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

ICRS Through the Eyes of a Newbie

ICRS…. Hmm? What is that, exactly? Retail, my friends. More specifically the International Christian Retail Show.

It makes sense for those of you who are published writers, or perhaps an author up for a Christy Award to make attending ICRS a priority.

Being a newbie, and a relative nobody in the book biz, you might be wondering why I went. My lovely unpublished manuscripts were not on display, I most certainly wasn't up for any kind of prestigious award, and I often got these double takes at my ID badge, as if people were wondering… “Should I know who you are?”

Nope, not yet folks, but stay tuned. :)

All that said, my experience was amazing and I thought I’d share 7 reasons why I think going to these shows is an excellent use of your time and finances.

1.  Get the 411. Whether we are published or not, we (us writers) are in the book business. There is so much to explore. And what better place to do just that, than in the Booksellers Marketplace!

2. Swag! As in FREE books! How can you go wrong there!

3. Celebrity sightings. Not only do you get to geek out (love you Katie Ganshert) when you meet a #1 New York Times Bestselling Author, you can get an autographed copy of their book. Did I mention, for free? Let's face it, each of us are inspired by other great writers. It's always an honor to get to tell them how much their stories have blessed us.

4. Elbow rubbing. Since there are so many authors floating around you are bound to bump in to some you know or just admire. And since the atmosphere is so laid back, even more so I thought than conferences when it can feel pretty awkward or intimidating to walk up and interrupt an author, it is surprisingly easy to actually TALK with people at ICRS.

True story: I was lucky enough to walk the floor with Susan May Warren, one of my absolute favorite authors and a dear friend. Talk about a backstage pass! We ended up chatting with this well known screen writer and his buddy in the MOVIE biz! These are great connections to make. And yet, not the kind of people you bump into at a writers conference. (But don't skip the conference either! Oh, shoot, now I'll need to do another post. 10 Reasons Why You Should Attend a Writers Conference. Coming soon!)

5. Face time. What better way to remind those wonderful editors that you are still breathing, and yes, still checking your inbox regularly than to see them in person. Introduce yourself. Put a face with a name. Better yet to put a personality behind that name and become someone they can recall, or even see themselves working with. (Manners and appropriate conduct are a given.)

6. Fellowship. One of my favorite things about ACFW is that I get to meet up with all my amazing writer friends and spend some time with people who actually understand my crazy writer brain. ICRS is like adding another playdate. We even had a prayer room this year, led by the fabulous Rachel Hauck, myself, and an awesome local worship leader and close friend, Alyssa Schweich.

Did I mention that agents tend to frequent these types of shows? It’s always nice to get to have a coffee with your agent and catch up in person. It was one of my favorite things about ICRS this year. And I even got a highly coveted kilt shot to treasure forever. :)

7. Dressed and pressed in your Christy's best. It’s like the Oscars of Christian Fiction. Yes, I suppose when I walked in and saw all the tables were reserved for specific publishing houses (all of which I have no affiliation) I may have, for a few panicked moments, felt like a the new kid cruising the lunch room for a spot for a stray. But what an amazing experience to get to see a heavy hitter in the industry, Lee Hough, given the Lifetime Achievement Award. Get to hear my agent give a beautiful and charming keynote address about the power of story. Get to see my friends and their outstanding books receive recognition. I loved every minute of it!

There is an old saying, something like… Surround yourself with Greatness to achieve Greatness.

Go to ICRS. Put the cart before the horse and map out the steps ahead on your journey to publication, and bestseller lists, and awards. Go. See. Dream. You won’t regret it!

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Amy Leigh Simpson writes Romantic Suspense that is heavy on the romance, unapologetically honest, laced with sass and humor, and full of the unfathomable Grace of God. She is the completely sleep deprived mama to two little mischief makers and would challenge anyone to a cutest family contest. Represented by Chip MacGregor of MacGregor Literary Inc.

Writing Moments of Beauty

First of all, Happy Fourth of July! I hope you enjoy this day celebrating our nation's independence with BBQ, fireworks, and ice cream! And a reminder: be sure you keep your dogs and cats inside if your neighbors are setting off fireworks so they won't escape.  Thanks for taking a break from your holiday to stop by the Alley!

 Have you ever been reading a book and thought to yourself, "Wow. That moment was beautiful." ?

This happened to me just yesterday while reading Rachel Hauck's new story, Once Upon a Prince. I tell you, that woman is so, so good at subtexting.

Without giving too much away about the story, let's just say the heroine, Susanna, has always wanted to get engaged under this particular tree that has a folkloric legend of love, but her plans and dreams have just been shattered to bits. She meets the hero of the story in this scene.

Look at how beautifully Rachel describes Susanna's actions:

"She broke a dead twig from a tree and crumbled the leaves in her hand."

This line gives me butterflies every time I read it. So, so beautiful.

Here, it's not what she says that's important, but what she's doing. By breaking a dead twig from the tree, she is breaking off the dead, old remnants of her plans and allowing them to crumble to the ground. All she can see right now are the fragments of the leaves, but we as readers know that this tree is mighty, and that her story will be one of hope as she learns to turn her attention from the pruning to the vast, grand archways of the oak limbs stretching overhead. We know without actually knowing that Susanna's story is one of redemption, triumph, and dreams she has yet to even conceive.

This is what we as Christian writers should strive for in every line of our stories. Now, Rachel is an expert at the craft, and you may not feel comfortable writing metaphors at this point in your writing-- that's okay. What matters isn't the technique you use, but that one way or another (through a poignant image, smile provoking-comedy, or dialogue) you create moments of beauty.

When you think about the message of the gospel, it really comes down to this:

Things were good. Things went bad. And then they were redeemed.

This should be the outline for our stories.

In the movie Midnight in Paris (one of my favorites!), the Gertrude Stein character says, "The job of the artist is not to succumb to despair, but to find an antidote for the emptiness of existence."

For the Christian writer, I would take this one step further to say that the artist's job is not to succumb to the fallen state of the world, but to stir the heart's desire for our heavenly home.

On my personal blog yesterday, I talked about why destruction bothers us, and why that's okay. As Christians, we are often quick to pretend the fall did not happen--almost as if we are afraid that acknowledging our weariness will somehow unravel our faith in God. But we're getting it all wrong when we take this approach. God wants so much more for us than this world, too. So much more, actually, that He gifted us with a deep desire for the kind of world He originally created us. It is our job as Christian authors to stir this God-given desire through our stories, and, for even a few moments, to help our readers experience those moments of beauty.

What better witness than to show the beauty of God and His redemption through our stories?

Whether your writing is "loudly" Christian with verses and sermons, or whether the Christian message is metaphorical, in one regard, we should all be doing the same thing. And that is this: in striving to write the best story, it is imperative we weave in moments of beauty. People pick up books to escape the heartache of the world. Let's point them to Heaven's calling.

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Ashley Clark writes romantic comedy 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.

Who is Your Champion?

Since we have been talking so much about friendship and finding community as writers, I thought I’d touch on a similar topic.

(Cue- “Eye of the Tiger”)

 

Let me start by posing a question: Who is lifting you up, praying you through, reinforcing your worth?

When we write we don’t just slap some words in a blank document and hope they form a nice little story. We pour our hearts out onto the page, we bond with our characters, feel their pain as if our own. We walk in their broken path along side them in hopes of sending them off like proud mamas and papas, spurring them on to fulfilling their dreams.

I don’t know about you, but when I let someone read my story, I feel that old 6^th grade insecurity rise up. “Do they like me? Do they think it’s stupid? Is there toilet paper stuck to that struggling leg of my story?”

No matter where you are at in your journey, we all have room for improvement. Receiving a critique is not always a palatable experience. Sometimes you have to muscle down those words that sit like stones on your heart. But like river rocks, we have to face a lot of rough waters until we can be smooth and polished.

In order to face those doubts and those tumultuous insecurities without breaking we need a champion.

 Maybe it’s your spouse, someone that gives you time to write even when the kids are literally tearing your house down.

Maybe it’s your mom, who harasses you for the next few pages of your rough draft and boasts of never reading anything better. (Thanks mom, you’re sweet, but delusional. I love you for it!)

Or maybe it’s your writing partner, who cheers you on, soaks up your story, falls in love with your characters. You might even be lucky enough to have an agent or an editor who believes in you by standing behind your words and working to give your dream wings.

Perhaps, it’s God. The one pouring those words through your fingertips. They could be just for you, or for millions of hearts around the world, but He is the author of your dreams, and the most faithful friend.

No matter who you have on your team, prepping you for the ring, wiping up the sweat and tears after a hard blow, please know that you can’t walk this seemingly solitary dream alone. Put yourself out there. Let someone in. Share your story with your closest friend or join a writers group.

Be a champion for someone else.

So let me encourage you to step outside your writer bubble.

Find someone who will help you when you stumble, because you will.

Find someone who will encourage you when you doubt, because you will.

And find someone who will rejoice in your success, when you do!

Let’s take a moment to appreciate those who lift us up! Who is your champion? And how do they make you feel invincible?

Tips to Treasure - Verses of Inspiration

Today I'm going to draw from the archives with a specific purpose in mind. Bible verses. As writers who are Christians, our worldview and inspiration is shaped by our faith.

I hope these verses and comments will bring inspiration and encouragement to you.

Janet Dean
Matthew 7:7–Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

When I’m doing what I believe is God’s will for me, this verse tells me to ask for what I need to accomplish that purpose. That God will give those things to me and will open doors. The promises of this verse are conditional. I must ask, seek and knock first. The verse doesn’t say how long I must ask, seek and knock, but when I do, he will answer in his perfect timing. I’ve seen the promises of this verse fulfilled in my life and specifically with my writing. Now that I’m published, I claim that promise when the words aren’t coming but my deadline is. I ask God for strength, wisdom and peace to create stories that will bring him glory. He’s never failed to answer. When I ask, seek and knock.

Erica Vetsch

The Bible verse that helps me when I’m stymied? The same one that helps me in so many ways. Often when I’m blocked or stuck or procrastinating, it’s because I’m afraid. Afraid I won’t be able to give life to the vision in my head, that I won’t live up to my and readers’ expectations.

That’s when I need to remind myself of a profound truth.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Mary Connealy

The one that comes to mind right now is Psalms 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation–whom shall I fear?

To me, in many ways, the whole Bible is almost summed up in this one sentence (I know it’s not…but there is so much in this one sentence). If we could just remember that God will be with us, even in death, we could face everything. Fear nothing. I think the whole world would change and our whole outlook would change if we could just feel the depth of God’s protection–the beauty of His salvation. It’s a part of His love, and key to remembering He’s always with us.

Audra Harders

Frustrations lay around every corner of the writing process. If I gave in to them, I’d probably still be writing “See Spot run” or something like that. My favorite verses for not only frustration and slumps, but for all the mysteries of life is from Proverbs:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

If it’s important to me, I’ve got to let it go. Easy to say; difficult to do.

Rachel Hauck

When writing Diva Nashvegas I was struggling so much and while at prayer one day, the Lord lead me to Isaiah 41:13, “… do not fear, I will help you.”

I knew He was with me. I pray that verse from time to time. Reminding the Lord, reminding myself.

Did you catch the theme of these verses? As writers we FEAR? But GOD has arrived to OVERCOME our fear!
1 John 4:18 - There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear

Remember that as you write - and as you live, and may His perfect love encourage you to find peace in the storm of writing.

Tips to Treasure - Writing Tips with Rachel Hauck

Rachel Hauck's last book, The Wedding Dress, rocked the fiction world with rave reviews and awards such as ECPA and CBA best sellers. It was also listed as a TOP PICK for Romantic Times.

She's the co-creator and a coach of My Book Therapy, a fabulous opportunity to fine-tune your novel with specific teaching geared for your story.

Rachel is also a fantastic person, with a heart to serve God through worship and writing!

With a track record like this, we thought it would be a good idea to glean from her inspiration :-)

What are two of the most important writing tips you think authors should know?

Rh: Only two? It seems there are so many. But if I had to give a writer two key tips I'd say "backside in chair" and "books are not written, they are rewritten."

Writing a novel is hard work and it requires carving out time to just sit and write. Then after you write, you have to rewrite. And rewrite again. And again. Writing takes time and discipline so just determine up front you're going to make the time and effort.

Great reminders, Rachel. It's so easy to think once we have words on a page we're finished, but rewriting is really at the heart of the writing process.

What is one of your favorite writing quotes and why do you like it? How does it inspire you?

RH: I love the term "Write Who You Are." We hear "Write What You Know" but that knowledge is finite. Write who you are… let your core come out on the page and in the characters. Who we are is the key component to the writer's voice. So write what you love and what stirs your passion.

Oh man, I love this!!! It puts a deeper spin on the 'heart' of why we write. Besides, it really opens us up to enjoying the journey even more. It truly does become an extension of who God has truly made us to be!

Thanks for having me on Writer's Alley!

Thanks for coming, Rachel!

Now it's your turn, Alley Pals!

What's one of your favorite writing tips?

What's Up the Street Next Week

We have a WONDERFUL week planned for you!

BECAUSE......

We are featuring some fabulous authors to bring you Tips to Treasure from the Experts.

AND we'll have another week of guests during May 20th.

So What's up the Street this Week?

Monday - Writing Tips with Rachel Hauck

 

Tuesday - Backstory with Beth K. Vogt

 

Wednesday - Writing Tips with Siri Mitchell

 

Thursday - Scenes to Inspire with Julie Lessman

 

Friday - Writing Tips with Ruth Logan Herne
 

By the way, did you know that Rachel Hauck's new novel Once Upon a Prince is out NOW!!!!!

 

 

 

AND

 

Beth Vogt's Catch a Falling Star!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

12 Days of Christmas....ALLEY STYLE!

On the first day of Christmas, The AlleyCats could see......
The first Cat to fulfill her writing dream.



On the second day of Christmas, The AlleyCats could see.....
Two cats a-stylin'
And the first Cat to fulfill her writing dream.





On the third day of Christmas, The Alley Cats could see.....


Three hungry pals,

two cats a-stylin', and the first Cat to fulfill her writing dream.

On the fourth day of Christmas, The Alley Cats could see....
Four looney tunes,
three hungry pals, two cats a-stylin', and the first Cat to fulfill her writing dream.

On the fifth day of Christmas, The Alley Cats could see....
FIVE Agented gals
Four looney tunes, three hungry pals, two cats a-stylin', and the first Cat to fulfill her writing dream.

On the sixth day of Christmas, The Alley Cats could see...
Six voices singing,
FIVE Agented gals,
Four looney tunes, three hungry pals, two cats a-stylin', and the first Cat to fulfill her writing dream.

On the seventh day of Christmas, The Alley Cats could see...
Seven Seekers Smilin'
Six voices singing,
FIVE Agented gals,
Four looney tunes, three hungry pals, two cats a-stylin', and the first Cat to fulfill her writing dream.

On the eighth day of Christmas, The Alley Cats could see....
Eight Cats a-meetin',
Seven Seekers smilin', six voices singing,
FIVE Agented gals,
Four looney tunes, three hungry pals, two cats a-stylin', and the first Cat to fulfill her writing dream.

On the ninth day of Christmas, The Alley Cats could see...
Nine pals a-posting
Eight Cats a-meetin, seven Seekers smiling, six voices singing,
FIVE Agented gals,
Four looney tunes, three hungry pals, two cats a-stylin', and the first Cat to fulfill her writing dream.

On the tenth day of Christmas, The Alley Cats could see...
Ten who write for Jesus,
Nine pals a-posting, eight Cats a-meetin', seven Seekers smiling, six voices singing,
FIVE Agented gals,
Four looney tunes, three hungry pals, two cats a-stylin', and the first Cat to fulfill her writing dream.

On the eleventh day of Christmas, The Alley Cats could see....
Eleven Carol winners,
Ten who write for Jesus, Nine pals a-posting, eight Cats a-meetin', seven Seekers smiling, six voices singing,
FIVE Agented gals,
Four looney tunes, three hungry pals, two cats a-stylin', and the first Cat to fulfill her writing dream.

On the twelth day of Christmas, The Alley Cats could see...
Twelve new months for blogging,
Eleven Carol winners, ten who write for Jesus, Nine pals a-posting, eight Cats a-meetin', seven Seekers smiling, six voices singing,
FIVE Agented gals,
Four looney tunes, three hungry pals, two cats a-stylin', and the first Cat to fulfill her writing dream.

Merry Christmas!! From our Alley to yours :-)
Angie, Ashley, Casey, Cindy, Julia, Karen, Krista, Mary, Pepper, and Sherrinda

ACFW update

GOOOOODDDDDDDD MOOOOOORRRRRRNING Writers Alley!!!

Well, I got in from my flight around midnight, and even though my eyelids are puffy and my thoughts come like their being pulled through a strainer, it has been a fabulous weekend.

We got to celebrate as our wonderful Cindy Wilson was listed as a Finalist.

And spend so much time just chatting together on Friday night (as you could see in the video)

The BEST part of ACFW for me is the relationship-building. Oh my goodness! God has been so good to give me (and many other people here) to create new relationships and renew older ones.

I want to really encourage all of you to keep this point in perspective. Building relationships, especially our spiritual relationship, trumps all the editor/agent appointments, requests, and great pitches.

Rachel Hauck brought attention to the scene in the Bible with Mary and Martha. Martha was working away, taking care of Jesus and his disciples, while Mary sat at Jesus' feet. Martha started complaining, saying "Jesus, I'm over here working away and Mary's just sitting around listening to you." (paraphrase ;-)

What did Jesus say? Something like - "Martha, you are worrried about many things, but only ONE thing is important right now. Mary's found the ONE thing." (again, Paraphrase :-)

What is that One thing?
Jesus - and the relationship we build with him.

Conference can be hectic, crazy, and scary. It can pull your mind and spirit in good directions and bad. But only ONE thing is the most important at the heart of all the chaos.
Jesus.
His Call in your life - His direction of your path - His guidance related to the story written on the pages of your life.

I LOVED meeting my Alley Cats.

I LOVED spending time with fabulous people like Lindsey Harrell and Gabrielle Meyer. Laughing with the marvelous Jeanne T and dosey-do-ing with the MBT gals.
I LOVED having prayers with Beth Vogt and laughing with Tina Radcliffe and Mary Connealy.
But at the end of the day, when you check out of the hotel and are faced with a blank computer screen on the flight home......there is only ONE THING that holds all this together.

Jesus.
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btw, thee pic at the top was taken by the fabulous Renee Ann Smith.