Since I’ve returned from BlissDom, I’ve been processing a lot of information that was shared, proof that we really did do more than eat, take photos, type on laptops and wear cute shoes. I am still wading through the facts and my opinions about branding, marketing, monetizing and social networking. But I am mainly thinking about blogging as a writer.
Last year, I attended the She Speaks conference held by Proverbs 31 ministry to equip writers, speakers and women in church leadership. I attended the sessions on writing and learned a lot while I was there. I also attended the two sessions available about writing on a blog. Because of heightened interest in those sessions, P31 decided to expand the blogging aspect of the conference this year to include an entire track dedicated to blogging.
Guess who is co-leading two of those sessions?
*crickets chirping*
*chirping stops abruptly*
*panic-stricken crickets stunned into silence*
*deep breath*
You guessed right. WHAT?! Are you kidding me?! Last year I was glued to the edge of the wall near the exit during the bloggers mingle thing because I was nearing hyperventilation and didn’t know a single dingle soul. And this year I’m supposed to SPEAK?! Using my…voice? I did the writers track for a REASON, people.
If I wasn’t so excited about the topics, I don’t think I could do this. But it will be worth it. Defining and Refining the Purpose of Your Blog is the session I’m doing with my sister The Nester. And Bloggy Photography 101 will be with Dawn of My Home Sweet Home which I’m not nearly as nervous about because Dawn is a real, bonafide grown up and I’m following her lead.
Not that my sister isn’t a grown up. Its just that sometimes when we’re together, we get the giggles. And then I start snorting and she has to sit with her legs crossed to keep from peeing and it is just generally not very inclusive or attractive. Or appropriate to do in front of an audience. At a conference. Where people have paid real money to attend. And learn something.
I am excited, nervous and apparently all shades of crazy. Not to mention eyebrowless, according to this photo. But I look forward to this summer for the opportunity to step into the unknown, as much as I hate everything about the unknown. It seems a long way off now, but registration is open so if you are thinking about coming, I would encourage you to sign up soon-like. The conference will be held in Charlotte, NC from July 31 – August 2. Now seriously, where are my eyebrows?
click here for the conference website
Tags: blog
40 comments
i’d love to come but i’d have to get on a plane and well, fly. gah.
single dingle soul.
Still laughing at that one. You are so funny.
I’ll be there. Can’t wait to see you and The Nester. I’m pretty sure you’ll be fantastic!
Oh my goodness, I laughed about the “snorting” and “peeing”…that is great and true sisterhood and friendship! Love it!
-sandy toe
I wish wish wish I could come, thought if you all get started on a laughing fit I’d have to clutch myself to keep from peeing, too. My, aren’t we all so lady-like here at emily’s place?
Hmmmmm, I missed Blissdom and have regretted it ever since. I wonder if She Speaks will fit into my schedule?
I’m pretty sure that’s when we are doing Vacation Bible School, darn it…..but I do encourage you to not be like Moses, and say “um, Lord, can’t Nester do all the speaking, because I um, stutter….”. No, darlin’, you’ve got lots of GREAT things to say, too. Just get your Moses on!!!! and know that the Lord will equip you, too!!
Suzanne
You’re so funny. I feel for you, I really do, public speaking is SO hard for some of us. You are such a great writer though so just think of all the inspiration you can share with everyone there. Who better to do it than you? No one. Good luck and I so wish I could come…so far away. I need to get me some bloggy friends on the west coast, I’m starting to feel so left out!!
Just remember St Matthew vs. 14-16 Let your light so shine…
Oops forgot the Chapter (I’m sure you already know it)
St. Matthew Chap 5:14-16
What a great opportunity! Now I really wish I could go back again this year. You’ll do great, I have no doubt. Enjoy She Speaks with your sister, it makes it extra fun! I’ll be praying for you friend, and wishing I was there.
I can’t believe the thought even crossed my mind to look into attending this conference. I can totally relate to “Last year I was glued to the edge of the wall near the exit during the bloggers mingle thing because I was nearing hyperventilation and didn’t know a single dingle soul.” I am one big chicken when it comes to getting out of my comfort zone. I have been a blog “stalker” for some time and now I’m ready to jump in and try it myself. Maybe I’ll see you there…
Wow, what an honor – this should be tons of fun!
I’m sure you will do great — well, at least watching you and The Nester together is pretty entertaining
You’ve evidently impressed Lysa with your knowledge and talking — otherwise, she wouldn’t have asked y’all to speak 
AND this year, you will at least know Dawn, The Nester and me at the blogging meet and greet!
I’ll even have my Mac by then so maybe we can all do the video conferencing from inside the conference room. Then you wouldn’t be so nervous! Just pretend you’re talking to us in your Mac
I looked at the registration information a while ago; that’s how I first heard about your blog – I saw you listed as a speaker! It does sound like it will be an inspirational event.
Wow! What a great opportunity! You’ll do a great job!
For the record, I’d like everyone to be aware that Emily is the “main” speaker for our session and I am the dog and pony show. She was the one asked and I am just there with her to giggle at the right times. So her fears are somewhat legit of not wanting us to embarras ourselves. She is the real person/speaker/writer. I am along for the ride. But she has no need to worry because she takes things like this so seriously, she is discerning and thoughtful and purposeful and she’s helping me be more like that.
No worries sister, you will do great. And I’ll try to help if I can.
I am sure the public speaking event itself will be wonderfully fantastic. But I am a little worried about your mental health for the next 5+ months! That is an overdoes of anticipation… Hang in there!
Whew….I’m glad I found you again! I thought I had lost you for a second. I haven’t been reading up on my blogs lately and I clicked on your blog (under my favorites) and there were no updates, until I realized you moved!
Love the new look and all the recent postings!
You’ll do great speaking at the conference!! Looks like fun!
Still thinking, pondering, praying about it….but know I need to “hear” from Him first before it fills up.
Oh, honey. I hate to burst your bubble, but I truly am not a real bonafide grown-up. Just ask anyone in my family. We’ll be winging it together, sister!
p.s. – I think I see myself in that photo from last year’s conference, and it’s not attractive.
I thought “single dingle soul” was hilarious. You have a great blog that is very interesting – I am sure you will do wonderful and have lots of great information to share!
Good luck!
Oh EMILY! I am so proud of you!!
It is my heart’s desire to go to She Speaks this summer. I want to go so bad I can just taste it. Two very important things will have to happen first – 1) night wean my toddler (I think I can manage that) and 2) God is going to have to show up BIG TIME with some funding. Hmmmmm. Better start praying.
Really – so many congrats. I know you will do WONDERFULLY!
um, does anyone else see those little sparkles over there?
looks like fairy dust to me.
you are amazing!
just curious, how many years are there b/w you and your sister? I love the relationship you seem to have and wonder if my own daughters will be such good friends when they are grown.
love you always!!!
karin
(and Hey! commenting was easier this time!)
If you giggle and snort and pee in front of everyone it might be a really good ice breaker. And I will be kicking myself for not dropping a couple hundred bucks to fly over there and see it for myself. HAHA!! I’m just glad it’s not me. Or my knees would buckle and my throat would close up and I’d run and hide under the nearest skirted table. Seriously.
Good luck girlie! You’ll be great! Jill
You will do great! Everyone loves your blog! Congratulations!
Shannon
Emily,
Oh now I really want to come and visit with you girls again. How similiar is it to Blissdom. Is it a denominational thing? I’ve read up a little bit on their site but I’m still not really sure what to expect. And it’s more expensive than Blissdom. I’ll ask around…and look over the site again. And you, my dear, have the sweetest most darling personality. You will do just dandy.
where are your eyebrows? i know you have some!
no doubt, no doubt AT ALL, you will do well and inspire many. i’ll be your secret prayer warrior! love you!
That is amazing!!! and such an honor! Ya’ll will do phenomenally!
I know you will, you inspired everyone who met you at BlissDom so imagine the scope of your touch at She Speaks!! YAY
Jumping up and down! Pick me! Pick me! Oh, what? It isn’t a contest? Shoot. I really really want to go. But, not sure it is going to happen for me. Unless Nester really needs me to come along. You know, for morale (moral?) support. I refuse to ever speak again in public, but I could be the one to pull the fire alarm just in case of a moment of panic. I am pretty sure you both will be fine with out me this time. I trained you well in what not to do. Unless you really want me there. I have my blogging purposes down so well and all. Um, ok, then it is settled.
Love you both and know you will be FABULOUS. Whatever happens.
melissa @ the inspired NEST?
I sure wish I could go and hear you speak. You’ll be great, I know it!
I love P31 and get their devotions everyday. I wish we could participate via webcast. How exciting that you and The Nester are going to do it together. My sister and I go through the same thing – we have “inappropriate attacks of laughter” during weddings, church service and almost one time at a funeral. Oh, fun times…
Emily – that is so stinkin’ exciting!!! I want to come so badly but I just don’t believe it’s going to work this year. I still remember meeting you near the exit of the “bloggers mingle thing.” So SO glad we’ve met and become friends. I’ll be praying for you. YAY!!!!
Oh that is wonderful news Emily! Congratulations on such a special honor!! You’ll do beautifully, and I will look forward to hearing more! BTW, your bedroom above looks great, but I especially love the addition of the three sweet little ones in the last photo!!
you two are so silly. And I completely heart you both.
I am also still coveting your blog design.
Oh, you will do SO great. Makes me so sad I won’t be there!
That’s great! So exciting for you. I keep feeling prompted that I should probably look into attending this year!
Steph
LOL! Y’all are so stinkin’ cute! I can’t WAIT to hang out with y’all again!
And we’ll all make it thru the speaking parts — with lots of prayer. And perhaps wine. 
woo-hooooo!!!! I’ve blown all my blog convention money having the SITS ladies come here in April–but oh how I wish I could be there to see you and Nester at work! Love the picture of you!
emmafree. i KNEW that wasn’t your name! its bimmy…and i feel special to know. and here’s three cheers to your chatty new design. and yes, sometime when you’re feeling more adventurous…lets DO talk branding