Today we’re happy to feature ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) for our Writer’s Journey spotlight. ACFW holds a special place in both Annette’s and my heart. Not only have we grown in our writing, we’ve made wonderful new friends – including each other!Now here’s more about this wonderful organization.
MISSION STATEMENT
To promote Christian Fiction through developing the skills of its authors, educating them in the market, and serving as an advocate in the industry.
OVERVIEW OF ACFW
From airport newsstands to Newsweek, Christian fiction continues to grow in popularity, resonating with readers looking for both faith and fiction. The growth of the genre has birthed many new writers, as evidenced by The American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).
ACFW has over 1800 members worldwide, consisting of authors, editors, agents publicists and aspiring writers and was organized in 2000 under the name of American Christian Romance Writers (ACRW). In 2004, the group changed the name to American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) in response to the diverse needs of its membership, who write across many genres.
The group offers a variety of services and benefits to members in an effort to fulfill its mission to encourage writers of Christian fiction, develop their skills, educate them in the market, and be a fellowship for writers of like interests. Members are invited to join an e-mail loop and participate in the forums, both of which provide venues for discussions about writing and the business of publishing.
Mentor groups, critique groups, and monthly online workshops offer aspiring authors the training and interaction they need to develop their craft to a publishable level. Further, members can join regional and local groups and develop relationships with other writers in their area.
Published authors enjoy the promotional benefits provided by the group which include announcing new book releases, the opportunity to have a book featured in the ACFW Book Club, and the Featured Author interviews published on the web site, which attracts thousands of visitors each month.
In addition, ACFW hosts an annual national conference that has become the premier event among Christian fiction writers and other industry professionals for the quality classes and networking opportunities provided there.
The first national conference, heldin Kansas City, Missouri, in 2002 attracted 100 attendees. In September 2009 ACFW expects over 500 conferees to come to Denver, where Debbie Macomber will serve as keynote speaker.
Past conference keynote speakers include Francine Rivers, Robin Lee Hatcher, Karen Kingsbury, Karen Ball, James Scott Bell, and Angela Hunt, all popular, best-selling authors in the inspirational market.
To learn more, please visit http://www.acfw.com/
Or look for an ACFW chapter in your area by going to http://www.acfw.com/chapters.shtml
You won’t regret it!
Dawn
