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

#TipfulTuesday: The Importance of Following Through With Your Plans

#TipfulTuesday

ACFW conference is next week. There are many articles and posts on how to prepare, what to take, what to expect, etc. Today I'd like to share the importance of following through with your plans.

One year, I sat by co-authors of a book. He owned a bookstore. His eye for good books and thirst to read gave him fabulous ideas for new books. He could plot, cast characters, etc. His weakness was writing the story. The man teamed with a female author who had a great gift for writing but struggled with creating new ideas. The two made a master team.

After hearing their story, I asked, "So why are you here? You have a plan. How would a conference help you?"

They said conferences gave them opportunities to pitch new book ideas. They shared other advantages such as networking, observing, listening, and etc. They continued to build their craft even though they'd had many books published traditionally.

The night I sat with them I didn't know they were up for a Carol award. At the Gala, I cheered when their names were announced as winners for their category. Sorry, I don't remember their names, but I sure remember this story. 

Everyone has a reason for attending a Writer's Conference. You know what yours is.

Whatever that reason, embrace it. Follow through. Don't allow distraction, discouragement, or any other nasty trick from Satan to build a wall around the success God has planned for you.

There are nine days left including today. Rise up. Take the challenge to prove the calling God has given you.

Start each day with a solid time in prayer then gather your materials, put one-sheets in pretty folders, business cards in a handy holder, your preparations for the agent/publishers in another folder, practice your pitch every day (see my last post on tips). THEN, go to your closet and choose clothing that screams success and pack them in your suitcase.

Last, and most importantly, remember God is the only one we are to please. He will never be disappointed when you follow his call.

~Mary Vee

#amwriting #conference #WritersAlleyBlog #Nevergiveupstories #TipfulTuesday

Photo by Mary Vee

Mary Vee -  Mary Vee - Rock climbing, white-water rafting, and hiking top Mary’s list of ways to enjoy a day. She was homeless for a time, earned her MA in Counseling, and married an Air Force vet.  Mary has been a finalist in several writing contests and writes for her King.

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

Mary's new release, Daring to Live, is a new release on Amazon.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Elevator Pitch. Anytime. Anywhere.

#TipfulTuesday

No matter where you go or who you speak with, always, always be ready to give an elevator pitch.

An elevator pitch is:

*what your story is about

*three to four sentences NO MORE

*30 to 45 seconds long NO MORE

*intriguing

*inviting

*dangling-so the listener wants to hear more

*passionate

*spoken with the voice of a captain of the ship--because you as the author ARE. Confidence! Assured! 

Some of you will be going to the ACFW conference and have an excellent opportunity to give an elevator pitch to an agent or editor. This moment is not the time to own any introvert characteristics. Be proud of your work. Think of your MC. Their trials and triumphs. Share what God has helped you write. Shoulders back. Sit or stand straight. You've got this.

I am also here to proclaim there are a gabillion other times when you can say an elevator pitch. Hmmm. You don't think so? Well...rolling up sleeves. Here we go.

I recently went on a cruise down the Rhine River in Germany. I met people from so many countries. They are my new friends. When we meet people, there are typical questions asked: What is your name? Where are you from? and What do you do? My answer to number three: I am an author, or I am a writer.

Ours is one of the few careers that solicits more questions. "You're an author? Really? Do you write books?" This is the point where we answer, "Yes, I finished this book called _____ and it's about ... insert elevator pitch..." The total time answer: less than 30 seconds.

The fabulous bonus to this opportunity is: there probably will be more than one individual standing nearby listening. On that seven-day cruise, I gave my elevator speech at the meal table, in the hall, in the lounge, on the bus, walking in courtyards and marketplaces, and much more. Every single time the person raised their eyebrows and asked for more information. I gave out over 200 business cards, each with my tagline, a list of my books on Amazon, website, email address, and my photo with an image that looks like me ...very important.

Okay, you may think I am an extrovert. I went out and blabbed my head off about my book, stealing the conversation from others, dominating the meeting. LOL! Nope. I am so the opposite. I am the mouse in the corner. Hubby and I like to travel. This is where I meet people and am given the opportunity to run through the usual greeting questions that lead to: What do you do? My cue to give an elevator pitch.

Here are a few more ingredients:

**Do not memorize. Do not memorize. Do not memorize.

I have taught third grade and could always tell who memorized the spelling list and who learned how to spell the words by sound applying the concept. Those who memorized made silly mistakes. Spelled the words correctly only on the test but not in their work. The difference was obvious. 

Memorized pitches are jagged. A forgotten next word can trip up the who presentation. Feel your story then share.

**Beginning, middle, end components are not necessary. The point is to stimulate an interest in your story in a few seconds.

Choose pieces of your story that you'd like to present. It's okay to have more than one pitch ready. This gives you flexibility. One time you may focus on the MC, another the villain, or the hero, or the plot, or the setting. So many choices! Practice with your pet, he or she will love each version. Fill your message with intrigue, passion, heart, not with a goal to be word perfect. Say it as if telling your childhood friend is standing there excited to hear about your work.

Honestly, the editors and agents will be excited. They long to hear intriguing, inviting, dangling, passionate, stimulating story pitches.

And, people you meet in life feel the same. Authors who sell many books have this skill mastered. They radiate enthusiasm for their story. If you go to ACFW this year, watch Steven James. 

Whoa, I've taken up a lot of your time today. I hope this has helped you. Do you have any questions?

~Mary Vee

#TipfulTuesday #TheWritersAlley #amwriting #elevatorpitch #conference #sharingyourstory

Photo by Mary Vee, Taken near Amsterdam, Netherlands

Mary Vee -  Mary Vee - Rock climbing, white-water rafting, and hiking top Mary’s list of ways to enjoy a day. She was homeless for a time, earned her MA in Counseling, and married an Air Force vet.  Mary has been a finalist in several writing contests and writes for her King.

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

Mary's new release, Daring to Live, is a new release on Amazon.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

#TipfulTuesday: 15 Minute Appointments

#TipfulTuesday The full value in the fifteen minute appointment is more than you can imagine. 

ACFW has opened registration on line. Blue Ridge Christian Writer's Conference begins in 3 weeks. And there are more conference opportunities yet to come this year.

While the big questions for you may be, should I go? Can I afford to go? Why should I go? 

Let me answer a little question for you.

At my first ACFW conference... it's been at least 8 years, I signed up for an appointment not knowing--at all--what I would say or what would take place in those precious fifteen minutes. What I did know was I wanted to sit across from an expert and learn from them. If the person happened to like my work, well, that would be an added bonus.

I was excessively nervous.

Unable to formulate a word, I slid my material across the desk to the agent. She read a few paragraphs then looked up. She asked a few questions about the story. During this time she said the unheard of comment, "I would like to known more in the beginning. Could you start the story sooner?"

While the topic is not about the fruit of this conversation, my recently published book, yeah!!, our focus today is on the tremendous advice given during conference appointments.

You have an opportunity to sit across from an expert. You can gleam from their expertise. 

Conferences usually offer three types of appointments: mentors, agents, editors. 

A mentor will gladly listen to issues you may have about your story and make suggestions. Ask questions. Offer advice.

An agent will do the same but also consider your work as something they'd like to represent in the publishing field. 

An editor will listen but will also consider your work as something their publisher may want for publication.

Every single time an appointment ended, whether the expert asked to see more of my work or not, I felt I had learned volumes. 

So, to the writers who are reading, if you are able to attend a conference, sign up for an appointment and look forward to learning reams.

To the mentors, agents and editors who meet with us, know that you truly are appreciated, and you mean a great deal. Your words sink into our minds and help us mold better stories.

~Mary Vee

#TipfulTuesday #amwriting #writingconferences 

Lead Photo by Mary Vee

Mary Vee -  Mary Vee - Rock climbing, white-water rafting, and hiking top Mary’s list of ways to enjoy a day. She was homeless for a time, earned her MA in Counseling, and married an Air Force vet.  Mary has been a finalist in several writing contests and writes for her King.

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

Mary's new release, Daring to Live, is a new release on Amazon.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Tipful Tuesday: Attend A Conference

In 2010, I was about to receive my first major rejection—my entry in the Genesis contest was
SEVERELY lacking in every element that comes with a successful opening to a novel. That book shall never see the light of day. Oh me, oh my. That was also the first year I attended ACFW (a logical next step after very insightful contest critiques). I was in the throes of morning sickness, with a commitment of attending only for one day. Fear (and funds) strapped me to minimal participation.

But, whoa.

What happened? So much happened since that first step into a hotel coffee shop swearing I would just hide my pregnant self behind a book and wait for it to be over. Friends happened. Mentors happened. Networking happened. A year later, I semi-finaled in the Genesis. Two years later, I met my agent. And in 2016, I walked into conference with a book contract signed, and another contract waiting for me the next month.

 In my opinion (and in the opinion of those authors I reached out to before 2010), attending a writer’s conference is the BEST next step for an aspiring writer. ACFW is where I started, and where I continue to go—there is so much to be learned, so many people to befriend, so much community to ground yourself in so your stories can bloom with confidence and encouragement. Any seasoned writer will tell you that conference isn’t about a contract. But if you are sitting there, with words and stories, and you haven’t stepped into a writer’s conference, I’d say this #tipfultuesday take that step in the right direction. My recommendation? Check out www.acfw.com

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Angie Dicken credits her love of story to reading British literature during life as a military kid in Cambridgeshire, England. Now living in the U.S., she's an ACFW member, a blog contributor to the Writer's Alley, a baseball mom, and a self-proclaimed foodie. Two of her historical romance novels comprise her Fall 2017 debut: The Outlaw’s Second Chance, Love Inspired Historical, and My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah, Barbour. 

Connect with Angie at www.angiedicken.com

More than Words: SPECIAL on One Sheets

You've spent months, perhaps years, pouring your heart into your story. The picture has been painted in your mind, but others can only "see it" by reading a finished product. You know every detail of the main character's face, the way the setting's landscape rolls and dips, and the emotions that glaze the story with a certain feel unique to your writing alone.

But it has to be read, first. And you believe in it so much that you are going to share it at a writer's conference, and you are going to sit face to face with an industry professional, perhaps your only shot, and spill the goodness of your story in a 15 minute session. 

Wouldn't it be great if you could offer a gateway to your story world with a burst of flavor and a sprinkle of anticipation before the professional even reads the first page? How about hooking them before you even speak a word past your own introduction?  Your story could blossom in the mind of that one person who will eventually take it into their care and put the story on the shelves of every God-ordained reader out there. And it might just start with that perfect one sheet.

A one sheet isn't just a "cheat sheet" for your editor/agent appointment. It's the visual representation of your book. Just as writing craft gurus insist that all the senses are described within your storytelling, your appointment with an editor/agent isn't just about the speaking, hearing, and reading...it's about the seeing, too. Be sure you have a one sheet that secures a long-lasting impression of that story that they just can't get out of their head.

Need a one sheet design that's professional and custom to your special story? I am here to help and work hard to produce the perfect visual that fits your story. I have a special going on right now! $25 off til July 15th! Click on the link to learn more and contact me soon!

 

One Sheets by Angie Dicken

Want to learn more about how to create one sheets?  Here's a link to my one sheet design tips:  Design and Conquer


Any specific design questions? I'd love to chat graphics today!!

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Angie Dicken is a full-time mom and lives in the Midwest with her Texas Aggie sweetheart. An ACFW member since 2010, she has written six historical novels and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency. Angie also spends her time designing one-sheets and drinking good coffee with great friends. Check her personal blog at angiedicken.blogspot.com and connect at:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dicken.angie, 

Twitter: @angiedicken

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/agdicken/

What is Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer's Conference

So…are you guys gearing up for writing conference season? I am…and it feels like it’s going to be a doozy!

In fact, today I’m attending the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer’s Conference. I can’t go for the entire conference this year, but since it’s taking place 30 minutes from my house I’m popping in today and tomorrow to hang out with other writers, glean from the great teaching, and…of course….dress in costume!!

If you’ve never been to the BRMCWC, I’d like to give you a few tips- and hopefully encourage you to visit next year, or even in the fall when they have their annual Novel Writing Retreat.

BRMCWC is held at Ridgecrest Conference Center in Black Mountain, North Carolina. About 30 minutes east of Asheville, NC and about 2 hours northwest of Charlotte. It’s nestled in the mountains and the entire atmosphere sets the stage for your conference experience.

Blue Ridge offers some of the quality classes you’re used to receiving at the ACFW or Mount Hermon conference but at a smaller scale. The

conference center has rooms scattered throughout their buildings, surrounding a beautiful natural area where author photos can be taken, author videos made, one can take walks, or just enjoy sitting by the quiet stream.

Meals are offered in the dining hall, and like many other Christian conferences, worship time and devotionals are offered each day.

BRMCWC was my first writer’s conference over 6 years ago and it was a fantastic place to start. The smaller size and relaxed atmosphere created plenty of opportunities to meet other writers and talk with editors/agents. It’s a wonderful place for writers, especially new authors, to learn more about the craft from knowledgeable teachers- as well as a place to meet agents!

 I had the wonderful opportunity to meet my first agent here!

In the past, BRMCWC has had presenters such as Rachel Hauck, Susan May Warren, Beth Vogt, Ramona Richards, Eva Marie Everson, Alton Gansky, Chip MacGregor, Steve Laube, Diann Mills, Deborah Raney, Steven James, and so many more. This year, Steven James is back, and I can’t wait to take my oldest son to his classes J

As you can see from the pics, it’s a beautiful place with some great people. I even had my author video created here last year with LDP Media.

I also won my first major writing award at this conference.  In 2010 I won The Foundation Award for my favorite novel, Just the Way You Are.

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Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of 5 great kids, speech-pathologist to about fifty more, lover of chocolate, jazz, and Jesus. Her debut historical novel, The Thorn Bearer, released in May 2015 and has garnered awards such as Reader's Favorites Award, finalist in the Grace Awards, and shortlisted for the Inspy Awards. Her second historical novel, The Thorn Keeper, released in Feb 2016 and her first contemporary romance, A Twist of Faith, released in April 2016 with a 4 star review from Romantic Times. You can get to know Pepper on her website, www.pepperdbasham.com, on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, or Instagram.

A Pitch to Build a Book On

Contest and Conference season is closing in and one of the main things we learn as budding or published authors is ‘the pitch’.

First of all, what IS a pitch?

Well….very loosely, it’s the best pick-up line for an agent or editor.

You’re trying to win them woo them with your story J

For a perfect pick-up line, what do you need?

Here are a few of my ideas – and I hope you all can add some more to the mix J

You’re serious about your story

Lots of people can come up with a story idea, but very few end of writing a book. When you write a pitch, you want to have enough of the story written to show you’re serious. If you’re an unpublished author, you need to have the entire book completed. That in and of itself shows seriousness.

If you’re a published author, your pitch should be strong enough to show you’re committed to the story. I prefer having a solid outline for the book before I pitch it, or at least a sure grasp on my characters’ motivations.

Your concept is clear and interesting

A pitch gives a clear (and succinct) heart of your story. I’m writing a new novel series and just finished working on a proposal for it. Here’s the pitch:

A small town tea shop owner with a sweet-tooth and a devil-may-care Englishman with more savory tastes join forces to cater an England-themed wedding.

A wedding planner with dramatic flair and country charm teams up with an aloof undercover prince to create a fairytale wedding for her best friend.

He’s trying to find a hero within and she’s pretty sure it’s a lost cause, but sparks are sure to fly when this opinionated country girl and an arrogant city boy team up to save a children’s clinic from bankruptcy.

A young inventor who chooses crime fighting instead of matrimony and a handsome detective trying to prove his worth team up to stop the illusive Jack the Ripper before someone they love becomes his next victim.

In these, I HOPE I’ve established a few things.

1.       A little hint of the hero and heroine’s personalities

2.       Possible conflict

3.       Uniqueness of the story

So, how about you try?

                You need a hero (and if it’s a romance you need a hero and heroine)

                                                A little personality touch

                                                                A purpose

                                                                                And a twist

How about you? Share your pitches OR share your tips for pitch writing!

I'M AT ACFW!!!!!

Okay.

Not really.

I'll admit, I'm super bummed that I'm not officially "AT" ACFW this year.

BUT -- I decided to have a wee bit of fun and sneak in there!!!!

First off, I went by way of COKE to keep sweet Pepper company on her trip. We're good roadtrip buddies like that.

Then... our Pepper posed with the one and only Amy Simpson (she, uh, looks crazily like Casey Miller these days -- WHO KNEW!) and let me sneak in the picture...

And THEN our Pepper got to go see the ONE AND ONLY Sherrinda, who we ALL love and hold very near to our hearts, so of COURSE I had to sneak in the picture too!!!

Shame on Pepper for giving Sherrinda bunny ears...


OH! And I snuck in to listen to the band practice... this dude can play guitar! (Let's play where in the world is Krista Phillips and see who can find me!)

OH! And then there is the fabulous Rachel Hauck... I kinda photobombed this one.

I would have more pictures... but the fun is just starting on Wednesday night!

Moral of the Story: (because I have to have SOMETHING informative about this blog post besides my rediculousy bad photoshopping efforts...)

When life throws you lemons and you don't get to go to one of your FAVORITE writing conferences EVER --- PHOTOSHOP!

(you're welcome for the little free advertising there Adobe)

CHAT! - Are you at conference or going?? Tell us about it!!! We want to live through your experiences! (and make sure to use your #acfw2015 on Facebook and twitter so we can see all your fun pictures and steel them to photoshop ourselves in!)

If not --- let's commiserate!

If you've ever been -- what is your FAVORITE conference moment?
If you haven't -- feel free just to make fun of my pictures I guess! :-) :-) :-)

Registering for ACFW...IMO

So, this might be old hat for some of you, but as I was going through registering for my fifth ACFW conference, I realized my approach has "evolved" over the years. I thought I'd share a few IMO tips on some of the options you'll see as you register.

Volunteering: 
Honestly, I shied away from this each year. First, I had a baby in tow...um, my parents stayed in the hotel room babysitting while I attended the conference. Yeah, didn't think that would be a great year to volunteer. The next couple of years, I was just plain scared to commit. It took every ounce of my extrovertedness (is that a word?), and courage, to "rub elbows". I just didn't have the confidence in committing to a volunteer time slot. I just wasn't sure that I could juggle one more thing.

This year, I checked the box. I did! Besides being soooo appreciative for all those who put this conference together and wanting to help where I can, I also know there are great benefits in volunteering! You get to meet new friends and colleagues (something that is hard for me as I am an introvert at first glance), and you get to understand the work it takes behind the scenes to make such a successful event happen. I am excited to help in a small way this year!

photo by Stuart Miles on freedigitalphotos.net

Spotlight On: 
It is super exciting to have the chance to hear about your favorite publishing houses from the editors themselves. To sit in the audience and dream that you just might be their next debut author. Yeah, I've gotten over-excited at that one thing the editor is looking for which seemed to make them a perfect fit. Yep. My dream publisher did not let me down when I sat in their spotlight.
BUT...
Remember, if you have a "dream" publisher, and you know a ton about them, then it might suit you well to go to a spotlight on a publisher (or agent) that you aren't as familiar with. Of course, find out if they even publish your genre, but zeroing in on that dream publisher/agent without understanding who else is out there, might set you up for disappointment if your "dream" doesn't pan out--and you might be pleasantly surprised to find out there are more options for you out there. (I might have to write a post in the near future about the dangers of assigning "dream" to a publisher or any other person or avenue in this business...hmmmm....).

Continuing Ed:
I just had to stick this in here for newbie attendees. The first time I signed up for conference, I considered myself an amateur in the most undeserving way. Therefore, the idea of continuing ed didn't appear to be something for me because I hadn't even done the "ed" part to continue with! I am hear to say five years later, You CAN and SHOULD chose a continuing ed course regardless of your experience. This is for everyone, so sign up (and they have a prerequisite listing so you know what level you are signing up for).

Workshops:
When you look at all the options, it is important to do a quick self-evaluation of your journey. Being an artsy type, the workshops that appeal to me most have to do with elements of a novel and brainstorming. But, when I think about where I am at, the less artsy, more business-type sessions are what I should sign up for. It would benefit me to have the knowledge of the business aspect now, having spent the past years focusing on the craft. My initial instinct might not have me choose these less familiar topics this year, but in order to get the most out of my experience, I want to strive for learning as much as I can about all aspects of the writing biz.

Appointments:
I will never forget when I went to an editor appointment and said, "I read that you really want..." and she looked at me like I was speaking Greek...(which I should be able to seeing as how I am 100% Greek..but I don't, and I wasn't speaking it then, either). I have learned to not rely only on the bios on the conference website, but to check out the agency or house's website, look at their authors/books, and get an overall feel of what they tend to represent/publish.
Something else to consider, that I would not have realized was necessary five years ago, is to understand what YOU are looking for. Know your expectations for what an agent or publisher should be. For example, some publishers don't expect their authors to do a lot of marketing on their own (although, this might be less and less in today's market), and some rely heavily on the author's effort. Some agents might be more hands on in the actual manuscript prep, and some might want to work with a submission-ready proposal.
Basically, what I am saying is...do your homework! Look at writing blogs, interviews, Facebook pages, twitter...dig deep in social media and on your bookshelves to understand who you'd like to choose for these appointments. If you have a good grasp on who you are meeting with, then you will most likely feel confident in presenting them with your work.

I hope this gets you as excited for conference as I am. Just writing about it makes me want to pack my bag and get those one sheets printed!

Be sure to head over to ACFW and check out all that will be offered at conference this year. It's one of my most favorite places to be. Good friends, good writers, and good times!!

Hope to see you there!

Did you register already? Have any tips to share? Please comment below!

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Angie Dicken first began writing fiction as a creative outlet during the monotonous days of diapers and temper tantrums. She is passionate to impress God's love on women regardless of their background or belief. This desire serves as a catalyst for Angie's fiction, which weaves salvation and grace themes across cultures. She is an ACFW member and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.

All About NETWO Writer's Conference 2014 by Caryl McAdoo

First, thank you so much for inviting me to the Writers’ Alley! I admire all you Alley Cats, and am so pleased to be here. And what a privilege to speak about something near and dear to my heart: the North East Texas Writers' Organization’s 28th annual Writers' Round-up Conference in Mt. Pleasant, Texas on Friday and Saturday, April 25-26th, 2014. This year, we’ll return to the Mt. Pleasant Civic Center barely south off Interstate 30.

There’ll be Pitching, Mentoring, and Self-publishing appointments offered; great Writing and Marketing Workshops, and Read and Critique Sessions with published authors in attendance for those who rarely have the opportunity for live feed-back. And new this year is the First Chapter Contest open to everyone - you don not have to attend to enter and we're offering over $1250 in cash and prizes to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners including submission of a completed manuscript to a New York agent!

I’d like to share my personal conference experiences with y’all so you’ll know where I’m coming from. After I’d barely started writing seriously in the late ’80s, I attended the Ozark Writers Conference in Arkansas, thoroughly enjoyed myself, and won a First Chapter Contest on a book that was published years later.

Eighteen years passed until I attended NETWO’s 2012 Writers’ Round-up and met Mary Sue Seymour from The Seymour Agency in New York. I played as her go-for making sure there wasn’t anything she needed during the event then enjoyed driving her the two-and-a-half hours back to the DFW International Airport. I’d recently moved from the Metroplex, so the traffic didn’t bother me as it did so many of my new ‘country’ friends.

On the way, Mary Sue told me if I’d write a historical Christian romance set in the 1800s, she’d sell it. So I dropped her off on Sunday and started writing VOW UNBROKEN on Monday, sent it to her 9 weeks later in July. She signed me to a representation contract in August and true to her word, sold it to Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster in October, a little more than five months after we first met at Writers’ Round-up.

She also told me to join and try to attend the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Conference being held in Indianapolis in 2013. Somehow, God made a way, and I did. The thrill of it overwhelmed me, meeting so many Christian authors in one place. I made so many bonds I know will be lifelong with other attendees and met my Howard editors, Frank Peretti, and so many more authors, editors and agents in this wonderful industry of publishing. And I LOVE that there’s a Christian segment!

SO, though my experience is slight—only three conferences—it’s taught me that attending conferences is a wonderful and important part of being a writer. It’s an awesome place to Network and learn more about the industry. And I want to invite you to ours! Find out all about it and the First Chapter Contest at: http://www.netwo.org

Here’s our wonderful Faculty for 2014:

PITCHING APPOINTMENTS:  

JIM HART, Literary Agent at Hartline Literary Agency - Looking for unique, engaging women’s fiction, great YA, spiritual warfare, and some sci-fi and fantasy.

MIKE FARRIS, Literary Agent at the Farris Literary Agency is looking for both fiction and non-fiction and loves Texas authors!

MENTORING APPOINTMENTS:

          Theses ladies will offer their experience, expertise, and guidance to authors at all stages.

LENA NELSON DOOLEY, author and mentor OR ACFW Mentor of the Year and award winning author with more than 800K books in print.

ALLISON PITTMAN, multi-published author and mentor, writing trainer, teacher, speaker, actress and comedian.

AMY LILLARD, a 2013 Carol Award-winning multi-published author and mentor who loves reading romance novels from contemporary to Amish.

 PUBLISHER APPOINTMENTS: for those wanting information on self-publishing

SHARI PARKER, Publisher and author at Shari Parker Publishing and Printing helps writers fulfill their dream of publishing through her complete and unique services. Shari wants to speak with anyone who’s considering the Indy publishing route, so bring your questions. And she’s an author herself, too. Many conference attendees can speak to Shari’s competence and integrity.

WRITING WORKSHOPS:

LENA NELSON DOOLEY (above), award winning author with more than 800K books in print, will expound on "Layering Pizzazz" 

ALLISON PITTMAN (above), multi-published author, mentor, writing trainer, teacher, speaker, actress and comedian will bring a humorous talk on.

MIKE FARRIS (above), Literary Agent at the Farris Literary Agency will present “Eight Steps To Dynamic Storytelling”.

JAMES R. CALLAN, author, holds workshops on  "Character: The Heartbeat of the Novel" and "How to Write Great Dialog

MARKETING WORKSHOPS:

FRED CAMPOS, an effective social media marketer and networking guru will share "Thirty Tips To Use Social Media" 

KATHY L. PATRICK, author and Pulpwood Queens Book Club founder, with 500+ chapters, the largest "meeting and discussing" book club in the world as seen on Good Morning America and The Oprah Winfrey Show!

SHARI PARKER (above), Publisher at Shari Parker Publishing and Printing and author , “Hit Your Target and Sell More Books!”

AMY LILLARD (above), a 2013 Carol Award-winning multi-published author, will be informing all on “Brand! Brand! Brand!”

PUBLISHING WORKSHOPS:

GINNIE BIVONA, Publisher, author, TV writer, and speaker will present “To E or not to E? That is the Question!”

J. LEE BUTTS, Berkley multi published author brings “How to Get Published~Lotta Luck and a Bit of Talent”

READ & CRITIQUE SESSIONS:

With multi published authors Ginnie Bivona, Jimmy Butts, Ron and Caryl McAdoo, and more.

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Caryl has always loved to write, and she's excited with her first historical Christian romance VOW UNBROKEN, debuting March 2014 from Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster. For every good blessing - including 10 children (4 by birth, 6 by marriage) and 14 grandchildren - she gives God the glory. Caryl lives a country-life with Ron, her husband of forty-five years and four grandsons, outside Clarksville, Red River County Seat, located in far Northeast Texas