Recovering from Conference

There are two big conferences this time of year, and I'm still recovering from both.

1. Storymakers: Man, that was an awesome conference. There were so many good sessions it was hard to figure out what to attend. And though it was my first time, I was asked to participate on a panel talking about my work as a senior editor for the Ensign. Turns out I recalled quite a bit from my days at McGraw-Hill, too, that added to the session. But my colleagues on the panel were also fantastic.

I was reading James Dashner's blog on this weekend, and he put it very well. There were just so many wonderful people I met, newly minted friends and associates, it was just amazing. I felt privileged to be participating among so many talented, creative, dedicated and accomplished people. And those who, like me, are working hard at becoming published. I could hardly believe the caliber of my bootcamp friends and the others I met.

I was also excited about having something to offer folks as an editor. On the one hand, I felt something like a peon as an epic fantasy writer hopeful among authors I'm a fan of. On the other, it was strange when people would find out what I do, from my bootcamp table peers, to those I met in passing, to some of the authors, how they reacted.

The truth is, it is a gift from Heavenly Father that I have this job. I guess I'm pretty good at it--but this is an extremely important work--it is part of THE work, if you get my meaning, and to be allowed part of it on such a degree is humbling. And to see how people respect it just makes me want to work all that much harder at making it the best, most fulfilling magazine I can. They expect it, and need it, and are worth it. I suppose by 'they' I mean you, folks. I hope I can serve you well.

I was also just plain inspired. I want to write two more epic books now, an historical fiction piece based on the BoM, a MG book based on stories I tell my kids at night, and still fix my current epic fantasy novel. Woa. Big plans for a tired man!

The best part was that my wife was able to attend the Whitney Awards. That was the highlight of the night, even if I was just an observer of the event. So many great folks everywhere! Wow, we all have a lot to live up to.

2. General Conference: Well, I've been given the amazing task to assist some pretty exceptional people edit an article that is, well, extraordinary. This isn't the kind of thing you brag about, so I'm not going to go into any details. Let's just say I've been living a dream and feel like I'm in la-la land regarding the importance and the beauty of what I've been asked to contribute and participate in. Wow. Should be over in about 4 days, though, and then I can go back to being a normal editor. Meanwhile, the rest of my work just piles up. . .

I'll get to it eventually. And this amazing ride we call life just keeps going on and getting better. But of course, where much is given, much is required. . .