When You Can't Go To ACFW Conference

Today is the day! It's the beginning of the 2018 ACFW Conference. If you are one of the lucky ones, you are flying/driving in, checking into your hotel, and meeting up with friends who "get you" and your weird writer brain.

But there are some, myself included, who couldn't quite scrap enough dollars together to attend. Yes, it is sad. I also noticed a tinge of green coloring my countenance when I looked in the mirror. Jealous, much?

How is a person supposed to get over the I-CANT-GO-TO-CONFERENCE-BLUES? (Or greens, as in my case!)

I've provided a list for your enjoyment:

• Sign up for At-Home Conference 2018! I stumbled upon this and then found out my editor is the one who put it together! There is a list of topics and faculty, and it looks amazing! Plus, it's free! You can find more about it HERE. They also have a Facebook Group HERE. 
• Hit up your favorite coffee shop and pour out sadness/frustration/er, jealousy into your work-in-progress. Yeah, it's not really like going to the conference, but you might as well take advantage of those emotions. 
• Binge on Netflix! There are so many great movies and TV shows that you can escape to. It's okay to take a day (or two or three) for yourself. If you have small kids, hire a babysitter for the afternoon and take some much deserved ME time. 
• Search hashtags on Twitter or Instagram (#acfw2018 or #acfw) and send an encouraging comment to those who are nervous about pitching or meeting new people. Yes, you will have to tamp down the jealousy, but giving to others will help in restoring joy for others. 
• Knock out your TBR pile. This is a great time to escape into great books. It will take your mind off what you are missing and will transport you to a different time and place. Reading is the answer to everything, don't you think?

While I know there is nothing that will completely take away the heartache of not attending the ACFW Conference, you can definitely find things to do that will ease the pang of "missing out". Remember, God works everything out for good. He knows your desires and He has a plan for you. 

Take heart, dear one!

If you aren't going to the 2018 ACFW Conference this year, what are you going to do instead?

*Photo Credit: Robin Higgins @ pixabay.com

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Sherrinda Ketchersid is a born and bred Texan, preacher’s wife, mother of 4 children, and works part-time as a bookseller at Amazon. With the children grown and out of the house, she weaves tales of fierce knights and their ladies in a time where men were warriors and women had to be strong enough to keep them in check.

After taking time off from writing, she has returned with a new motto in place to spur her on. “Writers write. Everyone else makes excuses.” ~Jack Bickham.  No excuses this time. She is weaving her love of romance with history to bring joy and the hope of love to those who may one day read her stories. Her first book, tentatively The Lady's Masquerade, will release April 2019.

You can connect with her through:

Personal blog: sherrinda.com

Twitter: @sherrinda

Instagram: @sherrinda

Fitting In and Standing Out

As I think on my fifth conference experience in Nashville last weekend, I can’t help but shuffle these concepts around in my mind. Such a strange dichotomy of two parts of the acceptance we all crave. Seemingly opposite sides of the same cosmic coin we always want secure in our pocket like an ace to be played when the cards turn and the social games begin.

Life is not a popularity contest by any stretch, but even though torturous memories of high school have long since faded in the rear view mirror, some part of that girl resurrects in a crowded room, hoping for better luck with a combination of the two this time around.

I’m an extrovert. I love being surrounded by people. Their stories unfolding before my eyes. Will the fleeting touch of our separate lives make an impact or will we simply part ways without making waves? It’s fascinating. The social equation is always in flux and variable x is as finicky my a five-year-old.

No two people have the same dynamic as another pair or group. That is precisely why relationships can be so tricky. But I can’t help but compare that to a writer’s relationship with a reader. As an author, my words form bonds with those who open the page on that connection. It can be next to impossible to know if we click in some elemental way. If I stirred the waters or failed to make a ripple?

Did I fit in to their expectation? Fall short? Exceed? 

That all sounds very needy, but it is at the heart of why writers write. Sure, a part of it stems from our need to create. But a much bigger part comes from having something to say, longing to be heard, and wanting to impart something that lingers long after The End.

It’s a tricky business, fitting in. You might blend into the crowd if you fit in too much, becoming relegated to those never-ending slush piles of stories you would tell differently (and awesomely) if anyone ever took the time to read them. But in the same yet opposite way, you can also become a risk when you stand out too much. If you don’t fit one of any number of molds people don’t quite know where to put you, so they end up leaving you behind to lurk in the lobby. No publishing power team, no clique, no white knight. Instead you find yourself peeking into everyone else’s seemingly effortless, well-balanced success from the shadows. An outcast. Or a rebel. Someone too ordinary to be noticed or too extraordinary to know what to do with.

Where is that sweet spot? And when do you really get to be yourself and be accepted for just who you are?

I wish I knew the answer. I wish there was some formula I had applied with success so I could impart wisdom instead of simple musings of another lobby lurker.

But the thing I know for certain is that you were meant to tell stories no one else can tell. The power of your voice and your testimony shines through if you have the courage to just keep speaking.

Sometimes in order to stand out you simply can’t fit in. Maybe you weren’t meant to.

Maybe you’re the next J.K. Rowling, refusing to be silenced until someone finally hears you. Millions of someones. Or maybe you’re you, speaking for just one person that might only ever be yourself.

The only sure way to fall into social exile is to take yourself out of the game and exile yourself. It’s not a race. And it’s not a contest. Sometimes we’re just trying too hard to fit in, when in fact we were born to stand out.

Have you ever struggled to fit in, or do you fit in too well? And can you pinpoint what it is about your writing that makes you unique and what makes you ordinary? Sometimes that knowledge is power. And sometimes that power can be used to help you find the right social circle where you both fit and shine. That is where your audience awaits. 

Talk to me … <3

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

Amy Leigh Simpson writes romantic mysteries with honesty and humor, sweetness and spice, and gritty reality covered by grace. When she’s not stealing moments at naptime to squeeze out a few more adventures in storyland, she’s chasing around two tow-headed miscreants (Ahem)—boys, playing dress up with one sweet princess baby, and being the very blessed wife to the coolest, most swoon-worthy man alive. Amy is a Midwestern-girl, a singer, blogger, runner, coffee-addict, and foodie. Her Sports Medicine degree is wasted patching up daily boo boo’s, but whatever is left usually finds its way onto the page with fluttering hearts, blood and guts, and scars that lead to happily ever after.

Check out her NEW romantic mystery novel FROM WINTER'S ASHES! Available NOW!

The Stressed Writer, Conference Edition

In 2012 I attended my first writer's conference, ACFW in Dallas. No plans to pitch at that conference, I was simply pleased to have finished my first novel and to sit at the feet of some of my favorite writing teachers.

There were so many moments I enjoyed...from sitting in great classes to hearing valuable words of critique from some wonderful mentors...to great food and friends! Including of course, the Alley Cats!

But there were also the moments I retreated to my room feeling overwhelmed and drained all at the same time. The time I hid in the bathroom to catch my breath. The tears shed over a minor rejection that now seems insignificant.

Navigating a conference can be no small feat for a writer, especially those of us who are introverted or struggle with anxiety. Here are the top ten things that helped me.

1) Know what you need to thrive and be proactive about it beforehand.

What situations make it harder for you to be at your best?

For instance, I know I can get stressed out if I am living on a deficit of sleep for multiple days. I tend to not perform as well if I'm operating on less sleep. So I'll plan to sleep on the bus on the way to Nashville and get extra  in the days preceding conference knowing that I probably won't get an ideal 8 hours during my travels.


2) Realize that you'll be stretched.

A special event like a conference isn't business as usual. We'll need to "do hard things" whether that means pitching your novel for the first time, hosting a seminar, meeting an agent.

Walk in expecting it will be a challenge for you, but knowing you are not alone. God is there with you every moment.

3) Find a quiet spot to retreat to when you need it.

The busiest times are always the times when we retreat the least and when we need to spend the most time doing so. Recognizing there will be so many temptations (many even good things), how can you be intentional to find time for Jesus? I looked for quiet corners in the hotel, even a bathroom will do. Jesus made time to escape and be with his father, we need to do the same. Consider waking before others in your hotel room or finding a quiet spot down the hall for morning coffee with Jesus to start the day right.

4) Carry the truth with you.

It's so easy to do with technology. Do you have a Bible app on your phone? Proverbs 31 First Five and She Reads Truth are two fantastic examples of apps that provide short meditations. I also like to keep scriptures written on 3x5 cards in my purse. When I get anxious I'll take out a verse and meditate on a word or phrase. As I do this, I replace the truth of God's word with the lies I believe.

5) Think about someone else.

The best trick for a stressed writer is to minister to someone else's needs. There are many struggling with anxiety over pitching, feelings of rejection after a meeting, frustration, envy, and a myriad of other issues. If you ask God to open up your eyes you'll notice those sitting in a corner feeling left out, those in the bathroom crying over negative feedback, and dozens of other situations. An encouraging word and a prayer is not only a blessing to the recipient but often even more so to the giver.

6) Don't go it alone.

One of the best things about conference is all the great people you'll meet. Ask God to lead you to the people he wants you to meet. You might be surprised at who and why. Don't be afraid to be vulnerable. Sometimes admitting we are struggling with feeling anxious or rejected can be a great way to connect with someone else.


Whatever we struggle with, others do too and we can be blessed when we are humble enough to ask for wisdom. Ask the multi-published author how she made it through rejection. Ask a trusted mentor how you can make your MC more believable. Tell another author you can't seem to find your way out of the plot hole in the middle of your novel. Then apply what you learned prayerfully.

7) Set time on your schedule to "process" what you learn at conference.

Jot down a quick note here or there with the remarks an agent made to you about your first chapter and the technique you want to try after hearing a great lecture. There is so much happening and really very little time to process. Especially for those of us who are internal processors. Take time to decompress after conference and then within the next week revisit what you've learned. Maybe revisit it again a month later. The criticism that didn't seem so valid at conference is perhaps sinking in.

8) Make time for fun!

If you struggle with stress or anxiety, having a little time for R&R in the midst of conference can go a long way towards building strength for those tension filled meetings. If you're a foodie, maybe its trying a new food in Nashville (I keep hearing about the hot chicken and I intend to try some if possible). Make time for laughs with friends, what better way to fight the blues of rejection or disappointed hopes.

Conference is a wonderful, stressful, mixed-bag of emotions that all add up to an unforgettable experience. As we prepare ourselves let's be proactive about the spiritual, emotional, and writing struggles we may face.


 

 

Julia Reffner is a freelance writer and reviewer living in central Virginia. You can find her writing at Library Journal, Wonderfully Woven, and The Writer's Alley.

When You Can't Go to a Writer's Conference

ACFW is about four weeks away. That means there's a lot of excited chatter...including yours truly. For me, it's like a once a year family reunion with my writer peeps -- including so many of the Writer Alley gals. These folks understand a big piece of my life. This year I'm coleading a continuing education session, so I'll be pretty busy preparing for that. Today though my heart is turned toward those who won't be able to attend. 

What if you can't attend ACFW? Or another writers conference? 

What if this year your heart is crying, what about me? 

That's a hard place to be. 

So today I want to speak to you...

What if God has something big for you...at home? 

What if He wants to unlock a part of a plot that just hasn't been coming and this is the quiet you need to hear Him whispered suggestions?

What if He wants to fill you up with Him in a way that can't happen in the busyness of a conference? You won't be exhausted by the non-stop running that comes with a conference.

What if He wants to use you right where you are during the timeframe of the conference? What if He has holy appointments for you where you are? 

What if He has a book He wants you to read that you couldn't if you were distracted by the conference?

What if He has something you can't even imagine...a piece of Him that He plans to reveal during that time? 

What if during those days you need to serve your family? Your community? Your boss? 

God has a plan for you and I know it is a good one. Today I'm praying that He will reveal it to you in a way that you can hear and understand. And I'm praying that while you're home during ACFW or another conference that you love to attend, that you will sense His heartbeat in a real, strong way. And that by hearing His heartbeat, you won't feel forgotten...instead you'll feel incredibly loved.

____________________

Cara Putman

An award-winning author of more than twenty books, Cara is a lecturer on business and employment law to graduate students at Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. Putman also practices law and is a second-generation homeschooling mom. She lives with her husband and four children in Indiana.

Get Ready for Conference Now!

I know so many of you are attending conferences this year, especially ACFW, and for some of you, this may be your first conference season! I know what you're thinking-- it's only June! But can you believe that ACFW is less than two months away?!? Yikes!

Do yourself a favor, and get started on conference prep now. You'll be glad you did!

Here are some ways you can start getting ready.

• Research agents and editors. I am always shocked by how many people go into a meeting with an agent or editor, treating these professionals as if they're interchangeable. They're not. While one editor may want YA, another may completely refuse to see it. Respect their time and your town by doing your research before you go. Otherwise, you will come across completely unprofessional. It's one thing if you meet an editor in Starbucks and don't know what they're seeking, but quite another if you request an appointment and don't take the time to do your research. The more you know, the more you'll help yourself in the long run by finding a good match for your story.

• Start asking big story questions. Even if you're not done with your manuscript yet, ask yourself big story questions. What is the takeaway? What is the main source of conflict/tension? What genre is this story? Who do you see as your target audience? Why did you choose that particular setting, or those particular qualities for your characters? What makes them a good fit for each other? Everything about your story should be intentional, and you should know it better than anyone else. Think of questions editors may ask you ahead of time, and consider these opportunities to chat about your favorite fictional people rather than a quiz you might "fail."

• Get your draft/proposal in shape. If you're unpublished, editors and agents will almost always want to see your full manuscript along with your proposal before they can make an offer. Expedite the process by having that ready to go, so that if you do get a request, you don't take six-eight months before answering. Also, I've found that the further along I am in my story, the better I can articulate it, so that's an added bonus!

• Get help with your one sheet and pitch! Whether it's a critique partner, mentor, or someone you pay for help, don't try to go at this alone! Practice your pitch out loud, and start crafting it now. Two of our dear Alley Cats offer amazing services that can help you out! Laurie Tomlinson (see her Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/laurie.tomlinson.7 ) and Angie Dicken (https://www.facebook.com/dicken.angie ) are both AMAZING. They fill up fast, so if you want to contract their services (Laurie does a lot of content editing and Angie has an incredible one sheet business, although both offer other services as well) you'll want to do it soon!

• Pray. Start praying now that God will give you divine appointments, and that you will be sensitive to His leading. Your conference experience may not go exactly as planned (ie-- wouldn't we all love manuscript requests from all the major publishing houses? :) ) but God knows just who you need to meet and in what timing, and that includes people you can encourage, even if you are a first time attendee!

No matter what, remember you can't "fail" at conference... it's an incredible experience that will build you up through encouragement, networking, and instructions. But the better prepared you are, the most confidence you will have, and the better able you'll be to represent your story.

What conference advice and tips do you have to share?

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Ashley Clark writes romance with southern grace. She's dreamed of being a writer ever since the thumbprint-cookie-days of library story hour. Ashley has an M.A. in English and enjoys teaching literature courses at her local university. She's an active member of ACFW and runs their newcomer's loop. When she's not writing, Ashley's usually busy rescuing stray animals and finding charming new towns. You can find Ashley on her personal blog, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. She is represented by Karen Solem.

ACFW Conference Woman on the Street-Live in Dallas

The American Christian Fiction Writers Conference is one of the most exciting events for a writer to attend. New and seasoned authors meet, network, share their joys and sorrows in a venue designed to be uplifting and encouraging. No matter what happens, every conferee goes home with something good.

Today I am playing woman on the street. Yes, I am here in Dallas. I have my microphone in hand and am ready to give you on the spot interviews with some ACFW VIPs:

I see Robin Miller, the Conference Director over there. Excuse, me, Robin, do you have a minute for our readers? She's nodding and coming over to us!!

1. Robin, you seem rather busy. What are you doing?
RM: I'm getting last minute details handled. We work year long toward the conference, planning and paying attention to details, but there are some things that just have to be done onsite.

2. As the conference director, what one help could you offer new attendees?
RM: One bit of advice I offer new and seasoned attendees alike...the conference is for YOU. Only you can determine how much rest you need, how much time you need to devote in the prayer room, how many sessions you can take in one day...set the pace that works for you.

3. What is the greatest take-away you hope conferees have?
RM: I hope conferees go away spiritually recharged as well as having learned something new for their careers or have made new connections. Conference is truly a highlight of many writers' year, and I love hearing stories after the fact of some of the stuff God was doing behind the scenes. So blessed!

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Here is Brandilyn Collins, Prayer Room Coordinator! She will pray with and for you during the conference. What a godly leader. She is also the emcee during the general session and is ready to make you laugh. Let's ask her a few questions:

1. Brandilyn, you look busy. What are you doing?
BC: The day before conference starts is our day-long board meeting. We have numerous important issues for ACFW to discuss this year. When I'm done with the board meeting I'll be running around the hotel, familiarizing myself with the layout. Once conference starts I need to know where the meeting rooms, bathrooms, etc. are so I can help conferees who are lost. And sometime during the day I'll be sure to go to the prayer room and pray over it, asking God to be present in the room as people pray throughout the weekend. I've seen wonderful answers to prayer every year, and I expect no less this year.

2. As the Prayer Room coordinator and emcee, what one help could you offer new attendees?
BC: DO take time to go to the prayer room early in the conference. Ask God to lead you during the weekend. Trust Him to "accomplish what concerns you," as Psalm 138:8 promises. And if you feel a pull to go into the room at some point, GO. It may be God leading you there to pray with someone else.

3. What is the greatest take-away you hope conferees have?

BC: Two things I like to see the conference accomplish. First, that each person learns more about the craft of writing fiction. Second, that each person better understands God's leading regarding his/her writing.

Blessings, all, and look forward to seeing you in Dallas!

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I remember my first time to this conference. I felt so lost in a sea of awesome writers. One of the most crucial first landing points is the ACFW registration desk. Manning this station is Dineen Miller. She has an awesome smile and plenty of helpful directions.

Dineen! Hi! Do you have a minute? (Dineen looks up) I have a few questions:
1. You seem rather busy, what are you doing? I see we'll get something to hold our things in at the conference! That's great!

DM: We’re getting everything ready and in place so that every attendee will be well informed and well equipped. Yes, these bags are stuffed with goodies for you! Every conference attendee will receive a tote, a conference booklet, a note book and pen, a badge and a packet that has all their specific conference information such as what sessions they signed up for, editor and agent appointments, etc. Plus their nameplate for their lanyard is tucked in that little inner pocket of the information folder. Pretty neat, huh?

And we are never too busy to help and no question is too silly. I love serving at the registration desk and our volunteers do too. We’re here to make your conference experience as great as possible.

2. As the Registration Desk Specialists, what one help could you offer new attendees?

DM: Take a deep breath and remember Who’s really at the center of it all. I love Psalm 32:7 that says “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

Take time to relax and pray. Entrust it all to Him. He’s got you. Enjoy the conference and whatever God has for you in this experience. It may not be exactly what you expected, but I’m pretty sure that if you let God guide you, it will be even better.

3. What is the greatest take-away you hope conferees have?

DM: Clarity as to why they are writing. Encouragement to keep writing. Inspiration for what they are writing. Jesus impacted lives through stories. We do too. That’s a pretty cool job if you ask me! So, perhaps the greatest take-away may be having a heart and passion for your future readers. God meets them on those pages in stunning ways. You just never know...

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Can you hear the music? Rachel Hauck leads our worship time. She, the singers, and musicians in her group are preparing songs of praise. As conferees we gather several times during the conference to worship the God who loves us with songs and praise.  While the band is tuning, let's ask Rachel a few questions.

1. Rachel, you seem rather busy, what are you doing?

RH: I'm always surprised how busy the conference is for me. I'm up early to get worship going during breakfast and then I'm off to teach a class or perhaps meet with my agent or my editor, or publisher. I meet up with other authors. It's a great time to network. I do like to be available to meet new people so I try to hang around the lobby.

2. As the Conference Worship Director, Rachel, what one help could you offer new attendees?

RH: This may sound weird, but "Let the conference come to you." Meaning, whoever you sit by for lunch, or next to in a workshop, bloom! Talk to the people next to you, strike up conversations. If you see someone you want to meet or admire, go up and say "Hello" but don't over extend your expectations of what might happen. Just breathe. See what doors the Lord will open.

3. What is the greatest take-away you hope conferees have?

RH: That they have tools to keep on this publishing journey. That they feel assured this is what God has called them to do!

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Casey Miller is the Appointment Coordinator. He is the incredibly organized guy who coordinates hundreds of appointments for conferees with agents, editors, and mentors. He has plan B-Z ready to go for any situation. 

Hey Casey!

1.  You seem rather busy in this office, what are you doing with all these papers?

CM: When I am in the conference office, I am usually working on cancellations of appointments and trying to see if I can get them filled before they expire. If I am not working on appointments, then I am working usually on last minute tweaks and changes to the Gala Awards slide show presentation. ACFW is always striving to make things better for the attendees and its members.

2. As the Appointment Coordinator, what one help could you offer new attendees?

CM: The ACFW membership is the most gracious group of people I have ever met. I have seen editors, agents, mentors, and various other attendees giving up of their time and their appointments to someone who they felt needed those more. ACFW attendees are the best! The one bit of advice I would offer to all attendees is to learn your environment. There are many times I can see the  stress and frustration on their face because they don’t know where they’re going, and this could be avoided just by taking the time to learn where everything is located…also download the ACFW App! The phone app is usually up to date and will help tremendously…I also hear it even has an alarm to set for appointment times and for CE’s & Workshops.  

Mary here: I totally didn't know about the app! What a great idea!!

3. What tip could you give conferees regarding appointments?

CM: I would say the biggest mistake I see the new attendees make is not doing their investigative work first, before making their choices for appointments. For the seasoned attendees, their biggest mistake, is not talking to their agents first. I will get 30-40 change requests a day from both sets of attendees and it is usually from these two examples.

4. Is there any other tips you can give?

CM: I recommend you meet with members from your zones, find crit partners, and meet up with some same genres attendees. This conference is a great event and you want to enjoy it to its fullest. Attendees must also take a step back, take a breath, relax, and go to the prayer room. You have to go at a pace that you are comfortable with.

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Look! There is Casey Herringshaw, the Carol Awards Coordinator. Let's ask her a few questions:

1. What exactly are the Carol Awards?
CH: The Carol Awards are ACFW's award to acknowledge the best in published Christian fiction--both traditionally published and self-published. The Carol's are a premier Christian fiction award, coveted by any who receive or final in the award. The finalists are books that should not be missed.

2. How are the books nominated? And can Indie books be nominated? How are winners selected?

CH: Books are entered by the author. Right now any indie book that has earned the author a certain amount of revenue (further information is available on our Carol Awards page on www.acfw.com) can be entered in the award--we have several Indie books this year up for awards--exciting! Winners are judged in two rounds. The first round with 5 individual judges and scores and the second round with 3 individual judges and scores. The book with the highest score wins. smile emoticon 

3. What is the greatest take-away you hope conferees have? 
CH: I hope they walk onto the conference floor and are flooded with the reminder of why they love writing. That their energy for the craft is rejuvenated and that they connect with friends both old and new.
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What questions do you have?
How can we help you?

I can't wait to read your comment(s)!

Photo Courtesy: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dallas-Reunion.jpg - rated-permission for reuse and modifications.
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If you found any typos in today's post...sorry about that. 

Mary writes young adult mystery/suspense Christian fiction, is honing marketing and writing skills, and loves to pen missionary and Bible adventure stories on her ministry blog, God Loves Kids. She has finaled in several writing contests.

Visit Mary at her website and her ministry blog to families: God Loves Kids. Or chat on Facebook or Twitter

Preparing for ACFW & Other Writers Conferences

Attending a conference is nerve-wracking.

Let’s face it, you’re taking huge risks by going.

You’ve invested a lot of money: registration, hotel, airfare, some meals, and other incidentals. You’ve invested who you are – by attending you’re joining the ranks of those who have moved from wanting to write, to those who have taken steps to actively chase a dream. You’re risking your heart because you’ve gone public with your dream.

Bundle that with the fact that you might not know many people and you might be pitching the book of your heart to an editor and agent, and suddenly your stress is through the roof.

It’s okay.

Sit back, take a deep breath, whisper a prayer for peace and help.

You’ll be okay.

As someone who’s been in your shoes, and helps those first-timers attending ACFW each year, I’d like to offer a bit of advice.

Pray, pray, pray. If God has lead you to attend ACFW or another writer’s conference, then He has a purpose and a plan for your time there. It may not be what you intend. But pray and ask for His will to be done. Ask for opportunities to serve others – nothing better to take your thoughts off your fears than to focus on others. And ask Him for peace to carry you through the days.

Prepare, prepare, prepare. ACFW has a conference blog that is packed with fabulous advice on everything from how to get from the conference to the hotel, where to find food for Friday’s free night, and how to get ready for that editor appointment. Take advantage of that repository of advice. Get your one-sheet ready if you have time. Polish that first chapter, and have it in your bag for appointments. Have business cards to leave with those you meet. Get your toolbox loaded and ready.

Research, research, research. Take the time to know what the houses you are pitching are currently publishing. How does what you write line up with that? Is it a new niche? Different from current authors? Etc. Google the editors so you can learn what you can. Same with the agents. Some of the agents have blogs. Read them. It is a wealth of information not just about the industry and their firms, but also on personality. You can tell so much from how a person writes for a blog.

Relax, relax, relax. ACFW, at least, is one big family. You may not think you know anyone, but you’re wrong. You’ll spend the conference giving and receiving hugs from folks you’ve met on the loop or first timers loop. Reach out to others with a smile, and they’ll be delighted to reciprocate. At my first conference, the friend and I who had driven down together grabbed a gal who was flying solo for lunch. Before conference officially began, we’d connected in a very cool way.

Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer. By serving others you will find yourself relaxing, meeting others, and having a great time. There are so many ways to do it that don’t take much from you, but help the conference run efficiently and smoothly.

Rest, rest, rest. Sometimes you just have to skip a workshop because you’re brain is on overload. Or you can’t fathom the thought of another meal surrounded by people. That’s okay. Escape to your room. Put your feet up. Take a bath. Read a book. Do whatever it takes to recharge. We understand.

And at ACFW don’t forget the prayer room. It is open all the time, and the perfect place to escape when you’re rattled and overwhelmed.

____________________

Cara Putman

An award-winning author of twenty books, Cara is a lecturer on business and employment law to graduate students at Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. Putman also practices law and is a second-generation homeschooling mom. She lives with her husband and four children in Indiana.

A Word for the Conference Newbies

One month until the 2015 ACFW Conference is upon us. Are you panicking? Don't. This will be my third conference to attend, and especially after the haze of adding a new family member, my mindset is completely different than in previous years. I've been thinking about all the conference newbies, how they are about to experience something unlike anything they've experienced before.

And, in a way, I'm kind of jealous.

It's a rough, brave thing to make this kind of investment in your writing career. You're not only ponying up some money for it, but you're putting yourself out there as a writer with the intent of publication. That's huge! You also are entering a wonderful new world, a sisterhood of sorts (with some brothers). A beautiful camaraderie.

That said, anything that takes this much bravery comes with its usual doubts. To curb your overthinking, here are some lessons I've learned plus some pitfalls to avoid:

1) Realize that not everything will go perfectly and the reality is, yeah, you may embarrass yourself once (or more if your life is a walking comedy of errors like mine). But it will be okay. At my first conference, I made it all of three minutes before I embarrassed myself and my critique partner/roommate in the elevator with a top agent. You know what? Most people have a really good sense of humor. You're at the conference to represent yourself as an enticing business prospect, so it's important to be professional. But you also can't take yourself too seriously. There's very little that won't be forgotten since editors/agents meet so many at conferences. Or, at the very least, there's very little that can't become a really good ice breaker during your meeting.

2) Come prepared. Later this week, Angie is going to be talking about what kinds of written materials to bring to conference, but the best preparation you can do is to know your story. Know the brand you are trying to portray and the place you see your work in the industry. Practice your elevator pitch (out loud, especially) until it's as comfortable as your favorite pair of yoga pants. Read up on the agents and editors you'll pitch to and look at their pictures so you don't accidentally ask them what they write if you happen to meet them beforehand. True story. Sorry, Senior Editor at Harvest House...

On a more practical front, dress the part. This is a business trip, so people will be wearing anything from blazers and slacks and dresses to my typical outfit, a dressed-up tunic and leggings with boots for more casual occasions. A friend of mine who wished to remain nameless also advised preparing for any, um, wardrobe malfunctions. Pack extra of everything just in case the unexpected happens minutes before your big editor appointment :)

3) Bring a humble, ready spirit and a teachable attitude. Be focused (yes, even in the face of major overstimulation) and present and ready for what God has for you. For the relationships you'll form, for the truths that will resonate with you, for what you'll learn to improve about your writing. There are going to be industry leaders at this conference, including authors you may want to fangirl and editors/agents who might have feedback when you pitch to them. Remember they are human beings and deserve to be treated accordingly. Don't slide your manuscript to Chip McGregor under the bathroom stall (especially if you're a girl). But if you forget they're just humans and stumble all over your pitch, it's not the end of the world. Unless you overstep some serious personal boundaries, it doesn't mean you've ruined any possible chance of becoming a published author. Promise.

I think that about covers the overarching ways to avoid typical conference pitfalls. Anything I didn't mention? Don't hesitate to ask questions; I'm an open book!

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Laurie Tomlinson is a wife and mom from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who is passionate about intentional living, all things color-coded, and stories of grace in the beautiful mess. Previously a full-time book publicist, she owns a freelance copywriting, editing, and PR consulting business. 

She's a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and received the Genesis Award in 2013 (Contemporary) and 2014 (Romance). 

Her work is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary.

You can connect with Laurie here:

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Twitter - @LaurieTomlinson

Web - www.LaurieTomlinson.com