The Pacific Northwest Association of Church Librarians hosts a conference annually, in rotation, at each of its chapters throughout Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. I was honored to be invited, and as an author participated both with a table in the vendor area, and in the "Author Shuffle" component of the Saturday morning proceedings (how much CAN you say about your work, effectively in four minutes?).
So, I sold book, spake about my work, and BONUS - I met some fantastic people including other authors. Sixteen authors there and no overlap of genre, seriously. It was a diverse crowd. I am excited to continue some of these nascent friendships: the photography and poetry of Jackie Gannan (the first new person to befriend me from her adjacent table), the powerful and effervescent Jamicka Edwards.
In the Author Shuffle I was honored to be in a group with the inspiring Sister Laura Swan, the amazing Lisa McMinn (who brought THE MOST delicious Blackberries from her home farm!), the adorable and charming Eleanor Corey, and Kate Breslin who has the most exhilarating smile!So what could I do to represent myself in this august company, as a writer? I decided to play to my strengths and tell a story. I got up especially early on Saturday and penned 400 new words, as there was a time limit, which are the blueprint for a slightly longer work. Several people commented enthusiastically on my storytelling style, and asked where the story I presented had been published so they could get a copy. I am taking that as an imperative.
In the
Beginning
by Judith Cullen
© 2017
Way back, when the world was brand new, when the God had
formed the heavens and the earth, brought forth all the plants and animals,
created the depths of the ocean and the great extremities of the mountain
peaks, God sat back, looking at his final work - Humanity - and considered it.
