When I moved to America, my biggest fear wasn’t the language or the culture—it was loneliness. I didn’t know how I’d find “my people”—those who would understand me, support me, and stay close.
And now, 22 years later, I walk into the banquet hall of the Marriott Hotel at the University of Utah, where the Quill-2025 writers’ conference is in full swing—and I recognize nearly every face.
This isn’t just a conference. This is home.
Yes, conferences are about learning and networking. They’re filled with classes, workshops, panels, and meetings with agents and editors. There are keynote authors signing books, guided meditations for writers, and hallway conversations that spark new ideas. But more than anything, they’re reunions—with friends I’ve only seen on Zoom or known through long email threads.
This past weekend was extraordinary. I reconnected with old friends and met new ones. I learned, laughed, rested, and felt deeply inspired alongside fellow writers.
Here’s a short list of the people who became part of my story this weekend:
- Casey, my editor, whom I’d only known through email until now.
- The daughter of a friend from a nearby town—we’re now co-authors in the League anthology.
- The anthology’s editor, who traveled from another state.
- My very first writing teacher.
- A friend from that same class—she’s already published two books.
- A former colleague, now running an audiobook production business.
- Writer friends from my critique group.
- New members of my “Blue Feather” writing circle.
- Lisa Mangum, editor-in-chief at Shadow Mountain, who offered invaluable advice.
- Angie Hodapp from Nelson Literary Agency (Colorado)—she invited me to submit my first chapter for review.
- Harrison, a passionate young author with a completed psychological thriller manuscript.
- Friends and colleagues from my writing circle and the Utah League of Writers.
I love my writing life. It fulfills my deepest desire to share stories and be heard. Thank you to everyone who believes in the power of the written word and walks this path with me. Thank you for years of friendship, inspiration, and dreams come true.
