon as I was able, I hurried back to the lobby.
When I returned, across the room I saw a face I was pretty sure I knew. She turned and I think she, too, took a couple of seconds to realize. But once we did… Hahahahaha!
IT WAS SKYE HOFFERT.
As she put it, it was like in the movies when two people are running toward each other in a field, arms wide, and beautiful, dramatic music is playing the background. That was our meeting. The second our brains clicked with who we were seeing, we RAN, collided, hugged, squealed, and hugged again. And then proceeded to talk 90 miles and hour for like…the duration of the conference. She is the most fun, sweet, easiest person to talk to and fangirl with. I JUST HAVE THE BEST OF FRIENDS. *happy sobs*
Skye was talking to Katie who I didn’t know before but am SO happy I know now. She is a GEM and it was an utter delight getting to meet her.
The conference didn’t start until 4, and the bookstore didn’t officially open until 3, so we all hung out in the lobby chatting and as the time ticked by more and more people we knew came. Deborah, Tracey, Savannah, Lisa (I got to meet Lisa Pickle in person FINALLY, it was fabulous!), Claire, Hanna, Madeline, Christine, Mary, Skye, Heidi, Nicole—SO MANY PEEPS. And I think we picked up more along the way? Lol. I don’t even know. It was was such a whirlwind of squealing!
I broke away from the group for a minute to actually register and get my badge, and there I ran into Julian Daventry and Sarah Rodecker! Sadly, I barely saw them after that, and somehow didn’t even get a pic with Sarah because I fail at liiiife. UGH. But I was so happy to see those sweet girls! <3
When I got back with the big group in the lobby, a guy walked over and I looked up and :O :O :O
BRYAN. DAVIS.
Only my favorite author since I was like 14 or so!
I went up and hugged him and told him I’ve always wanted to meet him and his books have been my favorite since young teen days (and yes I totally said all that in one breathless, run-on sentence). Pretty sure I scared the poor fella. XD But I couldn’t help myself. IT WAS BRYAN DAVIS, GUYS.
I literally started losing my voice within 2 hours of being at Realm Makers. That’s how much talking and screaming happened. It was great!
We were waiting for Faith to arrive because her plane got delayed (*sniffles*), but she finally got there and I totally tackled her and probably scared her but IT WAS FAITH. <333 (I think my extroverted self scared so many people. I’m sorryyyy!)
It was hilarious as our circle of people got bigger and bigger. And next thing I knew I had like over half of my internet tribe surrounding me and BRB MY HEART IS EXPLODING.
At some point during all this, Savannah asked if I had a pen. I pulled one out, handed it to her, and she says, “No, it’s for you.” And then she whips out a copy of the Rebirth: Havok Season One anthology. “I want you to sign this!”
*cue my heart beating 29349x faster with thrill*
OH WAIT. Did I, uh…did I tell you guys I have a story in print??? I’ve talked about it so much on social media, but I guess I never actually mentioned it on my blog. o.o
Well…
I have a flash fiction piece in print! *throws confetti*
My first thing to be in print EVER. See, Havok made an anthology of all their favorite flash fiction pieces that they’ve published since January. And my story, At Your Service, was one of the chosen!!! I’m still reeling from it.
The best part? Tracey and Savannah also have stories in it! It’s so special to be in print for the first time TOGETHER. Plus some big-name authors have pieces in there as well, like Robert Liparulo and James Scott Bell. It’s so fun!
Anyways, the anthology was releasing just in time for Realm Makers, and Savannah wanted me to sign her copy and just ALKJSD:LKJF:LJLKDJF. I’ve never been asked to sign anything! In fact, I hadn’t even seen the book yet. It was insane looking through the book and seeing my name IN PRINT. I mean…it’s just a flash fiction piece amongst like 50 others. Heh. But I was still excited!
I’m pretty sure I wrecked Savannah’s copy though because I was literally shaking trying to sign it. If you guys ever wonder if all my screaming and capslocking is just my internet persona hahahaha. Nope! I’m a very enthusiastic, emotional person. XD
Finally, the conference was about to start, so our huge entourage made it downstairs where the bookstore is that then leads to the giant area where the conference was going to begin.
It was there I heard someone yell my name, turned, and spotted Victoria! Someone else I hadn’t yet get to meet in person but sooooo wanted to! SO VERY HAPPY she got to come to RM this year! Obviously we tackled each other, and then sat together for the conference opening. I wish we had had more time to hang out during RM, because she is fabulous! I could geek out with her about things for hooours.
At last, the conference began. This year’s keynote speaker was Brent Weeks. I had never before read any of his books, but now I want to! He was fantastic! He shared his journey of how he became a Christian and a writer in a speech filled with both laughs and an emotional impact, with plenty of wisdom along the way.
“The purpose of literature is to delight, not teach.” –Brent Weeks
Seriously good stuff!
After the opening keynote, a big group of us went for dinner to Panera. At this point I got to meet Tracey’s brother Josiah! Which was so, so fantastic. The Dycks are fabulous guys. I’m just gonna move to Canada and become one of their siblings. Yes? Yes.
Panera was a blast. Much hanging out. Much talking excitedly. Much scaring the poor Panera employees with a giant group of enthusiastic fantasy writers taking up the entire restaurant. Good times, good times.
Afterwards we returned to the hotel and I wandered the bookstore a bit because I hadn’t gotten a chance to yet.
Last year I came home with 19 new books. This year…only 6. I was so distracted talking and hanging out, I really didn’t spend much time book shopping, miracle of miracles!
At one point, I saw a small group of my friends talking to someone and then did a double take because…
IT WAS JILL WILLIAMSON!!!
Only one of my most favorite authors of EVER and someone I’ve been dying to meet for yeeeears. Tracey caught me staring and I’m pretty sure I had stars in my eyes because she smiled and nodded, totally knowing what I was thinking.
I ran up, excitedly introduced myself to Jill, and gave her a hug. She is the BEST, guys! She was so nice and was like, “Let’s get a selfie!”
Absolutely adored her. You can talk to her as if you’ve known her forever. Such a precious soul!
Afterwards, I made a few book purchases (because DUH, BOOKSTORE), went up to my hotel room to unload some stuff, and then wandered back down for an agent and editor Q&A they were having. Except I was half an hour late. Lol. But I didn’t mind. It was all casual and other people were coming and going. That’s just kind of part of writers conferences.
The Q&A was quite enjoyable and informative (plus it’s nice being able to see the agents you’ll be pitching to, should you have made any appointments with them). Though at this point I was getting pretty exhausted. I opted out of some sponsored classes things they were having because I was having a hard time sitting and staying focused. Instead, I walked around the bookstore some more to keep myself awake. Haha. And I’m glad I did because I met Shaina who is PRECIOUSSS. We talked for a while and looked at books and it was lovely.
This year, Realm Makers did a new thing where they opened up a hospitality suite that’d have snacks and would be open throughout the conference for anyone who wanted to chill. It was basically two or three hotel rooms connected together. That night there was going to be a launch party for The Story Raider by Lindsay A. Franklin in the hospitality suite.
Skye and I decided to go up and check it out and… Lolololol. It. Was. PACKED. Standing room only, and just barely that. Supposedly Lindsay was reading bits from her new book and there was a raffle and things, but Skye and I couldn’t hear or see a thing. We got smushed in a corner for a while. Finally we were like, why stay there when we could find someone less crowded to talk? Lol. So we scooted out and headed to the lobby, where we found some of our peeps and we all stood around and talked for a good while.
(Hilariously enough, that was the only time I went up to the hospitality suite. I heard it was decorated Edgar Allen Poe style and was a great place to chill, but somehow I just never found a point in time to go up and chill.)
Fiiinally, we all decided it was time to go to bed. I was SOOO tired but it is hard to pull away from my people. Thankfully, that was just day one! The fun was only beginning.
The first full day of classes and appointments and everything in between!
After a hilarious skit S.D. Grimm and Andrew Winch put on, posing as Captain Marvel and Captain America, and morning announcements, classes began!
It seems like last year I had some classes without anyone I really knew. This year all my classes were with so many of my people, which was fantastic!
My first class was a continuing session, which is basically a class that runs in 3 parts throughout 2 days. The continuing session I attended was Balancing Life and Writing by Wayne Thomas Batson. Yes, that Wayne Thomas Batson!
Pretty much…everyone I knew was in this class and it was g r e a t!
Wayne Thomas Batson is so fun and personable. His class was hands down my favorite. And one I needed because eheheh, balancing my life and writing is something at which I faaaail.
Right before class started I got to meet OLIVIA who is an actual ray of sunshine and I am so sad we weren’t together much through the conference because she is an utter delight!
Sadly, I had to step out of his class about an hour in because…I had a pitching appointment.
*GULP*
Okay, truthfully? I wasn’t super nervous and just????? Last year when I had to pitch I was physically shaking with nerves and dreading it and even made myself sick to my stomach. This year? I was kinda nervous right before I went in, but wasn’t even thinking about it beforehand. And even, shockingly, rather excited to pitch my book? UM. WHO AM I?
Anyways! I left class, went to the restroom, and realized I was alone in there and hey! I could totally practice my pitch out loud. Hahaha. Yeppp. If you were there and passed by the lobby bathroom Friday morning and heard some girl talking out loud about fae and sacrifices and deadly forests, that was meee!
After looking over my notes and praying, it was time. And, still, I wasn’t feeling super nervous. I give God 100% of the credit for that!
Annnd my pitch went quite well! I really enjoyed talking with the agent, she seemed to think my concept was great, and I don’t think I totally embarrassed myself. I walked away from the 15 appointment feeling super relieved and good about things!
I had another appointment the same time the next morning, but that one was done and I could just enjoy the rest of the day in peace. WHEW.
I scooted back to Mr. Batson’s class for the last few minutes, and then waited in line to talk to him and get a couple of his books signed. Christine Eyre ended up line with me and there we met Jenneth who we basically adopted into our tribe on the spot. She is such a friendly, fun, passionate person. I just love all the connections you make at Realm Makers!
We got to talk to Wayne Thomas Batson for a bit, which was awesome.
Afterwards, Christine and I hurried to our next class—Ninja Editing with Lisa Magnum. Being as how I’m in total editing mode right now, it was fantastic getting to see a professional editor’s process. For the last half of the class she used the first chapter of a manuscript from a volunteer and went down it line by line editing and asking us for suggestions and thing. Lots of fun and such great stuff!
Lunch was next. My favorite! Lol. Meal times are about the only main times you get to just hang out with people, so I always look forward to those. Skye, Katie, Ashley (another girl I hadn’t met before but am SO happy I got to, she’s so much fun!), Josiah, and I original planned to go to Fuzzy’s Tacos because it is THE place to eat. I mean, duh. TACOS. Buuuut it was so crowded you couldn’t even walk in the building! (Like I said, the place to eat.) So we opted for Imo’s Pizza instead which was fine because, ya know, PIZZA. Deborah ended up joining us which made me sooo happy. Then we went to grab coffee at Stabucks because we’re all running on like 5 hours of sleep and are writers and coffee is a Necessity. Christine was able to join us for coffee and it was GREAT sitting in a quiet environment for a few minutes and just talking. We were enjoying ourselves so much, we almost didn’t realize the next set of classes was about to start. Lol. Whoops!
The coffee woke me up well which was good, because the next class was with C.J. Redwine! Yes, yes. THE C.J. Redwine. She did a class on writing fairy tale retellings and just YES PLEEEEASE.
Got to sit with my Celti (a.k.a. Deborah) for this one and it was so much fun! C.J. was awesome and has the BEST ideas. Though I was happy to know my retelling process follows along with most of what she suggested so YAY. But I still got some great info and like a zillion plot ideas. Because I needed more of those…
After class I got to talk to her for a minute and take a picture with her. I’ve never read her books before, but I’ve wanted to foreverrrrr, and after taking her class I wanted to even MORE. I mean, everything she does is basically my GOAL in life so yeah. I love her brain. Whenever she talked about aspects she put in her books I was just like um YESSSS. So yeah. Gotta read her stuff!
Next was the 2nd part of Wayne Thomas Batson’s balancing life and writing class, and this time I didn’t have to leave halfway through which was fantastic. This 2nd part was my top, top favorite class. Celti and I got to sit together again, and Mr. Batson made the whole room feel like a family. You’re not just sitting there listening to a lecture. He involved us in everything, encouraged us to ask questions and discuss things, gave us a few little breaks so we wouldn’t get antsy, all while teaching some absolutely wonderful life skills on balancing your writing.
The biggest thing I took away from it was COMMUNICATION. If you’re going to be a writer, you need to communicate with your family and find ways together for you to have uninterrupted time for writing while also not becoming a total hermit and deserting your family and friends. I tooootally needed that, and he had some great tips and tricks on how to manage it all. That class was definitely a highlight of the conference!
That was it of classes for the day. We had some free time, and quite a few of us ended up in a corner of the lobby chatting. I got Skye to sign my copy of Five Poisoned Apples (if you haven’t read her story, Falling Snow, from that anthology WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIFE??? IT IS THE BEST NOVELLA OF EVERRR), and some others got me to sign their copies of the Havok anthology and I just couldn’t get used to people asking me to sign a book alkjdljflkjdf. MY FRIENDS ARE SO SWEET. We all ended up flailing about each other’s stories and it was so encouraging and fun.
It was hard to break up, but we needed to get back to our rooms because that night was…COSTUME NIIIGHT! The crown jewel of Realm Makers.
Costume night is an awards banquet in which, ya know, awards are given but also, everyone cosplays as whatever they want! And, let me tell ya, packing over 300 creative writers in costume into a single room IS. THE. GREATEST. Oh, the fun we had!
So yes, we had to go get dressed. My costume was going to take a bit to assemble, mainly the makeup. I probably should have started earlier but that moment chatting in the lobby was one of my favorites so I don’t regret not leaving earlier.
ANYWAYS. I went to my hotel room and watched Wheel of Fortune while I put my makeup on. It was nice to just sit quietly for a bit, plus I was soooo excited about costume night. I couldn’t wait to wear my cosplay and see everyone else’s.
An hour later, I was finally ready.
This year I went as…
KUZCO FROM THE EMPEROR’S NEW GROOVE.
Okay, so I have to give literally 100% of the credit of this to my sister. I really hadn’t decided what I was going to do as a cosplay. I had an idea, but wasn’t sure if it’d work. Then, out of the blue one day, she was like, “You should do a Kuzco cosplay!” And I’m just like, “:O That. Is. Perfect!”
See, I’ve been watching The Emperor’s New Groove since it was new. I’ve seen that movie so many times I can easily quote literally anything from it at any given time, and yet I still laugh hysterically through basically every second of it. It is waaaay under appreciated. It’s such a hilarious movie! My sister also said I’m a lot like Kuzo and just !!! ME? A DRAMA QUEEN? NEVER.
Ahem.
Anyways. After thinking it over for like…30 seconds I was totally down for it. And, being the skilled seamstress she is, she sewed everything for me, including the ankle tassels, with no pattern to speak of. She also made the purse that kind of looks like llama fur, and even has a little llama embroidered on it! Then my dad did the hat because it was being a paaain and I was way out of my league (I am nooot a crafting person…). But he got it together and my sister fancied it up a bit and everything came together. Other than buying the materials, I did like…nothing. Didn’t even come up with the idea. Lol. I’ve also never worn a wig (nor ever had black hair LOLZ), so that was a new experience. It was SO much fun though! I totally loved going as ol’ drama queen Kuzco. Gotta love ‘im!
SO. COSTUME NIGHT.
Everyone’s costumes were AH-MAY-ZING!!! One of the best bits was when I hadn’t been down to the banquet area for more than five minutes when I heard a scream, turned around, and saw Yzma running toward me. YES. Someone else dressed as an Emperor’s New Groove character as well!!! THE. BEST.
“Yzma” turned out to be a girl named Cassie and we hit it off right away (I mean, DUH. She loves Emperor’s New Groove!). Cassie was seriously THE sweetest, most bubbly bean. So very glad we met! And it was the best way to meet ever. XD
The awards banquet was a hit! I sat with Deborah and Mary for dinner, and enjoyed the award’s ceremony. Lindsey A. Franklin won THREE awards with The Story Peddler, one of which was best book of the year. SO SO PROUD OF HER. I adore her book and she is such a lovely person. I literally got teary-eyed when she won. Such a great moment.
After dinner, everyone mingled and I went around squealing over everyone’s costumes and took a gazillion pictures. And yet I still didn’t get pics with everyone I meant to. Buuut I definitely got a lot, so get ready for a pic dump. Bwahaha!
Okaaaay. I need to stop. But that seriously barely scratches the surface of the creativity in the room. Also, yes, I had way too much fun embracing my inner Kuzco. *grins*
As the night wound down, Deborah came up to me and said Rachel Starr Thompson, as in the writer of Lady Moon, a book I ADORE, was right behind me. And I’m just like WHAAAT??? I had no clue she’d be at Realm Makers!
Deborah, Mary, and I all flocked around her because the three of us are such fans of her book, and she was SO NICE. It was an absolute delight talking with her!
After chatting with some others for a bit longer, I finally decided it was time to go to bed. Especially since it’d take a while to wipe off the globs of eyeliner I had on. Lol.
On the way back to my room, I ran into some people who weren’t part of the conference in the hallway and they were like, “IT’S KUZCO!” They said they had heard there was a conference or something going on, and I told them all about it and they thought it was so fun. That was pretty great. I do always wonder what the non-Realmie hotel guests think of us crazy Realmies. Heh heh heh.
Aaaanyways, I collapsed in bed that night utterly exhausted but also so very full. It had been an absolutely perfect day. And there was still another one to go!
The morning started off with some chatting in the bookstore with friends. Lisa, Deborah, Tracey, Skye, and I finally all ended up together, something we’ve been trying to do since the start so we could get a pic together. Because we’re all part of “The Pack”—the writing group where I met Lisa, Tracey, and Skye. It was absolutely amazing having some of the Pack members together. Obviously a picture was a necessity.
Morning announcements were had, and then Brent Weeks and Terry Brooks did a Q&A. Because, oh, yeah, TERRY BROOKS WAS AT THE CONFERENCE. He was a special guest of honor and it was FABULOUS.
The Q&A was an absolute blast. Brent Weeks and Terry Brooks kept teasing each other. They were both hilarious. But they also had such great tidbits to share. Learning from legends right there!
“Fantasy pulls us away from reality to see reality at a different vantage point.” –Brent Weeks
After the Q&A was the last part of Wayne Thomas Batson’s balancing session, buuut I had a pitching appointment in 30 minutes, so decided it’d be silly for me to go just to have to leave right away.
While I was waiting for my appointment, I ran into Rolena Hatfield who is one of the sweetest individuals on this earth. She let me tell her about my book, then we fangirled over How to Train Your Dragon because she had cosplayed as Astrid the night before (one of the people I failed to take a pic with *sniffles*). Next thing I knew, it was about time to go in to my pitching appointment. I didn’t have time to be nervous because sweet Rolena let me use her as a distraction.
Again, though, I wasn’t even a fraction as nervous this go round as I was last year. For one, the appointment went quite well the day before, so that helped me feel more prepared for this one. Another HUGE thing was MY FRIENDS. You guys spent so much time fangirling over Burning Thorns throughout the conference and boosting me up, I almost felt excited to pitch it. Just AKJLJ:LJSDF. I AM SO BLESSED. Seriously, to all of you who were there and said such nice things about my book, I give eeeendless gratitude. LOVE YOU ALL SO SO MUCH! Three, Faith pulled me aside and prayed for me a few minutes before the pitch because she is an actual ANGEL. (THANK YOU, FAITH! <333 It comforted me sooooo much.) Four, that morning before getting out of bed I was asking God that the pitch would go well and I could feel Him telling me, “It’s going to be fine. Go have a fun day.” And I’m just like, “Really??? OKAY! :D” So…I did go have a good morning, and tried not to stress it.
Needless to say, once my time had come, I was feeling pretty calm and at peace about things.
Annnnd… It. Went. GREAT. I know I’m not going into much details about my pitch appointments. If you want more info, feel free to toss me an email! But, in short, both went really well, especially the second one.
I was so relieved and happy walking away from that pitch. It went well, I was done pitching for the conference, and now I could just have a fabulous day. Which I proceeded to do!
Wayne Thomas Batson’s class still had another good hour to go, so I scooted in there after my appointment and spotted a free space next to Skye to sit. I came at a good time, too, because Mr. Batson was about to get everyone to play a round of Kahoot. Which…I had never heard of. But it’s a game app where the host sets up questions and multiple choice answers. Whoever gets the most answers correct wins. Mr. Batson set up questions about his workshop sessions. So…it was basically a pop quiz. Lol. But a SUPER fun one. Since I had missed quite a big chunk of his sessions, I did absolutely terrible, but it was still a BLAST. Seriously, his classes were a major highlight of the conference.
His class ended half an hour earlier than it was supposed to, and a bunch of us were like, hey, everyone is still in classes, we could get to Fuzzy’s Tacos before the crowd! Which is exactly what we did. Huzzah for Mr. Batson being concise! XD
After lunch, coffee was of course necessary (that Starbucks probably got more business in that one weekend than the whole year. That’s what happens when you have 300+ writers in the same vicinity). Once again, the quiet moment of coffee and friends was one of my faves.
Now properly caffeinated, Savannah, Skye, Ashley, and I went to a class Steve Laube did on the complete book process, which was a WELL of information. But, I mean, of course. This is Steve Laube we’re talking about! He took us through the process of what happens from the time you get an agent to when your book hits the shelves and all the ins and outs from having an editor to the publisher choosing a cover design to everything in between. Good stuff to know!
“Editing is a negotiation not a dictation. You and the editor are a team. Defend your reason for not making the changes they suggest.” –Steve Laube
He ran a little over time, and Savannah and I had to rush to get to our next class. (Savannah and I literally chose ALL the same classes. It was great!) This next one was Mind Magic by Ronie Kendig, and utterly fascinating! She shared some psychological tricks to keep your readers invested in the book, like using more action-y words at the beginning and end of a paragraph. And lots of white space. Readers love white space! As someone who totally nerds out over psychology stuff, I was loving it!
That was the final class of the day. *sniffles* It was then time for the closing keynote. *more sniffles* (The time goes by so faaaast.) I sat at a table with my tribe and thoroughly enjoyed Brent Weeks’ closing note. Some of it was brutal, but in the best way! I feel like what he was telling us went so perfectly with what all I learned in Wayne Thomas Batson’s class.
“We are not literature vending machines. We are humans. There is a time to write and a time not to write. You can’t abandon loving people.” –Brent Weeks
“If you abuse yourself for your art, you are not a tragic hero. You are a disaster.” –Brent Weeks
“Your family needs your presence more than your money.” –Brent Weeks
“Don’t write off the world because it hates us. Write for the world because it needs us.” -Brent Weeks
Yeah. Some powerful stuff in that speech! Stuff I needed to hear.
Scott and Becky Minor a.k.a. THE creators of Realm Makers (as in OUR HEROES) then got up, shared some of how RM came to be, and thanked everyone. They’re so amazing!
Despite that being the closing note, the conference was far from over!
First there was dinner, and since this was going to be the last dinner, we tried to get our whole tribe together. With everyone having different classes and it all being such a whirlwind, for most meals you just have to grab those nearby and go. It’s really hard to wrangle absolutely all your peeps together. But we did our best for this one and, in the end, filled up almost every single inch of Panera. Once again, the poor Panera people had to put up with us.
But AAAHHHHH! We had so much fun. We were all talking so much we just had to scream to be heard. My throat was raw by the end of it, and I don’t regret it one teeny tiny bit. That supper was absolutely one of my favorite moments. (I know I keep saying that about, like, everything, but I mean it this time! The first couple of hours in the lobby and then that last dinner were probably my top two favorite bits.)
We stayed at Panera for a good long while before finally heading back to the hotel for the Book Fair! Which is the big night where all the authors have signing tables and you can get allll your books signed. YASSS. You better believe I brought a huge sack of books to be signed!
I was a little scared I wouldn’t get much signed though just from knowing the insanity of book signing night last year, where Mary Weber had a THREE HOUR line. It was packed last year. This year…the room wasn’t that crowded at all? I don’t know if it’s because I got downstairs kinda late or what, but it was a much more laidback affair. I figured Terry Brooks’ line would be wrapped around the building. But…nope. I waited all of 5 minutes to see him. o.o They did have time slots throughout the conference where you could get your book signed by him, so maybe that helped keep the official book signing night line shorter? I don’t know, but I was grateful! It was so much more carefree and less overwhelming this year. And just. BOOKS. AUTHORS. BASICALLY HEAVEN.
My first stop was Bryan Davis because DUH. Bryan Davis. I behaved myself and only brought him two books to sign though…when I could have brought the two dozen I own. Eheheh. (Don’t think I wasn’t tempted.)
I got Jill Williamson to sign her whole Blood of Kings trilogy for me. She LOVED that I had the original, super ginormous, Marcher Lord Press versions. (Marcher Lord Press is now Enclave publishing, if you’re wondering.) She even took one of my copies over to Steve Laube to show him. Lol!
Lindsay A. Franklin signed The Story Raider for me. It was the first book I bought while at RM because I NEEDED the sequel to The Story Peddler YES PLEASE. Somehow I didn’t get a pic with Lindsay though??? TRAGEDY.
And, of course, I got Terry Brooks to sign a book.
Robert Liparulo was there too! I’ve shamefully not read any of his books, though I’ve been meaning to forever. I do, in fact, own a copy of House of Dark Shadows though, and brought it for him to sign. Annnd I got him to sign my copy of the Havok anthology because he has a story in it! And he even put a little smiley face next to my story in the anthology. Love it so much! He was an absolute riot. So hilarious and fun!
Once I had my books signed, it occurred to me I should get some of the Havok staff to sign my anthology too. They had a table setup right at the front of bookstore, and I was happy to see quite a few of them were gathered there. And oh my goodness. THEY. WERE. SO. NICE!!! I told them how much I love what they do and am so honored to be in their anthology, and they said they were thrilled to have me in it. I got them to sign my copy and they got me to sign THEIRS. *faints* And then we all took a pic together and they made me feel like a celebrity.
One of them said, “Everyone point to Christine!” And this is the pure gold that happened…
LOVE THEM!!! Such a perfect way to end book signing night.
With all my books signed, I decided to wander upstairs. I had seen Skye up there when I had come down and hoped she was still around. She was going to have to leave on a SUPER early flight and I couldn’t bear the idea of not getting to say goodbye before she went to bed. Thankfully, she was upstairs, along with Katie and Ashley, which was absolutely lovely. So I joined them and we talked for a good while and shared many laughs.
Then Christine found us and joined in! Unfortunately, everyone did have to go to bed. Christine and I walked Skye to her room to soak in as much time as we could before saying goodbye. So many people had early flights and it BROKE ME saying goodbye. *SOBS*
After a heartfelt goodbye to Skye, Christine and I went back downstairs and got to talk one-on-one for a few minutes before she, too, had to go to bed. So ANOTHER heartfelt goodbye took place. (ALL MY PEOPLE. D’:)
I then ended up chatting with Savannah, Faith, and Hanna for another long while and we laughed over so many things and went outside for a minute to take pics of the plaza outside of the hotel. It was just so pretty!
They invited me to come watch Wonder Woman with them in one of their rooms, but it was already so late and I was about to fall over, so I forced myself to decline and go to bed (NOT easy for this extrovert, let me tell ya!). Thankfully, we would still see each other for a bit the next morning so I didn’t have to say goodbye quite yet. (My heart couldn’t handle more goodbyes that night!)
Also known as the Day of Goodbyes. *SOBS FOREVER*
Everyone who was still around planned to gather in the lobby around 8:30 so we’d all have a little bit of time to see each other before a lot of people had to leave and the rest of us went to the post-conference class at 10:00.
The lobby was PACKED with Realmies and it was so good to be with everyone but also so sad because so many were about to leave. UGH. I HATE GOODBYES. But, also, just the fact that I did get time with these people is an immeasurable blessing. I LOVE YOU GUYS!
I was attending the post-conference workshop but waited until the last possible second to go in so I could still be with a few people before saying goodbye.
Tracey and Josiah were attending the class as well, so I got to sit with them which helped ease my poor bleeding heart after departing from so many. (Did I mention I hate goodbyes?) Victoria was there too which was GREAT since I had barely gotten to see her throughout the conference.
The class was run by Jill Williamson (YASSS) and it was on how to launch your book. Obviously that’s something I won’t need for who-knows how long, BUT it was absolutely fantastic learning how book launches work and getting sooooo many ideas on how to have a successful one. Jill was so great, and I walked away filled with ideas.
Tracey, Josiah, and I planned to have lunch with Mary, Savannah, Hanna, and Millie (the last of our tribe!) after the workshop before we all had to leave. Obviously we went to Fuzzy’s Tacos. *GRINS*
Cassie ended up running into us there as well!!!
After lunch we headed back to the hotel, said final goodbyes, and Dad and I headed off.
And thus ended the best time of my life.
Although we did get to stop on the way home to where my bestie Rachel lives which helped a lot. Seeing her helped softened the sadness of RM being over. Plus, once we got home it was nice to be back in my own bed and be able to sleep longer than 5 hours. XD
And, truthfully, though I was sad RM was over, my heart was also brimming.
The best comparison I can think of for what Realm Makers is like is the Pevensies’ trip to Narnia. You get there and next thing you know it’s over and it seems as if only five minutes have past…and yet. Yet, it also feels like, in two and a half days, you’ve lived a lifetime. It’s wondrous and surreal and there are ups and downs and you’ve grown and changed so, so much. That is RM. Plus it’s perfectly normal to pass people with elf ears or cloaks or tiny dragons on their shoulders. (No, seriously. These things happen at RM.) So it truly feels like you’ve been to a fantasy world.
Although the conference is only two and a half days long, it is truly life changing. I am still feeling the effects of it from last year. That conference did such an amazing work in my heart. I honestly feel like such a different (and hopefully better) person from my first Realm Makers.
This time, though I definitely feel like I’ve grown and learned a ton from it, it wasn’t quite as much of an impact on the heart as last go round. But ooooh man, was it spectacular.
Last year, though I had the. time. of. my. life. there were definitely some not-so-perfect moments. This time though? I…I can’t think of a single minute of the entire conference I wasn’t having the most amazing time of ever??? Which seems impossible. Running so low on sleep and being on such an emotional high, problems are bound to happen. But…nothing did.
For one, I was feeling a little better physically this go round than last time. I knew what to expect and was able to better take care of myself. Another big thing is so many of my friends from last year were there again in addition to soooo many other friends I hadn’t met yet. I didn’t really go a second without being with people I knew and loved. I didn’t stress over my pitches this time like last time, and strategically scheduled them in the mornings so I could get them over with and not dread them all day. Since I had been before, I didn’t feel nearly as overwhelmed. And I also made a conscious effort to just be lax about things. Last time I was so bent on making it to every little thing on time and doing everything right and not missing a second of anything. This year, I chose to just be casual about things. I didn’t constantly watch the clock and be uptight about things (which I’m prone to doing). In fact, half the time my friends had to tell me which class was next and what time it was. Eheh. But I chose to just soak up the moments and enjoy the people around me, instead of being a slave to the clock and stressing it all.
All together, it made for a much better experience. A next to perfect experience! I seriously can’t thank God enough for it. He is so, so good!
If I had to pick one big thing I took away from the conference it’d be this: I am not alone.
I struggle with loneliness…a lot. And feeling less than. I’m following a strange path in life, pursuing this writing thing, and my choices get a lot of eyebrow raising from the world. I didn’t go to college? I don’t have a fulltime job? I’m not married?? THE SHAME. And if I have to be a writer, is writing weird fantasy books really the best idea? Shouldn’t I be a journalist or writing “normal” books?
But then I go to Realm Makers. And the judgmental comments I get from other people vanish. Instead, I’m surrounded by 300+ people just like me. We’re all writing weird books, and absolutely loving it! We’ve all chosen a strange path in life. And it’s good. It’s so very good. Being with so many like-minded people, and having such amazing friends who literally make me feel like my heart is going to explode from all their encouragement, reminds me I AM NOT ALONE. I am right where God wants me. He doesn’t call us all to live “normal” lives. He wants us to do crazy things sometimes. I feel special that He chose such a unique life for me!
So if you’re also feeling judged and alone, remember this: God chose this awesome path for you, and there are others out there who understand you and want to support you. Being a writer is a BLESSING. And we don’t have to do it alone!
*HUGE MAJOR BEAR HUG TO ALL MY FOLLOWERS* I love you guys so much! Thank you for reminding me I am not alone.
LOVE MY PEOPLE SO, SO MUCH!!! <333
In conclusion…
REALM MAKERS 2019 WAS AWESOME.
The End.
Good gracious alive, if you read all of that you seriously deserve a cookie! I might have went…overboard. But it was great logging my adventure. Thank you for putting up with my rambles! Now I want to hear from YOU. Have you ever been to a writers conference? How was your experience? I’d love to hear about it!
MY HEART FEELS LIKE IT MIGHT POSSIBLY EXPLODE RIGHT NOW. THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE POSTS EVER!!!!! <3333 It was AMAZING getting to see you, Christine! ACK I’m just quietly screaming over here because YOU COVERED EVERYTHING!
Aaaahhhh, NOW I know who Kuzco is! It’s probably a good thing I didn’t tell you this at RM, but . . . I’ve never seen the Emperor's New Groove. XD I'M SORRY!! Your costume was still AMAZING, though!
I’m so happy that this RM topped last year for you! And I’m SO happy to hear your pitch appointments went well! 🙂
*virtual hugs* So so happy I got to meet you! Hopefully we can do this again sometime! 😉
AWWWW!!! My heart has just been on the verge of exploding ever since RM! I LOVE YOU ALL SO SO MUCH. And I am so happy you enjoyed this monster of a post. XD I probably covered TOO much. Lol. But it was great writing it all out and reliving the experience. IT WAS JUST SO MUCH FUNNN!!!
*LE GASP* You’ve never seen Emperor’s New Groove??? NICOLE. You need to do that right now!!! Ooookay. Just kidding. (But seriously it’s so good.) I don’t know if you have Netflix streaming but if you DO it’s on that. *wriggles eyebrows* Thank you though! Your costume was absolutely FABULOUS. Luna Lovegood is probably my TOP favorite Harry Potter character! 😀
THANK YOU SWEET, NICOLE. We absolutely MUST meet again sometime because it was AH-MAY-ZING! <333
Aww, it sounds like you had so much fun! And OH MY GOSH YOU GOT ACCEPTED FOR AN ANTHOLOGY I’M SO HAPPY FOR YOU. <3 And your pitch went well yay!! Congratulations!
EEEEP. THANK YOU, BECKY, YOU ARE SO SWEET!!! <3
I READ THE WHOLE THING AND I LOVED IT!!!
Seriously, I love reading Realm Makers recap posts. They’re all I have for now, since it’s highly unlikely I’ll be able to come for years, so I gobble them up.
Thanks for sharing
Oh my goodness, you TOTALLY deserve a cookie for wading through this much rambling! I am so glad you enjoyed reading it!
And you may very well make it to RM one year! I never in a million years thought I’d make it, but, somehow, I got there. So don’t stop dreaming! You never know what awesomeness God has in store for you in the future! <3
Are those tears in my eyes? Maybe, but who cares?
And seriously, if anyone failed at life because we didn’t get a picture together, it’s 100% me. But it was so epic getting to meet you in person!
LOL! Jules, Evan, and I were walking down to the costume dinner and we passed a non-Realmie and heard her whisper “I have no idea what’s going on here…” Basically, one of the best parts of the conference.
BTW, you NAILED that costume! It was so perfect, I can’t even!
And congrats on getting into the anthology!! That’s so awesome!!
You’re not going to be able to make it there next year? *sobs* If you aren’t, you’ll be sorely missed.
D’awwww! SARAH. I just feel so awful I didn’t seek you out to talk more and get a pic! Everything was so crazy! GAH. NEXT TIME we’re at an RM together I’m totally finding you and (lovingly) tackling you! IT’S GONNA HAPPEN. But I am SO glad we did at least see each other for a bit! YOU’RE SUCH A SWEET PERSON.
LOLOLOL. Poor non-Realmies. I’m sure we confuse them so, so much! It’s hilarious. XD
Awww! THANK YOU!!!
Yeeeah. It’s not looking like it’s gonna work out. *also sobs* But maybe the year after??? I’m hoping! That’s so sweet of you to say I’ll be missed. I will 100% miss YOU GUYS! <3
EEEEEP, this POST! I love reading these recaps so much! It makes me want to go even more every time I read them (but I am SO happy for the people who are able to attend! 🙂 )
Your costume is awesome! And that is so cool that you met all those authors and got to sign the anthology!!! (Wayne Thomas Batson…he is one of my FAVORITE AUTHORS EVER!)
I’m so glad you enjoy them! I’m with you, I LOVE reading the recap posts, whether I went or not. It’s so fun seeing everyone’s experience. BUT I HOPE YOU GET TO GO ONE YEAR!
Awww, thank you! It was super fun dressing up as Kuzco. Hehe. And Wayne Thomas Batson was THE BEST. So fun and kind! He is seriously amazing! I’ve shamefully only ever read his Door Within trilogy, and that was yeeeears ago. I MUST read more of his books!
THIS POST IS EVERYTHING *sobs* I am so glad we got to meet up and I had such an amazing time and just asdhkfajdgklhasdfkjsadkfjdaskljfklashgaldskjfklasdjfa <—-all I am capable of saying at this particular moment, lol. It was so surreal seeing you in person!!!!!!! Love you so much!!!!!!!
ALKJSDLJF:LJS:LJD:LFJ:LKJSL:KJF is literally my thoughts as well! FAIIIITH. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND AM SO VERY HAPPY WE GOT TO MEET. You are suuuuuch a blessing to me! I CAN’T EVEN WORD. Just just just <333333333
RM sounds like it was super amazing this year! I loved seeing your updates during the conference and OH MY GOODNESS THE COSTUMES ARE SO COOL.
Oooh, you got Romanov! Eager to hear what you think of it.
Eep! I’m so glad your pitching appointment went well! And congrats on your first book signing! 😀 You story was so fun and I loved it.
It was! So very much fun!!! Awwww, thank you! Everyone’s costumes were AMAZING. I absolutely loved the creativity!
I DID GET ROMANOV. SO. EXCITED!!!
Thank you so much! You are so sweet! <3
I love reading RM recaps, though it’ll probably be a very looooong time ’till I’ll ever be able to go 🙁 But it’s always such fun to read about others’ experiences there!!! 🙂 This whole thing is SO COOL.
I honestly never ever everrr thought I’d get to go to a writers conference myself, but it FINALLY happened. So keep holding on to hope! You never know what’s in store. <3
But I'm glad you enjoyed this monstrous post of mine! All the cookies for you for getting through it! XD
AHHHHH THAT’S SO AMAZING CHRISTINE!!! <33 I'm so glad that you got to go to this conference!!! I LOVE your cosplay. X'D <33 And I can't believe you got a book signed by Terry Brooks!!! That's so cool!!!
(I definitely want to go to RM one day. It looks amazing. <333)
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!! It was suuuuch a fun time! And YES. Terry Brooks was fantastic!
I so, soooo hope you’ll get to go one day. That DEFINITELY needs to happen! <3
I was NOT overwhelmed by the extroverted Christine! Meeting you was lovely. Before we left Savannah told me you were just as nice in person as you were online, and that was SO TRUE. <3
Your example comparing RM and Narnia is EXACTLY how I felt! A couple days after I got back, I told my Mom, "I don't feel like I just got home!" I've been comparing RM to Rivendell, but the idea of living a lifetime in a few moments fits REALLY well.
Seeing the conference through your eyes and reliving it a little was a blessing today. I love how thorough you were!
Thanks for this post.
-Hanna
takingmytime.rothfuss.us
AWWWWW! I am very glad you weren’t overwhelmed by me. Hehe. AND THAT IS SO NICE OF YOU AND SAVANNAH TO SAAAY. UGH. I LOVE YOU GIRLS SO MUCH!!! <33333
Oooh. comparing it to Rivendell is a GREAT one! It DOES feel like a magical place to refuel. YES YES YES. It truly is life-changing, even though it's just a weekend! It's amazing!
D'awww! I feel like I was a little TOO thorough. Lololol. But I'm so glad you enjoyed this. IT WAS JUST SO GOOD MEETING YOU, HANNA. You. Are. A. GEM. *ALL THE HUGS*
Wow there is just so much in this post! Firstly it was so fantabulous meeting you. Still reeling over that amazing Kuzco cosplay. You may not have done the work but you were the one that pulled it off. 😉 I’m so happy you had an amazing time. And so much amen to the last statement. I deal with a a lot of loneliness to the point I’ve cried just because of how lonely I feel at some points. But going to RM and being with wonderful people like you reminds me that I have those who love me and understand me. There is absolutely zero judgement at RM and that’s another amazing thing about this conference. I’ve been to two other writers conferences and I’ve felt judgment for my beliefs or supposed lack of thereof and at RM it’s literally a sanctuary of acceptance. Everyone loves each other like Christ loves the church. In fact I feel like I see more of God’s love at RM than at many churches. 300+ writing for God, living lives of faith, and loving each other. What’s more Christlike than that?
Lol. Probably TOO much. I go a little overboard with my recap posts… XD
It was the BEST meeting you!!! A dream come true!
Awww! Getting such a compliment from a cosplay expert like yourself is a HUGE honor. Thank you! Dressing as Kuzco was a blast!
Oh my goodness. Do you know that was one of the first things I said to my mom when I got home? I told her that Realm Makers feels like what church is SUPPOSED to feel like. Instead of being cliquish and judgmental, everyone is so accepting and loving and uplifting. That is crazy we both had the same thought. But YES! It’s so true! I’ve never once been in a church that feels as accepting and loving as RM. And RM is so BIG. It’s just…amazing. I feel so blessed I got to be a part of it! The feelings of loneliness is REAL. And it breaks my heart you deal with it too. But we DO have each other and this amazing writing community, and I am so very, very grateful for it. <3
I was looking forward to this recap!
I’m so enjoying all these photos, lessons, and stories from Realm Makers 2019. Although they make me miss RM’18 and all the people I met there, they also help me anticipate next year.
What? You might not be coming next year? I’m so sorry to hear that… although I understand the need for a break.
Awwww! I am so very glad you enjoyed this! I know it was a MONSTER of a post. Haha.
I do sooo wish you could have been there this year. YOU WERE MISSED! We NEED to end up at RM the same year again. Buuut yeah, I don’t think next year will work out. It’s much farther AND I have other big expenses I need to focus on this coming year. I’m hoping the year after though! I DEFINITELY plan on going again. It just…probably won’t be in 2020. *sniffles*
I love reading recap posts because they give me another perspective on the conference!
It was so amazing to be able to meet you! I hope we can meet again!
I feel the saaaame! It’s great getting everyone’s POV, if you will, of the experience! 😀
Awww! I LOVED MEETING YOU! You are so, so sweet! I definitely hope we end up at the same RM again one year. It NEEDS to happen!
Ackkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk I can’t believe I didn’t see this before!!!!
CHRISTINE YOUR RECAP POST IS THE BEST AND I AM SHOOK
You are so right. You are not alone. None of us are alone. We are all in this thing together, and together, we are gonna rock the world. <3 <3 <3
AWWWW!!!!! KATIE. I am so, so, soooooo happy we met! And AWK. Thank you! I feel like this post is a rambling MONSTER. Lol. But I’m so pleased you liked it.
YES YES YES. We are totally in this together and will move the world! ABSOLUTELY!
You are a gem, girl! <3
THIS POST!!!! IT’s BEAUTIFUL AND SOMEHOW SUMS UP EVERYTHING THAT I LOVED ABOUT REALM MAKERS!
It was magical! And meeting you was the biggest highlight for me! You’re amazing, beautiful, and I love you to pieces!!! *HUGS* I don’t even have words. Hanging out with you was the best! I hope we get to do it again. You’re costume was fabulous, Kuzco would be proud. 😀 (Thanks for shouting out Falling Snow) I’m still freaking out that I have a story written by you on my shelf.
I totally get the loneliness and living life a different way, people can be so opinionated. But never change! You’re not alone, and I believe that you are doing exactly what your supposed to be doing. You’re definitely not alone.
<333
D’AWWWW! SKYE. I MISS YOU! Meeting YOU was definitely one of MY biggest highlights. It was amaziiiing. And YES. We must meet again sometime. Somehow, someway! IT’S GOTTA HAPPEN.
GIRL. You’re gonna make me cry! I don’t even know how to respond. You are truly a gem! And oh my goodness, I feel the SAME about having one of your stories on my shelf. IT MAKES ME SO HAPPY!!!!
Awww! Thank you, dear Skye. I definitely need that reminder. You are not alone either! *HUGS*
WHERE DO I EVEN BEGIN WITH THIS POST. AGH. IT MAKES ME SO HAPPY AND SAD AND NOSTALGIC AT THE SAME TIME. I MISS IT SO MUCH. It was so, so, SO good seeing you again Christine!! I really hope we get to see each other again some day soon! *feels all the emotions*
AWWWWW!!! MADELINE. It was so good seeing YOU! I feel so blessed we got to be at the last two RMs together. It definitely, definitely needs to happen again! *ALL THE HUGS*
I meant to comment on this a loooooong time ago, and have since run out of a bunch of the words I planned to say. >.< BUT. THIS POST JUST CATAPULTED ME BACK IN TIME TO JULY AND I LOOOOOVED IT SO MUCH. *sniffles* I miss you and everyone and everything!
I still can't get over that you and Savannah and I got to be publishing sisters in "Rebirth!"
And I can't get over your Kuzco costume either! Such good times. XD Your family's costume-making talents are awesome. About pointing a gun… *cough* Yeah, so I realized AFTERWARDS that I ended up pointing that thing in every. single. picture. I think I just wanted to make sure it ended up in the pictures? But it looks like I'm holding all these fantasy characters hostage with a big ol' grin on my face. XDDD
All those Brent Weeks quotes are sooo good. I remember ALL of the ones you mentioned standing out to me!
*dies over the blurry Robert Liparulo dancing pic* Too perfect!
Awww, the Havok picture! <3
Comparing RM to the Pevensies' journey to Narnia and back is SO accurate, right down to the strange passage of time and the feeling of being a changed person when you return. And your closing thoughts–alllll the hearts! <333
Well, this is a much-abridged version of all I COULD have rambled on about… needless to say, I loved your recap. So nostalgic! I'm sad that we may not both be there next year, but I GREATLY look forward to whenever we both end up there together again!!!
AWWWW! TRACEY. Now I’m getting all nostalgic! Honestly, it still feels like it happened just a couple of weeks ago, not MONTHS ago. o.o I feel like I bring it up daily still. My family and friends are probably sick of my conversations starting out as, “At Realm Makers…” Lol. BUT IT WAS JUST SO GOOD.
I MISS YOU TOO. SO SO MUCH! BUT IT WAS THE BEST THING EVER WE’RE PUBLISHED TOGETHER AND JUST GAH. SO MANY GOOD THINGS.
Your costume was awesome too! I kinda LOVE how you were pointing the gun. It was hilarious. XD I’m the one who looked like a complete goofus in every pic. Lol. It’s all for fun, yeah? Hehehe.
I’m so, so sad I might miss next year too. But we WILL be there together again one day. I AM DETERMINED. And I am soooo happy we’ve made it to together twice now. Dream. Come. True. You’re such a gem, Tracey. I’m so blessed to have you! *HUGS*