*Be sure to enter the give away at the bottom of this post!
I took a deep breath to calm my nerves and ran a hand down the front of my blouse, checking for wrinkles. “Be professional, and don’t act like a schoolgirl,” I chanted to myself as I walked to the front of the room to fulfill a dream.
“Hi, my name is Amelia Rhodes. It’s such a pleasure to meet you. I read your book Unleash the Writer Within
He shook my hand and asked, “You read my book?”
And now I had another reason to admire him. After 128 books, including best sellers like Ben Carson Gifted Hands and 90 Days in Heaven, he still seem surprised that someone would read his book.
“I did! It encouraged me so much.”
“Well…” He tilted his head to one side while a smirk crossed his face. “Aren’t you just the sweetest thing ever!” Be still my heart!
I’d met my writing hero, and I hadn’t embarrassed myself. Yet. That would come later as I sat through his four hour workshop on writing book proposals. After introducing myself, I helped him track down his copies for the workshop, and made sure he knew that I had to step out about halfway through the class to help with something else for a few minutes. (I was on staff for the conference, and didn’t get to sit all the way through many workshops.)
“Aw, sure. Just get up and leave. Lots of people do,” he replied. His sarcastic sense of humor just made him more endearing.
I switched the ringer on my iPhone to off, and then set an alarm for 2:27. I feared that I would get so caught up in the workshop that I would lose track of time and forget my appointment. I planned to slip out of the class quietly.
Note to self. Even though you turn the ringer off on an iPhone, if you set an alarm, it will still blare with the ferocity of a fire engine’s siren. I nearly jumped out of my skin and quickly turned the alarm off as the blush crept up my neck.
“I’m so sorry. It’s time for me to step out of for a few minutes.”
“Well, why don’t you just let us all know?” Cecil quipped. I was glad I knew ahead of time about his sarcasm. He continued the workshop. I headed to the door, which unfortunately was at the front of the room, behind the podium.
I pulled on the door handle. The door didn’t move. The door was slightly cracked, but not enough for me to get through, and it would. not. move. I yanked the door again. Still nothing. I put my whole body into it. Still nothing. By now, a few members of the class started to snicker. A woman whispered, “The doorstop is down.”
I looked down at the metal doorstop attached to the door – the kind that you push down with your foot and then flick up to release the door. Looked simple enough. I flicked it with my foot. Nothing.
Finally, I got on all fours, in the front of the class — with Cecil Murphey continuing to lecture as if there was not a frazzled blonde woman making a complete scene right behind him — I figured out how to release the door and escape.
So much for not making a scene.
Two days later, while sitting (or hiding rather) in the back row for the Q&A session with all the conference staff, the first question was, “How do you stay humble?”
As for me? I’ll never forget how I was the girl on all fours, trying to get out the door during Cecil Murphey’s writing workshop.
Other than embarrassing myself during the very first workshop (well, and losing the sole of my shoe later that day…) I had a wonderful experience at Carol Kent’s Speak Up Conference this past weekend. It was an encouraging weekend filled with incredible workshops. My friend Cindy Bultema brought the Word on Saturday morning, and the girl can teach! The conference felt a bit like a family reunion as I had the chance to visit with speaker and writer friends from across the country that I don’t often get to see.
Friday evening, I taught an advanced level Social Media workshop. The session didn’t start until 8:45, and by that point in the weekend everyone was exhausted. I thought there would be half a dozen attendees. Much to my surprise, the room was packed with over 30 women (and Kedron who graciously came for moral support). No one left crying, and some of them were even smiling and looked excited – so that’s a good sign, right?
I picked up a copy of Cecil Murphey’s book Unleash the Writer Within
Thanks for sharing Amelia! I have to say I am glad I am not the only one who does stuff life this. (if you have time check out my blog from yesterday.) I loved Cecil Murphy! Loved his quick wit and yes, very humble attitude towards success. Thanks for posting this blog. I will have to enter to get it.
Sherrie
Oh, Amelia. Yes, a good way to keep it humble. Sounds so much like something that would happen to me. I’m so glad you got to meet Cec. 🙂
That’s why we’re such a good pair, right Susie? 🙂
Oh my gracious! What a story! I’m glad you had a good weekend. I can imagine you on all fours and the alarm…oh my! I’m glad your class went great and that you had a good time. 🙂
Thanks Jennifer! A weekend to remember for sooo many reason!
Well…you keep telling me how good this book is so I guess I’ll enter 🙂 And as a side note- being IN that workshop although I noticed the alarm go off (I mean..we ALL did 🙂 I did not have the slightest clue that you were struggling at the door- so it wasn’t as big of a deal as you thought 🙂
LOL! That crazy alarm. I’m glad not everyone noticed the whole door fiasco. Whew!
Hey! I took that picture 🙂 and I never notice the door thing either. I was so blessed by the whole experience, learned so many practical tips, ministry insights and truths about myself. It was amazing. I will be back! and I also purchased “Unleash the Writer Within” so if I win – I wll share it with Tanya 🙂
You did! I should give you photo credit!! I’m so glad you had such a wonderful conference too!
You knew who Cec was before you arrived. I really had no clue. I just wandered into his first workshop and listened politely, then saw his book table later. Humbled? Oh yes.
Faye, I should mention he has a great blog for writers with some fantastic tips! So nice to meet you this weekend too! Cec Murphey Writer to Writer
Oh friend, your post makes me tear up. I am so proud of you! You did good! (smile!). Way to step out in faith and courage – you are brave! Job well done!
P.S. I couldn’t figure out the door either! I’m sorry you had to do so in front of Cec’ class. This will make a great illustration for you in your upcoming talks! Glad you have it written out now 🙂
Thank you, Cindy! I’m so glad I’m not the only one who battled the door!
This literally made me laugh out loud. What a great story that you will be able to share some day when someone embarrasses themselves in front of their hero (you).
HA! My pleasure to provide a chuckle. Someone one said to me, “It’s not that you’re necessarily funny, but funny things seem to always happen to you.” I will certainly never forget it, and if I end up a hero (*cough*) I’ll remember this, and be gracious.
So, I entered the contest but decided to buy the book, so you can remove me or whatever. I had to buy a school book and figured I’d add that one.
Ha ha. I was there and you weren’t THAT bad… 🙂
Lol! Oh, it felt THAT bad! 🙂
Amelia, So glad your weekend and workshop went well. Thanks for the reminder that even though some of us think writers are rock stars, they are in fact actual human beings. And if they’ve written honestly and well, we will find them to be just as we expected.
Thank you Martie! A big portion of Cec’s teaching this weekend was that when you write it should be the authentic you. And well, the real me will just never be a rock star. It’s more fun being a bit clumsy. Well, funnier at least 😉
Sounds to me like you had a “jessie” kind of day. I always say God likes me to start my day off with a healthy dose of humiliation! A bit tongue and cheek of course but I know how you feel.
Lol! Always makes for great stories, though! Good thing you’re a writer, right? 😉