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| Johnnie Alexander Donley |
The
3C Highway
to Publication
by
Johnnie Alexander Donley
Though I’ve lived over half my life in the Sunshine State, I
was born and raised in the state of the 3C cities – Ohio. The early U.S.
Highway 62 was known to Buckeye old-timers as 3C Highway because it ran from
Cincinnati through Columbus to Cleveland.
My publication journey travels along a different 3C highway
– conferences, critiquers, and contests.
Perhaps following this route will benefit you, too.
Conferences
After I attended one major conference, an editor encouraged
me to finish a manuscript. Another year, I met an agent who referred me to a
colleague who sent me a contract.
Just a few weeks ago, I attended one day of the Florida
Christian Writers Conference so I could chat with my agent and editor. Being
able to talk to them face-to-face, catching up with writing friends, and the
workshops made the trip worthwhile.
Conferences can be expensive, but the networking
opportunities are priceless. You can take workshops from publishing
professionals, meet editors and agents face-to-face, and share meals with
amazing writers. If a multi-day conference is out of your price range, consider
attending for just one day.
Critiquers
On my drive to my first major conference, I asked God to
help me find a friend. He gave me four. These ladies became my first critiquers.
Later, I joined American Christian Fiction Writers and was
placed in a critique group, now known as Imagine That! Writers. I couldn’t ask
for more talented partners.
If you’re not in a critique group, ask God to lead you to
the best people for you. Perhaps you’ll meet them at a conference, or you’ll
find compatible writers in an online critique loop. You might find someone in a
local writers organization. Pray without ceasing until God answers this prayer.
Contests
In the past few years, I’ve entered four contests with three
different stories. I didn’t do very well in the first one. In another, two
judges loved my entry, but the third did not. In 2011, I won the ACFW Genesis
Historical Fiction Category, and last year I placed as a Bronze Medal Finalist
in the My Book Therapy Frasier Contest.
Of course, it’s affirming to get high scores in a contest
and gratifying to win.
But my primary reason for entering contests was for the
judges’ feedback. A judge who points out weaknesses is worth the entry price.
A professionally-run contest is a great way to get feedback
on your manuscript. If it’s among the high-scoring entries, it may be seen by
agents and editors who volunteer as final round judges. And that’s almost like
taking a shortcut!
It takes a few hours to drive the old 3C Highway through
Ohio’s major cities.
A publishing journey, for most of us will take years. But by
traveling our own 3C Highway, the trip may be a little easier, perhaps a little
shorter, and absolutely a lot more fun as we attend conferences, participate in
critique groups, and enter contests.
Join
the Discussion: What has been the most positive 3C experience
for you? What are your 3C goals and priorities?
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Author Johnnie
Alexander Donley writes stories of suspense, intrigue, and romance set in
World War II. Her debut novel, Where
Treasure Hides, won the American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis contest
for Historical Fiction in 2011. A history enthusiast, Johnnie has also edited
nonfiction manuscripts and textbooks. She is a founding member and current
president of the ACFW Central Florida chapter. A longtime Florida resident,
Johnnie treasures family memories, classic movies, road trips, stacks of books,
and her papillon Rugby.
Personal Links
Treasured Moments blog: http://www.johnniedonley.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnnie_donley
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/johnniedonley/
