New York {Writer's Digest Conference}

Wow.

I love New York.

I have said it before, but the energy in that city is intoxicating. 

I love the diversity and how you can move from one block in one culture, 

to a completely different culture in the next block! 

We had a ton of fun. 

The pictures aren't in order... sorry

but I did group them together. 

*pats self on the back*

The Conference.

It was such an incredible experience. 

The PitchSlam was amazing.

I stood in line to wait to meet with agents and 

felt butterfly's creep their way from my stomach to my throat. 

I was incredibly nervous, but I had practiced my pitch and love my novel.

I was hoping my passion for writing would be portrayed in my pitch.

I met with ten agents.

The night before we had a "how to" for pitching (if you will)

It was something along the lines of

You get 90 seconds.

Sell your book.

Sell Yourself.

Don't read off of anything.

Be concise.

Represent your genre clearly. 

Don't offend anyone. 

You want business cards.

If one or two agents want your manuscript you should be doing back flips.

So I went into the next day with hopes, but didn't want to set unrealistic expectations for myself. 

I sat down with agent one. We really clicked right off the bat.

She was around my age and we talked right up until the bell.

(imagine speed dating with literary agents)

She handed me her card and said, send me your full manuscript. 

*enter nodding, smiling, in shock, Kelli*

I got in line for my next agent on my list.

(see there was agents from EVERY genre, so you had to pick the best ones for you.)

She also wanted a full request. 

*excitement, shock, adrenaline*

Next agent wanted 50 pages.

Next agent wanted 50 pages.

Next agent wanted a Full.

Next agent wanted a Full.

Next agent wanted the first 3 chapters.

Next agent wanted 50 pages.

Next agent wanted 50 pages.

Next agent wanted a Full.

I got 10/10 agents. 

From what I understand...(maybe my ego is inflated?)

That is pretty freaking good. 

*the cheerleader in me wanted to kick and jump and flip*

I was smiling like an idiot and trying to contain my excitement. 

So at this point. I have sent out my manuscript to the agents above. 

Now the waiting game begins.

Keep your fingers crossed.

Chase your dreams.

There is nothing better in the world than seeing something through.

And having the outcome come out better than you hope.

Not to say I didn't receive rejections... 

because I have. In my queries I have received ten rejections via email.

That isn't what it is about though.

If you are passionate about something, 

pursue it to the best of your ability. 

No dream is too big. 

Ground yourself and surround yourself with people who love you. 

Then go for it.

Why the hell not? 

The worst thing anyone can tell you is No.

Their loss, right? 

Friday Night Session of #WDCE

We saw Newsies on Saturday night and it was so Amazing.

The dancing was through the roof, those boys had so much energy.

I loved it. 

It is in my top picks of shows. 

Right up there with Wicked, Les Mis, and Phantom. 

This is my broadway boyfriend. 

He played Jack Kelly (the lead)

His name is Corey Cott. 

Amazing voice.

 We found Spiderman in battery park, so he joined us for some photo ops.

 Justin Timberlake. 

(so what if it is the wax version.)

 Wall Street/ George Washington Monument 

Rockefeller Center "Top of the Rock"

 The Naked Cowboy, who never ages. (Vampire?)

9-11 Memorial

 Columbus Circle

 American Museum of Natural History

 Central Park West

 Best French Toast Ever. 

 View of the 9-11 Memorial and the Freedom Tower from our room

 Battery Park

 St. Patricks Cathedral 

 Rector Street Subway Station

The trip was amazing, the family is the best, the opportunity blew my mind.

I am feeling incredibly blessed. 

I heart NYC. 

Xo,

Kelli