This week, my husband and I have been in Orlando, Florida for the International Christian Retail Show.
Let me tell you, it has been an experience.
We learned very last minute that we would actually be able to go. In fact, we had five days to recuperate from Cornerstone Christian Music Festival (where I taught a seminar based on my book) before we packed up the car for a 27 hour trip to Orlando (with a stopover in Georgia).
The cost, the long drive—it has been so worth the time and energy!
While I was not able to have a book signing (like my friend Kim de Blecourt–author of the upcoming November release from Faith Words Until We All Come Home—who was so great. You would think she’s been a noted author all her life!) I did get to hand out cards about Escaping the Cauldron, talk to people about the book, and do some radio interviews. I got to meet a number of the Charisma House staff and take pictures with them. I have also spent invaluable time with my manager, Rebeca Seitz of Glass Road Media Management, who is such a blessing with her skill, knowledge, and confidence.
But the real fun for this book industry newbie has been getting to act like a fan girl!
Seriously, I have waited in more lines for signed books this week than any other time in my life. Ever! And I have had the privilege of meeting authors such as Davis Bunn, who was so gracious (after learning I was also an author, he congratulated me on the new book, thanking me for standing in line for him. Me! I wanted to say “Well, duh, of course I did. You’re Davis Bunn!”). I also met Ted Dekker, Tosca Lee, James Rubart, and many others.
As if that weren’t enough, I chatted with actors David A.R. White (who I saw was waiting for the Newsboys to finish playing so he could talk about a new movie so I took the opportunity) Mike Nawrocki who does the voice of Larry the Cucumber for Veggie Tales (saw the new video too–so cute!), and Corbin Bernsen of Psych (among so many other things including some great Christian films like “Rust”) who chatted with me about my book for five or ten minutes.
Needless to say that was kind of awesome!
Anyway, God has been so amazing. Thom and I have been in Orlando staying with an amazing couple who graciously provided us with a host home. God has cared for us by keeping us safe as we traveled. Now we just pray He will extend our gasoline as He did the oil for His people, Israel, so we can get home when ICRS ends tomorrow. We had to sacrifice to be here…and it has been so very worth it.
About Kristine McGuire