So I've been getting to know some of the other Clarion West attendees. It seems we have a stellar, talented bunch (in a variety of ways), and sometimes it's a little intimidating. I mean, what would you do if you realized one of the attendees had had several books published, one of which you read a few years ago?

But my family and friends have been great--they always spin it into statements like, "You'll be right at home with them then."

This is the lesson folks: Surround yourself with people who love you and believe in you. And be the sort of person who loves and supports and believes in the people you surround. You can never go wrong with that, speaking as someone who has often been surrounded with people who didn't believe in me or wanted me to fail.