If you were invited to an opportunity to experience your biggest dream, would you go? What if it meant going to an event you’d never been to, in a city in another state you’d never been to, without anyone you actually know being there?
I just came back from that opportunity.
She Speaks is a writers and speakers conference hosted by Proverbs 31 Ministries in Charlotte, North Carolina. (think Lysa TerKeurst) It’s two full days of workshops (three if you attend the pre-conference) and speakers. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned writer or speaker, there is a place for you.
My goals for the conference weren’t huge. I was hungry to learn about being a better writer. I was nervously excited about the opportunity to meet with a publisher and an agent to discuss my book proposal. I was anxious to meet IRL many of the online friends I had made through social media. I knew enough to know the experience alone would be valuable. I had no idea the gift this experience was going to.
Four years ago I felt the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit to write a book. I was all gung-ho initially, but as time passed, so did my excitement. I began to talk more about the book I was “writing” (think going to maybe write) than actually writing. Registering for She Speaks and signing up for a publisher appointment sparked my fire, though.
Even with a book proposal written, I wasn’t so sure I was cut out for this. Over the past four years of not writing (think disobedience), I began to doubt my calling. Getting away from the noise of my usual day, immersing myself into a dedicated time of praise, worship, and prayer, and gleaning more knowledge affirmed what I already knew. She Speaks was confirmation about my calling as a writer.
Ernest Hemingway said, “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” This is truth. Naively, I thought to write a book I simply needed to have an idea, sit down at a typewriter (think laptop) and write. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Workshops like “How to Write a Chapter” and “Your Very Best Idea Ever” educated me on what it actually takes to get the words from my head and onto paper in a way a reader can relate. She Speaks was my connection to what I needed to know to understand writing and publishing.
I am a social introvert (think I like people but I also need my Julie-time). Until recently, I lived in fear of going to somewhere there would be no one there I knew. I may have come to She Speaks knowing no one, but I left having made many more beautiful friendships. From recognizing someone by their small social media profile picture to my sweet new Canadian friend who introduced herself to me because we were both wearing running gear, She Speaks enriched my life by introducing me to an amazing community of women.
She Speaks is more than a conference. It’s a haven for women to find assurance, knowledge, and friendship. Know what you won’t find there? Competition. Not from your fellow attendees or those who are presenting. The leaders of Proverbs 31 make it clear, both verbally and by their actions, that they are in your corner, there to support and guide you in ways they didn’t have. They truly desire to see you succeed.
Cindy Bultema (@CindyBultema) says
Hi Julie 🙂 Your post made me smile and nod the whole time! From your first “Hey y’all” in your side bar–I felt welcomed and right at home. I’m glad you were able to get the next steps at Speak Up to know and to understand writing and publishing. I can’t wait to hear what doors God opens in His perfect timing. Grateful we are on the same Team! xo
Julie says
Thank you, Cindy! Thanks for hosting the blog hop and for all the great info you shared in your session. Hope to see you next year at She Speaks. Keep Sparking!
Lisa Young says
This is my favorite,
“She Speaks was confirmation about my calling as a writer.”
Oh how this makes my heart smile! God is so good!!
Loved meeting you, sweet Julie.
Barb says
Thank you for sharing your experience! So glad it was a fulfilling weekend for you!
Teri Schultz says
I loved your post, Julie! I, too, am a social introvert – although I never that was the term for it until your post. *_* It’s amazing how God leads us to just where we need to be to hear from Him best at times. God spoke to me at She Speaks and I’m so glad I was there. Best of luck on your book!