I recently attended the first ever She Writes Knowledge Faire in NY on May 26. I’m a debut author searching for my perfect agent; one who will adore my book and stalk their connections at publishing houses until it gets printed. I was so excited to be meeting the array of publishing professionals advertised, that I left my shoes and purse in the parking garage. Thankfully, I was able to retrieve both and head over to the venue on Chambers street. After exiting the elevator, I stood in the hallway for over five minutes, nervous about what I would find. The pleasant sound of women socializing and laughing pulled me down the hall and into the She Writes suite wrapped in floor to ceiling glass. I joined some of my colleagues on the swank grey lounge chairs. This Jersey girl was chillin’ in the city with grapes and wine in an estrogen filled room. Kamy Wicoff, founder and CEO of She Writes, invited the guests to sign up for our speed-dating slots with a variety of publishing experts. There were so many highly qualified, professional women to choose from I accidentally signed up for double the amount of slots I was allotted. Sorry if my name was crossed off of your list – it was not personal, just a little counting mistake on my part. Let the speed dating begin! Kamy, along with Deborah Siegal, founding partner of She Writes, set the tone by reading their mission statement. They were genuine and passionate. I knew I was in the presence of a special group of women. The overall mood was casual and energetic. I met some incredible authors, like Kieran - I know we will be good friends going forward. I met agents Molly Lyons and Erin Hosier who gave me encouragement and really listened to my pitch. I peppered Erin with a bunch of questions, and she answered them all – thanks! I mingled with Rebecca Rodskog, life coach, who was just as lovely in person as she is in her photos – I recognized her immediately. Sarah Saffian, amazing author and editor, was inspiring and I could have chatted with Amanda Moon all night. Kate Hansleman kept me company while I waited for my next date – thanks Kate. There were writers, mothers, sisters, editors, life coaches and friends; all dynamic and real. Here is my interview with myself: Q: Buffi, was the She Writes Knowledge Faire worth the money? A: Absolutely! I’m a frugal woman, but I would have paid a lot more to attend. Each publishing expert was willing to answer all of my ridiculous questions (very quickly). She Writes follows a mission that is focused on helping women in whatever their writing journey is. Their price reflected their mission. Q: Did She Writes deliver a high quality array of experts? A: Yes. I met a special group of women looking to make a difference in the world of writing. I feel like I’m part of a special club now. A club that does not judge or discriminate, but provides kinship and support. Q: Would you go to another She Writes Knowledge Faire? A: Yes, I would and I will. Q: It can’t be all good. What do you think they could have done better? A: I think there was a bit of a feeding frenzy for time with the publishing agents because many of the guests were authors looking to get their manuscripts published. But, the agents graciously made extra time for people who did not fit into the schedule. Q: Did you get to meet with everyone? A: There was not enough time to meet with each professional, but I was satisfied with the ones that I did meet. We are all in different stages of our journey and some professionals were more appropriate than others for my current needs. Q: Do you work for She Writes, or did you get paid to write this review? A: No, but I never turn down money for writing. Seriously, I wrote this review as my honest opinion and without conflict of interest. I was so impressed by the women that I met and the experience, that writing about it is my way of giving back. So I'm sending a huge thanks to the women of She Writes for hosting a successful event and giving me the chance to mingle with some inspirational, intelligent and exciting women! My estrogen level is still elevated! Sincerely, -Buffi My Wonderfully Dysfunctional Blog