Today, I'm heading to Denver to the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS), where I'll spend the week interviewing 22 authors on behalf of a couple of my clients. Whew! It's going to be both exhilarating and exhausting.

I know that at least one of the authors I'll be talking with (Barbara Curtis) is an adoptive mom. Barbara has 12 children, several of whom were adopted. At least three of her children have Down syndrome, so I hope to glean some insights from Barbara about adopting children with Down syndrome.

Last year was my first trip to ICRS (formerly known as CBA - Christian Booksellers Association convention), and let me tell you, this event is like writers' nirvana!

Every bookstore owner from Podunk, USA (and the rest of the world) is there, displaying their Jesus Junk (forgive me if you like that stuff, but I can't stomach most of it). Every Christian publishing house is there in force, pushing their new releases, hosting author and recording artist signings, and best of all, giving away tons and tons of FREE books and CDs (yes, I am bringing an extra suitcase in which to cart home my goodies).

And there are lots and lots of media, of course (of which I am one small player), interviewing recording artists and authors right and left for their respective magazines, newspapers, radio stations and TV stations.

A highlight of ICRS, for me, is the two evening worship "experiences," in which big name recording artists and inspirational speakers showcase their best stuff and lead worship. Who can complain when Michael W. Smith, my all-time favorite musician, leads worship for two hours, playing hymns he composed?

By the way, did I mention that I got to shake Michael W. Smith's hand last year? I still haven't washed that hand! My friend, Tina, is friends or cousins or something with Smitty's manager, and when they walked in the door, Tina said, "Oh, would you like to meet Michael W. Smith?"

Would I like to meet Michael W. Smith? Is the Pope Catholic? I went sprinting into the hallway like I'd just won the Olympic gold medal and sidled up to Michael, shook his hand, said something totally teenage-girlish cheesy, like, "You're my favorite musician EVER." He smiled graciously, said hello, then headed off to rehearse for his concert.

He'll be there again this week, so I'm hoping I get the opportunity to renew our acquaintance.

In addition to the interviewing and celebrity spotting I'll be doing, I'll have the opportunity to meet with my editors from Harvest House Publishers. I assume they'll introduce me to some of the other Harvest House staff and authors. I feel privileged and honored to be publishing my first book with such a stellar publishing house.

I don't know whether I'll have Internet access (or time) to post updates throughout the week, so you might not hear from me for a while. But I promise to post a recap of my experiences when I return. Up, up, and away!