It's time! Time to begin preparations for the writers' conferences you'll attend this year. What? You mean you're not planning to go to any this year? Why not?
Have you ever read an award-winning book and wished the author could tell you his or her secrets? Well, that's exactly what writers conferences are all about: improving your craft. (I've even heard one author say that she was training her competition.) Most workshops and continuing courses feature best-selling authors and top-notch instruction. And it doesn't stop on the last day. Some even offer the lectures on CDs or thumb drives for purchase, so you hear the ones you missed or listen again to your favorites. If you're a serious writer, it's best to attend a conference every year.
Most conferences have editors from all the publishing houses along with literary agents who can help you navigate through the high seas of publication. Christian conferences usually have organizational committees that pray over every part, from choosing a top-notch hotel to making appointment assignments. And then there are God-appointments -- those "coincidental" meetings where you "just happen" to meet the agent or editor who is the perfect fit for you. Whatever happens, I'm always blessed when I come home, whether I've gotten a request for a full (writer-speak for an agent or editor who has requested that you send in your full manuscript -- the writing equivalent of striking gold) or a handful of business cards with the contact details of all my new friends. It's so more than just a conference.
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| Isaiah 26:3 |
Have you ever read an award-winning book and wished the author could tell you his or her secrets? Well, that's exactly what writers conferences are all about: improving your craft. (I've even heard one author say that she was training her competition.) Most workshops and continuing courses feature best-selling authors and top-notch instruction. And it doesn't stop on the last day. Some even offer the lectures on CDs or thumb drives for purchase, so you hear the ones you missed or listen again to your favorites. If you're a serious writer, it's best to attend a conference every year.
Most conferences have editors from all the publishing houses along with literary agents who can help you navigate through the high seas of publication. Christian conferences usually have organizational committees that pray over every part, from choosing a top-notch hotel to making appointment assignments. And then there are God-appointments -- those "coincidental" meetings where you "just happen" to meet the agent or editor who is the perfect fit for you. Whatever happens, I'm always blessed when I come home, whether I've gotten a request for a full (writer-speak for an agent or editor who has requested that you send in your full manuscript -- the writing equivalent of striking gold) or a handful of business cards with the contact details of all my new friends. It's so more than just a conference.
But perhaps, money isn't the real issue. With me, there was another, bigger one in play: I didn't have the confidence to go.
How's a little ol' unpublished country girl who lives out in the sticks supposed to act in a teaming mass of 2,000+ published writers? Most attendees are multi-pubbed and my favorite authors are sure to be there too, well, you can see why I needed a cram course in confidence. (And the strength not to go all fan-girl on them.)
Before my last conference, my marvelous mentor, Beth Vogt, suggested I should do a Bible study to see what God says about confidence, even learn how should I think and carry myself among all those authors. Want to hear a secret? I still need to re-read those posts as I prepare for other conferences and contests, too.
One of my favorite verses in that study was Isaiah 26:3. It's so great because it reminds me to keep my mind on Him, not on myself. No scurrying about, trying to get everything together, making lists in my head of everything I still have to do, snapping at my poor hubby because I'm so stressed. The turbulence that caused my hands to shake and my stomach to rumble finally went away when I focused (my One Word for 2017) on Him, instead of myself. Meditating on that verse filled me with His perfect peace.
Now that's confidence.
How do you calm yourself when you're preparing to stretch out of your comfort zone? How do you keep your mind on God? Share in the comments section, I need all the help I can get!
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| About the Author |
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| Angela Arndt |
She and her husband, Charles, live on a bee farm in the middle of a big wood with their three furbabies: Beau, Harley, and Buddy the Wonder Dog.
Read more thoughts from Angie at her blog, Joy on the Back Roads. Connect with Angela at her website, on Twitter, and Facebook.
