By Cherrilynn Bisbano @bisbanowrites

What’s one of the highlights of your year?

Mine is the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Also, BRMCWC is one of the events where my confidence tries to repack its bags and hightail it back down the mountain.

In the past, the anxiety of imposter syndrome whispered through me,

 These people have book deals, agents, platforms, and I’m over here making sure I spelled my name right on my badge.

After ten years, I’ve learned to stay calm and enjoy myself. I lean on a simple acrostic.

C.A.L.M.

It’s my mantra when lies try to infiltrate my thinking. My prayer is that it will help your mind turn from crazy to calm, too.

C — Christ First

Before the day starts, I pause and say,

“Lord, this is Your conference. I’m your servant, showing up.”

That immediately takes the pressure off. I’m not here to impress. I’m here to obey.

And honestly? When Christ is first, I don’t have to chase validation. I already have it.

A — Always Pray

I pray, a lot.

Before appointments: “Lord, help me listen and truly understand my brother or sister.”

Walking into a room: “Lord, where do I sit so I don’t look lost?”

Mid-conversation: “Holy Spirit, please take over because I just said something weird.”

Prayer keeps me connected and calm. Talking to my Creator reminds me I’m not navigating this alone.

Also, prayer is more effective than overthinking. Trust me, I’ve tested both extensively.

L — Learn the Craft

I remind myself, I am not here to perform like I’m auditioning for America’s Next Best-Selling Author. I’m also here to learn.

I take notes, ask questions, and soak it all in. I tackle writing, marketing, and pitching as a learner.

When I do that, comparison starts to fade. Instead of thinking,

Wow, they’re so far ahead,

I think,

Wow, I can learn this, too.

I remind myself that every writer in the room started somewhere. No one came out of the womb holding a completed manuscript and a three-book deal.

Learning keeps me present. It keeps me growing. And it keeps me calm. Now, I don’t need to try to measure up.

M — Mingle with Other Writers

Now this one requires a little courage.

Even as an extrovert, mingling sometimes feels like middle school lunch all over again.

Can I sit here?

Do I look normal?

Why am I holding my coffee like this?

But I smile and push through.

I remind myself, these are my people. They understand the call, the struggle, and the joy of writing.

So I start conversations. I ask about their projects. I listen. I encourage.

I’ve learned that even the most successful writers have insecurities. They’ve all had moments of doubt, rejection, and anxious thoughts.

That realization makes me calm.

Some of the best connections I’ve made didn’t come from a formal meeting, they came from a genuine conversation over coffee at Clouds or in the lunch line.

Staying calm isn’t about having it all together, it’s about remembering who holds it all together.

However, when I doubt and I need to remain calm, I remind myself

Christ first

Always pray

Learn the craft

Mingle with other writers.

I remind myself:

I belong here.

God called me here.

And He’s got every single moment covered, even the awkward ones.

When did you need  C.A.L.M. while attending a conference? Join the conversation.

Cherrilynn Bisbano is a coach, editor, and partner at The Write Coach Team.

As former managing editor of Almost an Author, she helped the website earn the #6 spot on the Top 100 best writing websites for 2018 by The Write Life and Top 101 Websites for writers with Writers Digest.

Cherrilynn is a speaker with Women Speakers. Her topics include leadership, book proposals, and the Bible and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers ACFW.

She is a two-time winner of Flash Fiction Weekly. You can find her published in Southern Writers, More to Life (MTL), Christian Rep, Christian Voice, Refresh and other online magazines. Cherrilynn is a contributor to Selah nominated, Breaking the Chains, Heart Reno, and Chicken Soup for the Soul-Miracles books.

Cherrilynn proudly served in the Navy and Air National Guard, earning the John Levitow Military leadership award.  She lives with her eighteen-year-old son, Michael, Jr., and husband of 21 years.

Cherrilynn loves Christ, Chocolate, coffee, and Cats.