ACFW Conference by Terri Weldon

Terri Weldon

Exactly three weeks ago I attended the 2015 ACFW Conference. I headed to Dallas with a set of expectations – spend time visiting with friends, attend some great workshops, and meet with two agents. Each of those things happened and I could have gone home a happy woman.

However God didn’t stop there, He had so much more planned for me. But then again, doesn’t He always? The thing that amazed me the most about conference was the spiritual aspect. I know, it’s a Christian conference so I shouldn’t be surprised. I’m slow folks, but not that slow. LOL. It may simply be where I am in my writing journey or my spiritual life, but conference this year impacted me in a way it never had before.

Every time I turned around it seemed as if God kept reminding me that the important thing in this journey is Him. Not if I publish more books. Not if I get an agent. Not even if I continue to write. No, the important thing is to ask him if I’m doing what He wants.

My sister and I had been discussing this prior to the conference. So before I even attended ACFW, God had starting preparing my heart. Then Bill Myers, our Keynote Speaker, drove that point home each time he spoke. And finally a friend of mine attended a workshop entitled The Wildness of Writing With God taught by Allen Arnold. He spoke about God being far more interested in the story we live than the story we write. Whether she knows it or not, she was another of God’s messengers simply by sharing her workshop experience. While I’ll admit to having trouble explaining the impact this year’s ACFW Conference had on my life, all I can tell you is that it left me wanting a closer relationship with God. And in the long run isn’t that what this journey is really about?

So what about you, did you attend ACFW? If so, I hope we had a chance to chat. If not, then I’m looking forward to seeing you in Nashville next year. Leave a comment and share a conference experience with me – it can be any conference and any year.

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Misty Winslow is determined to find her prince, and she meets the man of her dreams through an Internet dating service. Or is he, because the new dentist in town also sets her heart aflutter.

It's love at first sight for Tyler Davenport, but before he can finish his first root canal, Misty is involved in an exclusive online romance with Wes99—Tyler’s online persona. How can he tell her he’s the man she’s been waiting to meet, and how rational is it for him to be jealous of Wes99! Soon Tyler's pulling out all the stops to woo Misty.

As Christmas approaches, Wes99 and Tyler both ask her to meet them under the mistletoe. Which man will she choose?

Terri is a lead analyst by day and an author by night. She enjoys gardening, reading, and playing in the hand bell choir. One of her favorite pastimes is volunteering as the librarian at her church. It allows her to shop for books and spend someone else’s money! Plus, she has the great joy of introducing people to Christian fiction.

She lives with her family in Oklahoma. Terri has three dogs – a lovable mutt and two adorable Westies.

Terri is a member of ACFW and OCFW, a local chapter of ACFW. Her dream of becoming a published novelist came true in November 2013 when Mistletoe Magic, released from White Rose Publishing. To learn more about Terri visit her website at www.TerriWeldon.com.

ACFW Conference by Terri Weldon

The American Christian Fiction Writer’s (ACFW) Conference is exciting, fun filled, and fast paced. So I’m going to talk to you about a side of conference prep that’s often overlooked.

The night before I flew out to St. Louis I slept for the sum total of two and a half hours. I know, that’s ridiculous. I mean after all, I should have gotten three hours of sleep, but I was so excited I couldn’t go to sleep. Logical? Nope, thirty more minutes wouldn’t have made much difference. Why didn’t I get more sleep? Because I hadn’t prepped properly.

View of the Arch from the hotel

Every year I read about people packing days in advance and wonder why they do it. Well, this year I knew and if I’m fortunate enough to visit the great state of Texas in 2015, I’ll pack at least a day early. Hey, that would be an improvement. Do you know what else I was doing at the eleventh hour? Inserting a picture in my onesheet. Oh, I’d written, edited, and finished my onesheet well in advance. I just failed to go back and insert a picture that accurately depicted my novel. Thankfully, the wonderfully talented Lacy Williams helped me out.

OCFW Gals before the Gala

Did I mention that I waited to print EVERYTHING until the night before the conference? Disclaimer – I realize at this point I’m sounding like a total nitwit. I promise I’m not! I’ve never been so ill prepared for a conference before.

By now things weren’t looking too promising so I thought back to my number one goal for conference. Yes, I had actually set goals for myself in advance of conference. I hope I haven’t shocked anyone too badly by having one shred of orderliness. LOL. My number one goal was to have a good time.

Weeks ago I realized I couldn’t control how agents and editors would feel about my book when I pitched to them. I couldn’t even guarantee I’d pick the right publisher’s spotlights for me. But I could control my attitude. I could determine in advance to enjoy the conference and to have a great time. Visit with friends, meet online buddies face to face for the first time, attend the My Book Therapy Pizza Party, have a photoshoot with the conference photographer. Just enjoy myself. If it sounded fun, I did it. Do you know what happened? I had an absolutely wonderful conference. I enjoyed every second of my time in St. Louis.

L-Colleen Coble, R-Terri Weldon

So before you attend a conference any conference, promise me you’ll do four things. Get enough rest the night before the conference starts, have your bags packed at least a day ahead of time, print your materials in advance, and determine in your heart to enjoy your conference experience.

Today, I’d love for you to share how you prepare for conference. Are you going to make me look bad and tell me how you’re totally organized? Are you a procrastinator? Is anyone out there worse than me? Please, someone, cheer me up by telling me you hopped out of bed and while your printer spit out onesheets you were tossing clothes into your suit case.

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Misty Winslow is determined to find her prince, and she meets the man of her dreams through an Internet dating service. Or is he, because the new dentist in town also sets her heart aflutter.

It's love at first sight for Tyler Davenport, but before he can finish his first root canal, Misty is involved in an exclusive online romance with Wes99—Tyler’s online persona. How can he tell her he’s the man she’s been waiting to meet, and how rational is it for him to be jealous of Wes99! Soon Tyler's pulling out all the stops to woo Misty.

As Christmas approaches, Wes99 and Tyler both ask her to meet them under the mistletoe. Which man will she choose?

Terri Weldon

Terri is a lead analyst by day and an author by night. She enjoys gardening, reading, and playing in the hand bell choir. One of her favorite pastimes is volunteering as the librarian at her church. It allows her to shop for books and spend someone else’s money! Plus, she has the great joy of introducing people to Christian fiction.
She lives with her family in Oklahoma. Terri has three dogs – a lovable mutt and two adorable Westies.

Terri is a member of ACFW and OCFW, a local chapter of ACFW. Her dream of becoming a published novelist came true in November 2013 when Mistletoe Magic, released from White Rose Publishing. To learn more about Terri visit her website at www.TerriWeldon.com.

Grace in Saint Louis by Heidi Chiavaroli

Heidi Chiavaroli

As I unpack my suitcase and mull over the events of the 2014 ACFW Conference, I am in awe—again—of God’s ever-present grace.

Where God’s grace found me:

Saturday

12:30PM, Baggage Claims, St. Louis Airport—As I watch the carrousel come to a stop…without spitting out my luggage.

12:35PM, Baggage Claims Desk—As tears flow, I explain to the Delta clerk I have an appointment with an editor in two hours. I CANNOT wear jeans and sneakers. Neither would jeans do for the Gala that night.

No makeup. No hair products. No dress. And certainly no spanx. More tears.

1:00PM, Shuttle To Hyatt—Via cell, I pour out baggage woes to hubby and parents. Weird, but a strange peace fills me. I vow to fashion skirt out of hotel curtains if need be.

2:15PM, Hyatt—I spot my friend, Melissa, who offers khakis and a shirt for my appointment. I borrow her MIL’s Birkenstocks, three sizes too big, but better than sneakers.

3:00PM, Appointment—Gracious editor doesn’t seem offended by unruly hair, imperfect makeup, and too-big Birkenstocks.

3:25PM—Melissa issues Facebook plea for dress.

4:20PM—No Facebook bites. Drastic measures must ensue. Melissa and amazing friend, Karin, and I power walk through St. Louis. These friends must prepare for Gala, but they accompany me on quest for cheap perfect dress.

4:38PM, Can’t-Remember-The-Name-Dress-Store—Amidst pricy dresses, I settle for a dress in clearance section.

5:01PM—Check with guest services. Luggage still not here.

5:15PM—Put on dress and realize all undergarments can be seen through dress.

5:30PM, Melissa’s Room—Don black pants and Birkenstocks and assure myself it’s not that bad. (Oh, but it is!)

5:40PM—Step into elevator with ladies in stunning gowns and perfect curls, my own frizzy hair and makeup pitiable in comparison.

5:43PM—Elevator doors open on fourth floor. Tear off Birkenstocks and run downstairs to lobby to inquire of luggage one more time. In a small miracle I still can’t fathom, I am told my luggage has arrived. I do happy dance. Clerk refuses to get luggage until I repeat happy dance.

5:45PM—Late for Gala. I ask Happy Dance Clerk to break the lock on my suitcase. He is excited to do this.

5:48PM—I drag my luggage to the nearest bathroom where I change and thank God the entire time.

8:30PM—I accept the Genesis award for Historical Fiction and make my speech. My appearance is far from perfect, but I have a dress. God has supplied me what I need.

Through all this, I felt a sense of undeserved caring—through friends and attendees, through the Hyatt staff, and mostly through God. On the plane ride home I wondered what He was trying to teach me through this. Then it hit me. He wasn’t trying to teach me anything.

He was trying to show me. Himself. His amazing grace.

Extravagant enough to send His only Son to die for me, simple enough to send a dress three minutes before a Gala.

****

Heidi Chiavaroli writes History Woven in Grace. She is a wife, mother, disciple, and grace-clinger. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and has finaled in the Genesis contest and My Book Therapy’s Frasier contest.

ACFW Conference by Terri Weldon

Terri Weldon

I remember the few weeks leading up to my first RWA Conference experience in San Antonio earlier this year. Fear, anxiety and excitement all battled for traction. Are you heading to the ACFW Conference? Relax and take some deep breaths. Terri has an encouraging word for you today! ~Dora

Exactly two weeks from today I’ll be flying to St. Louis for the 2014 ACFW Conference. I’m excited, but nervous. In the remaining fourteen days before conference I have a boatload of tasks to accomplish, friends to contact, and a whole lot of praying to do. So let’s spend a few minutes talking about my list.

Proper preparation is essential to having a successful conference. There are agent appointments, editor appointments, meals with industry professionals, and chance run-ins in the elevator or hallways. Be prepared to pitch your book every chance you get. You never know when someone will fall in love with your novel.

At my first ACFW Conference, I rode the elevator with Steve Laube. No one else. The perfect opportunity to try out my elevator pitch. I didn’t! Quiet as a church mouse, I rode downstairs and attended his workshop. By the time the class was over I’d worked up my nerve and thankfully he was gracious enough to my listen to my pitch. Once I worked past my nervousness, I managed to pitch the novel because I’d practiced my elevator pitch more times then I care to admit.

The last thing you want to do is have an opportunity to pitch your novel and then trip all over what the book is about. After all, you’re the author, if you don’t seem enthusiastic about your writing, how can you expect to nab an agent or entrance an editor?

The second thing to remember is to have fun. Don’t become obsessed with your schedule. Be flexible, skip a class if you feel overwhelmed. Rest, call a friend, or stop by the prayer room. Make a point to meet your online friends in person. Be a blessing to someone else. Smile and befriend people who are alone in workshops or at meals. God may plan for you to bless them. And who knows, you may make a lifetime friend. In this industry there are variables we can’t control, but having a great time at conference is within our realm of control. By the way, if you run into me at conference and I’m having a pity party, feel free to quote me!

And finally, pray without ceasing. Commit your writing to the Lord. Trust Him that your conference experience will go according to His plan. Nothing will calm you and take away your worries like placing them in the Lord’s hand.

So, what about you, are you going to meet me in St. Louis? If you are, tell me what you’re most excited about. If not, I hope you’ll share a prior conference experience with me.

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Misty Winslow is determined to find her prince, and she meets the man of her dreams through an Internet dating service. Or is he, because the new dentist in town also sets her heart aflutter.

It's love at first sight for Tyler Davenport, but before he can finish his first root canal, Misty is involved in an exclusive online romance with Wes99—Tyler’s online persona. How can he tell her he’s the man she’s been waiting to meet, and how rational is it for him to be jealous of Wes99! Soon Tyler's pulling out all the stops to woo Misty.

As Christmas approaches, Wes99 and Tyler both ask her to meet them under the mistletoe. Which man will she choose?

Terri is a lead analyst by day and an author by night. She enjoys gardening, reading, and playing in the hand bell choir. One of her favorite pastimes is volunteering as the librarian at her church. It allows her to shop for books and spend someone else’s money! Plus, she has the great joy of introducing people to Christian fiction.
She lives with her family in Oklahoma. Terri has three dogs – a lovable mutt and two adorable Westies.

Terri is a member of ACFW and OCFW, a local chapter of ACFW. Her dream of becoming a published novelist came true in November 2013 when Mistletoe Magic, released from White Rose Publishing. To learn more about Terri visit her website at www.TerriWeldon.com.

Conference Tips for a Shy Introvert by Dora Hiers

Dora Hiers

Last week I attended my first Romance Writers of America national conference. For you extroverts this probably doesn’t sound like a big deal, but for a shy introvert like me? Epic proportions. For those of you on the fence about attending ACFW, maybe my experience will help you decide.

Did you know that shyness and introversion are not the same?

Shyness is a “feeling of apprehension, lack of comfort, or awkwardness” around unfamiliar people especially in new situations, largely due to fear. Most of the time, a shy individual will avoid social situations.

Where does shyness originate? Some evidence suggests that shyness is genetic. It can also originate from a person’s environment or personal experiences. Perhaps mine resulted from being burned as a toddler and enduring countless pointed fingers and stares. Whatever the reason, I’m in my fifties now and fear still drenches my palms and tension knots my tummy during social events, so I don’t think it’s going away.

Introverts prefer to be by themselves, and “are easily overwhelmed by too much stimulation from social gatherings.” Where extroverts thrive on energy from a crowd, introverts usually feel drained after interacting in a social situation…much like the beautiful hummingbirds that buzz across the neighborhood backyards, flitting from feeder to feeder.

Hummingbird in garage

  

Occasionally they find their way into our garage. Because they just keep fluttering to the ceiling, they exhaust themselves and sometimes die trying to escape. Just last week, I dragged the ladder out and rescued this little guy. Once outside the confinement of the garage, their energy is renewed. That’s a bit how an introvert feels in the midst of a social setting. Exhausted and drained, wilted until they can escape.

So, how can a shy introvert prepare for conference?

Persist. I refuse to let shyness rule my life, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t rear its ugly head. Keep putting yourself in situations where you are forced to deal with that awkward uncomfortable feeling. Don’t give up.

Practice. If you’re planning to pitch, practice every day for two to three weeks until you’re comfortable with the words and flow. Cover possible topics and get to know the person you’re pitching to by following them on Twitter. Doing this gave me tremendous courage.

Book a hotel away from the conference site. By the time I registered, the conference hotels were already booked, or I wouldn’t have discovered this valuable gem of a tip. My hotel was only a couple blocks away from the conference site but the short walk was worth the time to myself. Also, it was less crowded and quiet compared to the constant buzz in the conference hotel.

Pray. You’ve probably all prayed or read the NKJV of 2 Timothy 1:7 before ~ For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind, but here’s another translation (TLB) that spoke to this shy introvert:

For the Holy Spirit, God’s gift, does not want you to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong, and to love them and enjoy being with them.

Isn’t that fabulous?

Tips for a shy introvert to stay calm during a conference:

Remind yourself that the benefits outweigh your fears. Determine what your goals are beforehand so you can remind yourself as often as necessary.

Limit caffeine as much as possible. It’s less upsetting on the tummy.

Schedule down time. Did you see the RWA 2014 schedule? Hundreds of workshops, parties, book signings, publisher spotlights, you name it. Events started at 7:30 AM and lingered well into the night. Not for me. I attended the classes but reserved evenings to recharge.

Riverwalk-San Antonio

Find a chill spot. It’s not impossible, and definitely worth the effort. Before my pitch session, I found this perfect spot to chill and pray. 

What about you? What's your biggest hangup about attending a conference? What suggestions would you share to help someone enjoy their conference experience?

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Devastated after the brutal murder of her husband, Chelsea Hammond vows never to love another lawman. Intent on rebuilding her shattered life, she turns her focus to helping troubled teens. But when an angry father bent on retaliation, threatens her, Chelsea must turn to the one man she never thought to trust: Deputy U.S. Marshal Trey Colten.

Trey wants only to protect Chelsea, but she blames him for her husband’s death. Trey can relate. He blames himself, also. As danger lurks, Trey begs Chelsea to heed his warnings. He let down one Hammond. He won’t let down another—especially one who now holds his heart.

When Chelsea is snatched from her home, can she put aside her fear, and trust Trey with her life? Can she forgive him for destroying her past and let him help to rebuild her future?

Where one journey ends, another begins…

Dora Hiers is a multi-published author of Heart Racing, God-Gracing romances. She’s a member of RWA, ACFW, and the Treasurer for ACFW-Charlotte Chapter. Connect with her on Seriously Write, her personal blog, Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest.

5 Keys to a Successful Editor/Agent Appointment by Elizabeth Ludwig ~ Conclusion

Elizabeth Ludwig

Last week, Elizabeth Ludwig offered two keys to a successful editor/agent appointment. If you missed it, you can read it here. This week she's wrapping up with three final tips, just in time for the ACFW Conference in September. Enjoy! ~Dora

To recap: So, what can you expect from a successful appointment with an editor or agent? Well, it can mean the beginning to a long and wonderful professional relationship if your appointment leads to a request for a manuscript. It can also provide valuable insight into what the industry is acquiring, and finally, it can present you with a powerful network of contacts. With those goals in mind, I have created five keys to conducting a successful editor/agent appointment:

Key #1 to a successful editor/agent appointment? Take charge. You have a product you believe in, so conduct your appointment with confidence.

Key #2 to a successful editor/agent appointment? Do like your momma told you and study!

3. Do you remember that old Brady Bunch episode where Mike Brady gives sage advice to Marcia and Jan regarding their upcoming driver’s test and public speaking event? He told them to picture their audience in their underwear! Now, obviously, Mr. Brady never saw a Victoria’s Secret commercial, or I’m sure his advice would have been much different. The point, however, was simply to realize that the audience was human. The same can be said for sitting down with an editor or agent. Don’t view the appointment as a job interview. View it as an opportunity to get to know the person you’re talking to and open yourself up to chat. You’ll be more relaxed, and so will they!

Key #3 to a successful editor/agent appointment? Talk to the person sitting across from you. They’re human. They like that.

4. Have fun! You heard me. If you’re at a conference to meet with an editor or agent, you paid money to be sitting where you are, right? So why not look at it as a fun, learning opportunity rather than a life and death struggle to get your manuscript into the hands of a professional? After all, what are the odds that the words you speak in a 15 minute interval will actually determine whether or not your book is published? The fact of the matter is, the most that appointment can do is garner a request to see more. So get that part out of the way by telling the editor or agent what you have, and then enjoy the rest of the time. Chat about some funny thing that happened while you were at the conference, or how you’re looking forward to a particular class. You’ll become human in their eyes, and much more memorable than if you stumbled through a rehearsed pitch.

Key #4 to a successful editor/agent appointment? Enjoy your appointment and let yourself have fun.

5. Remember who you are. I wish I could say I was kidding about this one, but the most embarrassing moment I ever experienced was when I had to look at my badge in order to remember who I am! Now, in my own defense, I publish under my legal name, which is different from the name my friends know me by. So when the editor called me by my legal name, I was temporarily thrown for a loop (chalk it up to nerves). LOL! Funny as that is now, the point isn’t about who we are to others. Ultimately, what matters is who we are to God. I’m pretty sure He’s never been confused by my legal name versus my nickname, which means when He called me to write, He knew exactly who He was speaking to. My career, my future, everything I am and ever will do is in His hands. Reminding myself of this truth has been the most beneficial thing I’ve ever done when sitting down to talk with an editor or agent.

Key #5 to a successful editor/agent appointment? Remember who you are…and whose.

Dora here. Have you pitched to an agent or editor either at conference or online? 

What tips would you share to help writers release their anxiety?

Purchase Link

Ana Kavanagh's only memories of home are of fire and pain. As a girl she was the only survivor of a terrible blaze, and years later she still struggles with her anger at God for letting it happen. 

At a nearby parish she meets and finds a kindred spirit in Eoghan Hamilton, who is struggling with his own anger--his sister, Cara, betrayed him by falling in love with one of his enemies. Cast aside by everyone, Eoghan longs to rejoin the Fenians, a shadowy organization pushing for change back in Ireland. But gaining their trust requires doing some favors--all of which seem to lead back to Ana. Who is she and who is searching for her? As dark secrets from Ana's past begin to come to light, Eoghan must choose which road to follow--and where to finally place his trust.

Elizabeth Ludwig is the award-winning author of No Safe Harbor, Book One in the Edge of Freedom series. Her popular literary blog, The Borrowed Book, enjoys a wide readership. Elizabeth is an accomplished speaker and teacher, often attending conferences and seminars where she lectures on editing for fiction writers, crafting effective novel proposals, and conducting successful editor/agent interviews. Along with her husband and children, she makes her home in the great state of Texas. To learn more, visit ElizabethLudwig.com.

5 Keys to a Successful Editor/Agent Appointment by Elizabeth Ludwig ~ Part 1

Elizabeth Ludwig

Few things strike fear into the stout of heart more than speaking in public. In fact, according to a recent Gallup Poll, the only thing more petrifying is a fear of snakes. Is it any wonder, therefore, that writers are often reduced to stuttering, terror-stricken imbeciles when faced with the prospect of sitting down with an editor or agent? After all, any hope for a writing career rests in their powerful hands. Blowing a 15 minute appointment/opportunity could be the difference between having a manuscript published or seeing it forever banished to the realm of unused computer folders! Right?

Wrong—and if that’s what you’ve been telling yourself before every editor or agent appointment, you’ve been setting yourself up for failure. Your appointment is intended to create interest in you and your work. It very rarely (if ever) leads to a contract on a manuscript that is sight unseen.

So, what can you expect from a successful appointment with an editor or agent? Well, it can mean the beginning to a long and wonderful professional relationship if your appointment leads to a request for a manuscript. It can also provide valuable insight into what the industry is acquiring, and finally, it can present you with a powerful network of contacts. With those goals in mind, I have created five keys to conducting a successful editor/agent appointment:

1. Conduct your appointment…did you catch my use of that word? Very often, authors approach their appointments as they would a trip to the gallows—with a whole lot of fear and very little confidence. The truth is, you are an inventor with a product you believe in, and what you’re really doing is looking for the best manufacturer of your idea. Don’t sit back and expect the editor or agent to guide the appointment. Know your material well, and let the appointment be about introducing yourself first and your work second.

Key #1 to a successful editor/agent appointment? Take charge. You have a product you believe in, so conduct your appointment with confidence.

2. Think back to grade school. What were the two words that made you break out in a cold sweat faster than a teenager at their first dance? 1. Pop. 2. Quiz. Right? And do you remember why they made you want to cry like a little girl? Because you didn’t study! But if you took the time to actually research the material, hearing the teacher utter the dreaded words was no big deal. In fact, your score was usually so high, you ruined the curve. What a difference studying can make not only to test scores, but to a person’s overall attitude. The same can be said for researching publishing houses. When you know what an editor is looking for, and what kind of books their house is currently publishing, you can approach them with a lot more confidence because you know your manuscript fits within their guidelines.

Key #2 to a successful editor/agent appointment? Do like your momma told you and study!

Dora here. What frightens you the most about pitching your book to an editor/agent?

Make sure to join us next Thursday when Elizabeth offers three more keys to a successful editor/agent appointment. See you then!

Purchase Link

Ana Kavanagh's only memories of home are of fire and pain. As a girl she was the only survivor of a terrible blaze, and years later she still struggles with her anger at God for letting it happen. 

At a nearby parish she meets and finds a kindred spirit in Eoghan Hamilton, who is struggling with his own anger--his sister, Cara, betrayed him by falling in love with one of his enemies. Cast aside by everyone, Eoghan longs to rejoin the Fenians, a shadowy organization pushing for change back in Ireland. But gaining their trust requires doing some favors--all of which seem to lead back to Ana. Who is she and who is searching for her? As dark secrets from Ana's past begin to come to light, Eoghan must choose which road to follow--and where to finally place his trust.

Elizabeth Ludwig is the award-winning author of No Safe Harbor, Book One in the Edge of Freedom series. Her popular literary blog, The Borrowed Book, enjoys a wide readership. Elizabeth is an accomplished speaker and teacher, often attending conferences and seminars where she lectures on editing for fiction writers, crafting effective novel proposals, and conducting successful editor/agent interviews. Along with her husband and children, she makes her home in the great state of Texas. To learn more, visit ElizabethLudwig.com.

Follow Through

“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.” (Rev. 3:8 NKJV)

What if the only thing stopping your advancement is you?

Yikes. Wow…

I was just cleaning my desk and God brought me this question. I might be procrastinating right now. I might. You tell me. The dusting spray is out, the right side of my desk is dazzling, and the left side? A manual on how to make that book proposal sparkle.

Ugh.

First, I need a little company here in my procrastination pool. Raise your hand if you love writing proposals… Anyone? Hmm. That’s what I thought. Oh, wait, I see that hand in the back. *wink* Good for you. I hate it.

Why?

For the same reason I procrastinate, I think, because it means I could actually break in this time. Or, what if I don’t?

I just came from the big ACFW conference in Missouri. And I had some great meetings. And requests for proposals. So, like a faithful little writer, I’m trying to get my act together, learn what these different agencies and houses want in their proposals, and get them sent. Right?

Or maybe I’ll just work a bit more on clearing off my desk. After all, this little corner was a hotbed of preparations just a couple of weeks ago, prior to conference. And I have things strewn all over that I haven’t had a chance to pick up, or file. And then there’s the dust… Oh, the dust. And then, there’s…

Well, there’s the proposal I need to polish.

So, there I am when God asks me: What if the only thing stopping your advancement is you?

Did you feel that all the way over there? Yeah, me too.

So, I’ll research, and I’ll polish. (Say it with me now.) And I’ll follow. Through. (C’mon, say it… good job!)

I made a new friend at conference. She lives locally, but we met at the airport. (Don’tcha love that?) She relayed a story where an editor asked every single person around the lunch table (what is that, ten, besides the editor?) to send her their proposals. All ten of them. And how many followed through? Can you guess? I mean, here’s an open door. An. Open. Door. How long do we writers wish for, beg for, pray for, fast for, search for an open door? And they all had one. Now, I’m not saying there were any guarantees, we know that’s not possible in this biz or any other, but they all had the same invitation. And guess how many took this editor up on it?

ZERO.

Not one.

What if the only thing stopping your advancement is you?

What if your lack of following through (believe me, this hurts me as much as it does you) is what’s keeping you from breaking through??

God has heard your prayers.

God has held your hand.

God has given you open doors.

WALK THROUGH.

Follow through.

Don’t be the reason you don’t advance. Don’t do that to yourself, to your dreams, to your future. Buck up. Settle down. Forge ahead. And follow through.

And we’ll be here cheering you on. 

~Annette

Publication and the ACFW Conference by Jamie Carie

Author Jamie Carie visited Seriously Write in September and talked about character development and how she handles “stubborn characters.” Today, she’s returned to share some pieces about her own journey to publication and experiences while attending the recent American Christian Fiction Writers conference. Welcome back, Jamie!

Publication and the ACFW Conference

This fall I attended my first ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) conference. I'd heard that this was THE place to attend if you wanted to break into the CBA fiction market, and I have to say that between this conference and Mt. Hermon, they were probably right.

Back when I was trying to break into publishing I don't believe the ACFW conference existed (the internet was just getting up and running so that tells you how long it has been!). But I did everything that I could to help myself learn about this business: I joined a local group of writers who were very kind to me and helped me learn the basics of POV, dialog, and plotting. I scoured the library shelves (Writer's Market Guide) for information on romance publishers and took extensive notes about each pub house. I was a big fan of Romantic Times magazine and the RWA (Romance Writers of America) organization.

I attended a couple of smaller writing conferences (http://www.writehisanswer.com/) and a RWA conference when it was in my hometown. I remember Brenda Joyce was the speaker and I thought she was the most glamorous women I had ever met! I complimented her in the hall at the Omni Hotel and she asked which book I liked best. I blanked. Totally blanked. Couldn't remember a single title or character name from any of her books that I had read. Finally I said, "oh the one with Fabio on the cover!" LOL! Wow. Was that embarrassing. But I digress.

I have to say that I would highly recommend going to the ACFW conference if you are looking to break in to CBA publishing. There were lots of big name authors there (I met James Scot Bell!). All of them were very friendly and willing to give advice to anyone who asked. More importantly there were editors from almost every CBA publishing house and several agents. Everyone I spoke with who had an editor or agent appointment was asked to send in a full manuscript and they were so excited.

It reminded me of the time I drove three hours in the early morning to Ft. Wayne, Indiana to sign up for an editor appointment (it was first come first serve) and then drove home. The next day I drove up again, early in the morning, to attend the conference as after paying the conference fee I couldn't afford to pay for the night at the hotel. Whew! When I got that editor appointment and was asked to send in the full manuscript for Snow Angel, I was thrilled! It ended up going all the way to committee, but wasn't accepted at that time as this pub house didn't publish very much fiction. Ironically, it was an editor from B&H who years later decided to ramp up their fiction department and I was the first one signed to spearhead the new program!

I'm saying all of this to say, I know conferences are expensive (pray and trust God for finances!) but they are a great way to bypass the catch 22 that says you can't submit to a publishing house without an agent, and it's almost impossible to get an agent. Conferences provide that opportunity to make connections, learn about the business and craft side of writing, and hopefully score that golden ticket - a request to submit your work, rushing you past the slush pile and into the hands of an editor who just might be very excited about your story. So give it try and if you see me (I'll be the one not being sensible in high heels) say hello! I'd be glad to help you along on your road to publication.



Jamie Carie is an inspirational fiction novelist who believes in the power of “story” to touch hearts and change lives. She is the author of Snow Angel, a USA News Book winner for Best Romance of 2007, a ForeWord Magazine award winner and a RITA Awards® finalist. She is the author of several historical romances and her first novella, The Snowflake, in stores now. Jamie lives in Indiana with her husband, three boys and a giant of a dog named Leo.

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