You may or may not know that I recently got home from the Realm Makers 2019 writers’ conference. I learned a lot of things, unlearned some assumptions, and got to meet so many lovely people. It was a blast. I’m so grateful to everyone who helped my trip come together. I’ve wanted to go to Realm Makers for the last two or three years, and it’s still surreal to remember being there.

After every Realm Makers, a lot of the bloggers I follow do a recap post, summarizing every day at the conference. (Tracey already has her 2019 recap up, here!) I might get my act together and do one of these–there’s a lot I want to tell you guys! But for now, I’m saying this instead.

This post is for the people who wanted to go to Realm Makers, but couldn’t.

For the last several years, that was me. (It might be me next year, since Realm Makers decided to run away to the east coast. 😉 ) I think this conference is a one-of-its-kind, and I know how it feels to be the one who can’t go.

My advice for you guys is this:

Read the recap posts. Look at all the pictures. Research the conference. Keep wanting to go.

Because the wanting hurts, but it will get you out of your chair and into the world you want to live in.

I waited for several years until I saw a way for me to go. Then I fought for it. My parents asked me what I wanted for Christmas, and my answer was money for Realm Makers. I pushed other opportunities to the sidelines to be able to go.

After I got home, a friend asked me if Realm Makers was “everything I hoped.” I said yes, without any reservations. I 100% recommend going.

Keep dreaming. Keep fighting. Keep creating.

Your journey is unique, and you will have amazing opportunities to shape it. Don’t lose heart.

Love you, hobbits.