I was privileged to attend Michael Drew’s Book Publishing workshop this last weekend. The path getting there was a whole story in itself, but because of a good husband who told me I needed to do this, I ended up in SLC on a snowy weekend to hear the best in the field.
I learned a lot about building a platform, blogging, personas, trends, writing styles. It was a great wealth of information!
What surprised me was the education I gained from the people there. I was in awe at the stories that were trying to come out at this class, and amazed at the people there.
Robert was an “older” gentleman (it’s hard for me to call anybody old anymore) ;o), who was a successful businessman, but at this time in his life was starting on a new adventure and a new business of his own.
Valerie had written a children’s book teaching them the power of correct thinking.
Jeana had some great children’s stories, too. One about chocolate (can’t wait) and another about teaching kids to enjoy concerts and programs. Both great ideas.
Nancy had lost two kids in three years and had a story to tell. In addition to that, it is her desire to lift kids through the arts program.
Monica wanted to share the story of her mother’s car jacking, rape, and murder and then her conversion from Hindu to Christianity as a story of hope. As I said, I was in awe of these people and what they had come through.
Donogh, a delightful man with a beautiful Irish Brogue, hit a wall in his life and faced Satan himself wondering if there was reason to go one, yet found hope, help, and love as the Lord answered a desperate plea and wrapped him in His tender mercies.
But it didn’t stop there. The instructors had some powerful lessons of their own.
Jeff Sexton had this gift for writing and creativity.
Garrett Gunderson became as passionate as ever talking about finding your soul purpose and living it to bring about peace and prosperity.
Larry Benet taught us to connect with people and make a difference in lives on a daily basis and showed us it is possible even when there are difficulties in your own life.
Mark Effinger, although ribbed a lot for staying on subject matter, proved to be this brilliant mind and successful businessman. But his stories of his childhood and life were gripping and moving.
Last, but certainly not least, Michael Drew, a powerful successful young man with a bright mind and a gift for teaching, not only shared the secrets to success with us, but opened his heart to share the difficulties of his short life. I was captivated and riveted with his story– moved to tears as he hugged his father in a tender moment of forgiveness and love.
Now when people ask me how the workshop was and to share things with them, I just smile and wonder how to fully express my thoughts.
You see, in all the learning and education, what I found the most powerful was this: Each one of us have struggles and trials and difficulties in life. We each have a story to share. But the greatest lesson is to see those lives and where they have come from their trials. These aren’t people who gave up on life. These are people who have experienced true success because they have found happiness and joy IN SPITE of their trials. They offer hope to those suffering. They offer joy to those in despair. They offer peace and prosperity by showing us that life moves on and the choices we make will bring about good and happiness in our life.
I am a better person for having met all of these great people. It was an education I will never forget.
Thanks, Leslie, for the gift!
Denise, you said, “Each one of us have struggles and trials and difficulties in life. We each have a story to share. But the greatest lesson is to see those lives and where they have come from their trials.”
When I was going through a difficult struggle several years ago, a friend commented to me that, “a tale isn’t worth telling if there aren’t any dragons to slay.” We all have our own dragons.
Thanks for your insight.
Your workshop reminded me of all the writing workshops I’ve taken. Made me wish I had gone with you. I miss learning from others in that setting. Other people have so much to offer, for example my friend Jim Jones the artist who just died. What stories he had to tell. He painted daily from light until dark even though he was dying. He finished 14 new landscapes breathing his last breath. I have so many stories to tell, myself, which I am trying to do. Also, enjoyed editing books for Ruth Chung, Sister Allen, Carol Bunnell and others. I actually traded meals, housecleaning and just friendship. Never asked for money. It was fun. If you remember, I was at a writing workshop in Salt Lake City when you called to tell me Jadon was born. Keep it up Denise. You have great things to say.