It’s official. We have hijacked Donna Fleisher’s blog!
Digging a little deeper into the last post, I forgot to share that Wendy Lawton represents Donna’s entertainment interests, which have a lot to do with The Prank. Only one more post after this one and you get to hear what went down pre-talent show at the 2007 Oregon Christian Writers Summer Conference.
Take a good look at the upper left hand corner of this page. See that smiling innocent face? Behind that mask of guilelessness lurks a hidden nature. One capable of playing a hideous prank on sweet Donna. Aren’t you dying to know what I did? Your wait is drawing to an end…in just a few short days. Bwah-ha-ha!
And now we return to the regularly scheduled blog about OCW: The Purpose.
Fellowship is definitely a high point of a Christian conference, but the purpose for going is discipleship. Attending a conference is like taking a crash course in bettering one’s writing skills. There are panels with tons of editors squeezed together on the stage, workshops, coaching classes, appointments with editors, and the amazing keynote speeches.
Look! Here we are now with the awesome keynoter, Angela Hunt.
She reminded us to remove ourselves from the sacred space between the minister and the listener. This goes for all kind of creative arts. There is a miracle, a connection, that occurs between a speaker and each audience member, an author and each reader, a singer and each listener. No critical man–or woman–should dare to enter that “sacred space.”
My other favorite thing from Angela’s speech? Her impression of her goofy dog that appeared on Live with Regis and Kelly. Must see in person to appreciate! (I think the camera took the picture in the middle of her “cheese,” but I still have to post it because it’s the only one of the two of us.)
We had the most fantastic time in Karen Ball‘s class despite her making us–gasp!–write. One of her writing exercises had Mom, Miriam, and me in stitches. I can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard for so long.
As you can see, Karen is a very serious woman who scorns the things of fools. I, too, flee at the slightest whiff of fun and frolic, so we got along rather nicely.
Yes, the OCW conference was filled with so many things–teaching, learning, tears because of touching stories that were shared, and tears from laughing so hard we needed a Depends!
It’s a great experience to share with you, Daughter!
The last two pix I saved into My Pix, and labeled them “Keeper1” and “Keeper2.” : )
Fun and frolic are all y’all’s middle names!! Which is why I wuv y’all sooooo much. (No matter what hideous acts of cruelty, Christina, you’ve propagated against me.)
P.S. Karen, I didn’t think you could stretch like that!?! You go, girl!!! : )
P.S.S. Rub a dub, rub a dub, hmm-hmm-hmm-hmm-hmm … (on my mind all day … again ….. thank you very much …………)
When was the OCW conference? I was just at one in Philly last weekend and Angela was there also. I saw her but not being a fiction person, wasn’t in any of her sessions and i had to leave before her keynote speech on Saturday. I really like the “sacred space” idea – I might have to order a CD if available. thanks for sharing your experience – looks like a blast!!
Dianne, you’ll definitely want the tape! From what you share on your blog–the thigns that really touch you–I know you’ll love what Angie says.
OCW was the first week in August, so she’s a busy lady!
Wow, great pix and lots of fun memories! Karen’s class was … well, a ball. I can’t remember when I’ve had that much fun. What a great group we had!
It’s Thursday. Anxiously awaiting the new post about the prank. You have me on the edge of my seat.