sf writer's conference + a love letter

i'm starting to get a little nervous.

a few weeks ago, i got some very good news -- i'd won the Victoria A. Hudson Scholarship for poetry, which means that i get to attend the sf writer's conference this weekend (feb 18-20)! so, i've been writing, writing, writing and getting ready to make the most of it.

though i've been to a few tradeshows in my time, i don't know exactly what to expect from a conference full of other right-brained creative types. will every session start late? or, instead of attending session will we all just go to the on-site cafe and talk shop? college classes are evidently the only reference i have!

whatever happens during the next two days, it's sure to be a fun time -- all of these unknowns, and a lot of opportunity. i'm so thankful that there are people out there like victoria hudson (who is aligned with the conference, i believe) that support new writers who may not be able to make this step toward meeting industry folks or publication on their own. her scholarship has really motivated me, and given me more confidence in myself, even though i've always had ray's support. sometimes it takes a stranger to push us forward.

ray has been a sincere advocate of my writing ever since he found journals stuffed under my bed five years ago and read them on the sly. (raaaaay!!!)

but that intervention was the start of something. at first, i didn't understand: how was it possible to write creatively full-time? i have to admit, at the time i was afraid to look away from the paycheck, being a sort-of career-minded bay area person who knows that they had to make ends meet. but he made me see the value of my writing, and that made this transition possible. and so, this new life!

thank you to ray and victoria for all that you do, and to my family and friends for their constant big love.

off to the conference!
b*