My experience at Willamette Writers Conference this last weekend is a perfect example of the dangers of expectation. I signed up at the last minute because it was a local conference for me and offered a nice line-up of agents who represent what I write.

Notice, I didn’t mention excellent classes or enriching bonus activities: I signed up to pitch. I paid what to me was a large amount of money to have the opportunity to pitch my book in person...and my dissatisfaction with the results almost scuttled my entire weekend.

Trust me...you don't want to hear the gory details. (Debbie in whine mode is not a pretty sight. Sigh.)

Anyway, now that I have a little distance from the conference I can see that if I filter out my expectations, I had a wonderful experience. I met one woman with such similar interests that I anticipate a lasting friendship…what a treasure! I attended some excellent classes including one that renewed my excitement about on-line promotion…a very valuable commodity. And I got to spend three days among other men and women who understand and appreciate what I’m trying to accomplish…a priceless salve to the writer’s soul. (Not to mention the amazing friends who cared enough about me to help me jump the hurdle of disappointment. Thank you, ladies.)

My lesson from the weekend? Be careful about your expectations. When they aren’t met in one area, they can cause you to miss the treasures in other areas.