Fun Friday Conference Edition

Thank heavens its the end of another week! Like many of you, I have Nashville on my mind so conference edition was a natural fit. But even if you're not planning to attend, keep reading. Its a bummer when resources or something else keeps us from ACFW, but God still has a great plan for your writing life even if it doesn't look the way you expect (or happen in your timing).

Notable News:

•  Amy Simpson's newest release is available for free right now in kindle format. From Winter's Ashes is a lyrical read that combines breathtaking suspense with those kissing scenes Amy is famous for. 
• Does your main character reflect on what they've learned throughout their journey? Why and how they should in a great post from Mary Vee this week, MC Must Raise the White Flag. 
• The old adage less is more also applies to our writing life. Krista shares how to simplify in a way that will grow our writing in her post, When Less is Really More.

ACFW Nashville Edition:

Do you have any funny conference stories?

One of our cats asked a prominent senior editor what she wrote after being introduced to her at conference. I have a feeling many have made a similar error!

 

My first conference four years ago, I was terrified! As a mega-introvert I had to take lots of time outs in the powder room! And to show how nervous I was I "lost" my driver's license (a super no-no for plane travel) in my own bag! After going through extra security measures (ick!) I found it hidden in a special pocket pouch I had somehow missed. 

I'd love to hear your amusing ACFW stories!

•  I just started reading a fantastic book, Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst. I think this is a great read for writers because who hasn't experienced rejection in some manner. Who hasn't felt "less than, left out, or lonely"? This study reinforces the heart truth that God is good in the midst of our painful circumstances and shows how these painful feelings He unroots can be a means of finding our true security in His love, rather than people pleasing. Great read to bring to conference!

"Rejection steals the best of who I am by reinforcing the worst of what's been said to me. "

"The mind feasts on what it focuses on."

"Pain is the invitation for God to move in and replace our faltering strength with His."

• I also loved this webcast if rejection is something you are struggling with in your writing life. It includes Lysa's thoughts on belonging and also features Tim Tebow, who is no stranger to being uninvited and also has a release upcoming on this topic. 
• An oldie but goodie from Chuck Sambuchino of Writer's Digest on How to Prepare for a Writer's Conference.  
• Meetings with editors have you down? Carrie Fancett Pagels explores why you might want to consider hybrid publishing on Seekerville this week. 
• As a CAROL award nominee, Pepper knows a thing or two about pitching. If you missed it the first time around, this post is a great choice for conference prep. 
•  Looking for some great one sheet examples? Look no further than Angie Dicken, our fantastic local one sheet creator. Check a few out here. 
• Are you a conference newbie? Whether it's your first time or seventeenth time, check out the pre-conference blog link-up hosted by Laurie to meet some friendly faces.
• Wondering what to pack? Check out this list from Oregon Christian Writers for conference success.  
• Is your story even ready to pitch? Check out this post from Susan May Warren.
• Understand Your Dramatic question: If you are ready to pitch here is a great video with tips from My Book Therapy.    
• Just for fun: Writer's Guide to Nashville.

“I think of Nashville as a very natural place. We’re easy going, we are ourselves. There isn’t a lot of preening or trying to impress. So it’s an easy place to just be and that is a good state from which to write.” —Ann Patchett, author of State of Wonder