It’s in the mail, it’s in the mail, Glory, Hallelujah, it’s in the mail! (Happy Dance!!!)

Just in case you weren’t aware — I’ve been editing, rewriting and generally tearing apart the first 20 pages of Shaken in order to get it ready to send ahead to the critique panel at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. It has to be there by the 30th, and I really didn’t want to be the “bottom” of the stack. But thanks to my dear, sweet hubbie who entertained the kiddos all weekend, it’s done! And in the mail!

Now, to get on to all of the other stuff I need to do to get ready… Let’s see, here’s my tentative list:

• Write out and practice a 25 word pitch.
• Research the editors/agents/authors I should make a point to meet.
• Figure out what in the world a “one sheet” is and decide whether or not I need one.
• Read & critique the first 20 pages from the others in my critique group.
• Pack (duh).
• Decide which workshops I want to attend.
• Pray that my business cards arrive in time.
• Oh, yeah, on that note, pray in general about the conference (move this to #1).
• Find out if I need to pack bedding and towels.
• Buy some shoes that work for all of these: say “spring” instead of “winter,” comfy, sturdy, can get wet, professional, and match every outfit I have.
• Read all of my mentor’s books and blog entries.
• Get the next 80 pages of Shaken to match the first 20.
• and… rest, pray and relax (while still caring for my family) so I don’t collapse in exhaustion before the conference ever begins.

No problem. I’ll get right on that! But not tonight!

Tonight I finish my “happy dance.”