Jessica Day George

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Me? Keynote Speaker?

So, the Editing Fairy, she is a harsh mistress.  She makes me work.  And think.  And write.  And cry. 

I just have to keep telling myself that it's worth it.

Yes, yes it is.

And while I've been wandering from room to room, moaning and pretending to work, I got an email.  From a nice lady named Annette.   Who is in charge of a local writers' conference that's going on this weekend.  It seems they are in a bit of a pickle: the Friday night keynote address was supposed to be given by Chris Crowe.  He's a professor of English at BYU, a renowned author, local character and bon vivant.  Sadly, he's also had a family crisis arise, and cannot speak on Friday night.

So naturally Annette thought of me.

Yep, me.

So Friday night I'm giving the keynote address for the LDS Storymakers Conference.  They are estimating about 200 people.  No sweat.  No sweat at all.  (Oh, please!  Please don't let me start sweating like a monkey in front of all those people!)

I'm coming up with some good remarks.  I think it will be fun.

And it will take my mind off Saturday night, and the Whitney Awards.  They're a new award being started by the LDS Storymaker committee, to celebrate LDS (Mormon) authors.  I'm up for THREE awards, and also co-presenting one of them with Brandon Sanderson.  So I have to not spill anything on myself during the dinner (and yes, I will be wearing fancy clothes.  For once.)  And then I have to not trip over my fancy clothes going up to the podium. . . .

Wish me monsters, as Buffy would say. . . . .

(Not sure why, but do it anyway!)

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Now come on Jessica, you told me what you were going to speak on Tuesday night and I thought it sounded good. Of course, I an no writer! Besides, you don't even look like a monkey, so I don't think you could sweat like one. But be sure to put on extra strength anti-persprint (sp?...see, not a writer)!

Anonymous said...

Have fun! I'm sure you'll be fabulous. :-)

Anonymous said...

Well, of COURSE she naturally thought of you! :) And I'm sure you're not going to sweat like a monkey... (Do monkeys even sweat? I've seen the really energetic ones tumbling and being crazy and swinging and dancing... and not one drop of sweat was seen. I think.) Anyway... *apologizes for the rambling*

Anonymous said...

Jessica,
You were great tonight, and as entertaining and funny as the comedian that was there after. I'd love to hear you again anytime. I'm so glad you came and shared with us.

Anonymous said...

I thought you were a great speaker! I'm sure your speaking roster is going to be full from now on. :)

By the way, congratulations on winning a Whitney award! How cool is that!?

Anonymous said...

OOOh! You're a Buffy fan! No wonder I thought you were so awesome! It was great to meet you at the Conference and the Gala- you definately put some life back into our over-taxed little minds. Thanks.