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| Eddie Jones, my publisher, and me |
and I used up 20 minutes of my 50 minute class having the attendees introduce themselves and say what kind of writing they did. Sigh.
I spend nine months preparing for the class, which is ironically titled Time Management Secrets for Part-time Writers, make a 22 -page syllabus, and then use my time unwisely. Two sighs.
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| Conference director, Jan Cline, and I |
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| James Rubart, Patti Lee, and Eddie Jones |
My heart was in the right place. I love people, and wanted them to feel welcome in my class. But next time, I’ll just have them raise their hands to answer a few questions before I teach:
Who has kids at home? Who works an outside job? Who feels better about themselves when someone else does dumb stuff?
Please do not be so hard on yourself, we are only human. Be blessed.
ReplyDelete"Fodder" for your next book (hopefully published before 2102)!
ReplyDeleteMy guess is that the attendees felt special because you wanted to know about them personally. I agree with another comment. Don't be so hard on yourself.
ReplyDeleteBlessings.
LOL Those weren't so bad-- I bet it made them love you even more! I love that you are honest and share your mistakes with us. It makes you so much more approachable!!
ReplyDeleteHey, the book isn't out, yet. Might take another hundred years, who knows? Could be you're a prophet, Jeanette.
ReplyDeleteWell, I don't want anyone to feel dumb at all, ever, but I do take heart to know I am not the only one. Did a dumb thing yesterday afternoon (the episode shall remain nameless:). I am sure that your attendees got a lot out of your session. It'd be fun to meet you in person!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
You are hysterical! I actually asked someone to endorse my blog in the early stages of blogging. What a ninny I can be. :D
ReplyDelete~ Wendy
Your candor is so refreshing. I'm sure God used the session to really speak right to someone's heart. Isn't it amazing how He continues to use us flaws, quirks, and all? Keep laughing and find much grace in the day.
ReplyDeleteAs a fellow faculty member who sat in on your class, I’d like to point out 5 smart things you did at the Inland Northwest Christian Writers Conference:
ReplyDelete1. Prizes – You turned the bookmark boo-boo into a contest with an award for whoever could guess the original typo under your Wite-Out correction. Then you gave candy and other prizes to delighted class attendees. Even the elegant syllabus is worth cherishing.
2. Practical – In the remaining 30 minutes of class time, you taught a ton of good information.
3. Personalities – We gained many insights on how each of the 4 personalities could use strengths and overcome weaknesses when managing time.
4. Polished – You were articulate, informative, and fun to listen to--all very important when teaching people who’ve just eaten a big lunch.
5. Profit – Not only did class members come away with timely tips and tasty treats, but you also learned at least two things you won’t repeat at your next conference. Quite a profitable experience for all involved, I’d say.
I loved being in your session at the conference, and gleaned so much from you! Your wit and enthusiasm, your energy, your treat giveaways :-)When I dig the Chuckles out of my conference bag and share them with my kids, they will love you as much as I do!
ReplyDeleteThank you for investing your time and resources into making the hand outs--including the report covers (wow!). Any time management tips we didn't hear in class we have on paper--which makes them even easier to remember, right?
Blessings on you and your writing!
I'm sure each attendee was blessed and learned a lot from you. Hugs :O)
ReplyDeleteI do many dumb things! Maybe I should write a book about it;)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you did MANY, MANY right things from the comments. And we can always learn from the dumb things right? Always good to learn.
Congratulations on your new book!
I don't have kids at home. I work outside the home, and I do dumb stuff all of the time. Sheesh! haha...
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had fun! And everyone "will" notice your release date!
Jeanette:
ReplyDeleteI have been know for some dumb things, too. That is if you ask Hubby. We are all human, God loves us. I know He loves you. Sounds like those who were there enjoyed your teaching. I echo the others, don't be so hard on yourself. And the bookmark bobble, if you left one as is was, that would have been a treasure when that day comes along. And all writers need a proof-reader. :)
I love the commenter above, telling you the 5 smart things you did.
ReplyDeleteThe smart outweighed the dumb ... that's a good day in my book.
I'm sure the attendees enjoyed your presentation and were grateful for the personal attention that you gave them. Remember Philippians 4:8 :-) Through this blog alone you've touched so many lives.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing that.... I smile because I can relate. It's good to know we're not alone in not doing it 'perfectly'!
ReplyDeleteMy sister told me when she listened to the recording of my very first workshop on blogging, I allowed too many interruptions from the 'peanut gallery' ... so as she listened she got impatient as she waited for people to settle down so she could hear what else the speaker was saying.
But.... guess what.... those moments of intro you are 'sighing' about taking too much time may turn out to be some of the best moments of the session for some people. Maybe they never had the guts to share their dream and here was a captive and eager audience to hear their story in a nutshell.
With that 22-page syllabus, you are, lady, are truly prepared for topics until..... well until 2102!
So good to come and visit again. Haven't been in a while, my days are are as usual at present, so it's a real treat to touch base again.
Wishing you glimpses.......
Thank you for sharing that.... I smile because I can relate. It's good to know we're not alone in not doing it 'perfectly'!
ReplyDeleteMy sister told me when she listened to the recording of my very first workshop on blogging, I allowed too many interruptions from the 'peanut gallery' ... so as she listened she got impatient as she waited for people to settle down so she could hear what else the speaker was saying.
But.... guess what.... those moments of intro you are 'sighing' about taking too much time may turn out to be some of the best moments of the session for some people. Maybe they never had the guts to share their dream and here was a captive and eager audience to hear their story in a nutshell.
With that 22-page syllabus, lady, you are are truly prepared for topics until..... well... until 2102!
So good to come and visit again. Haven't been in a while, my days are are as usual at present, so it's a real treat to touch base again.
Wishing you glimpses.......
Hi Jen -
ReplyDeleteWho knows? Maybe that was exactly what the attendees needed.
Sometimes when I think I've blown it big time that's when someone comes up and says, "You really ministered to me."
Hugs,
Susan :)
I'm sure your attendees still learned tons. I appreciate your honesty about your foibles. That's how we all learn!
ReplyDeleteAren't you glad you're a humor writer? All of your "mistakes" can be used some day.
ReplyDeleteWish I could have been there. I'm sure the greet time was well spent. Many people feel left out and this gave them a chance to speak.
I think Diana Savage gave you a gift! And I'm sure the attendees had a great time in your class. Now, how is that bad? :)
ReplyDeleteNow you've got more column material, and you'll be that much more prepared for the next one!