Winter Is Here...But LTUE 2019 Is Coming

When people think of February, many things come to mind. Valentine's Day, Black History Month, President's Day, Groundhog Day. But if you're a writer living in the Intermountain West, February means it's time for the Life, the Universe, and Everything Writing Symposium, otherwise known simply as LTUE.

And it's coming.

I've written about this event several times since beginning this blog back in 2011. Over the years I've attended several writing conferences and symposiums. Though I haven't attended any out-of-state, the variety and information from the ones I have attended is rich and entertaining. I've always walked away from each event feeling good about attending and having learned something to help me in my writing career. I've also made no bones about the fact that LTUE is one of my all-time favorite events. I've never had a bad time attending.

This year, the event will be held (again...) on Valentine's Day. It runs from February 14th to the 16th in Provo, Utah. If you'd like to attend, click: HERE for more information. For the past couple of years, I've not participated in LTUE as a panelist, but this year, whomever makes up the schedule decided to add me and it's an honor. I'll include information on the specific panels as the convention gets closer.

LTUE--it's fun, informative, and a great place to hang out, chat with an author or artist about their craft.

LTUE, I Love You, But I Probably Won't Be Attending This Year

I think it's been three years that the wonderful people at the Life, The Universe, And Everything (LTUE) literary symposium have invited me to be a part of their event. It is truly an honor to be asked to come and be a panelist. It's something I've tried to take seriously, do my best on the panels, and help make the event the best it could be.

But this year I'm probably not going.

I was talking to my neighbor the other day; she's going. I told her I wasn't, and said she took a break a few years ago and it was a good thing. It let her recharge. I think that could be a good thing for me to do, too.

I remember when I was first asked to participate in these things, first for the Salt Lake Comic Con, then LTUE, then a few others. Those of us asked formed friendships and professional contacts. I've had one short story published because I've attended the events, and I'm working for more. I hope to see good things from other projects in the future. Time will tell.

There have been other conferences that I've not attended. I see posts from so many of my friends telling me how great the events are and how much fun they're having. I'm sure I'll feel bad for not attending LTUE this year and wish I could be there. But then I remember how much I gush on the events I join. I post pictures, videos, feelings I'm having. I do it all the time. Maybe I'll tone that down from now on.

Yes, I'm sure it will be another wonderful gathering of amazingly talented writers, editors, artists, even musicians (I'm talking to you, Mr. Nybo who is actually all of those things...). I know it will inspire both beginners and the battle-weary alike. For those going, have the time of your life! We'll see what next year brings.

The Other Side Of The Room...

I returned from another writing conference last night--a day early. I had a very different experience after this conference. Well, that's not entirely true.

It was similar to experiences I had at conferences and symposiums years ago, back before I ever became a panelist, back when the thought of becoming a panelist would be as difficult as getting published, or training a cat.

At every conference I've attended going back to 2013 I've been fortunate enough to be a panelist. It's an honor to be asked and it's a total blast. You get to meet some amazing people, but I had almost forgotten what it was like to attend as a non-panelist. Many of my author and artist friends had as many as eight or ten panels for this year's LTUE panel.

I had two.

I'm not complaining about the two--they were both fun, informative and I met many great people. But I also took the opportunity to sit and listen to other panelists who have worlds of experience. And maybe it helped that I'm outlining my next project and I soaked up everything that was said. I sat in the other side of the room and listened, took notes and allowed my mind to really think about the art of writing.

When I left yesterday I couldn't wait to get to my laptop and begin hitting the keys. Having that enthusiasm and drive to write was something I had missed. And after all, why go to a conference if you don't feel inspired when you leave?