Looking for a Writer's Conference? Come to ACFW

In less than 40 days, one of my favorite times of the year happens. The ACFW conference! I'll never forget my first time at conference in 2005.

I went with a fellow writer from Indiana -- a gal I'd met once or twice -- yet, we became fast friends in the six hour drive to Nashville. I met Tracie Peterson for the first time looking like a drowned cat -- boy, would I like a photo of that first impression! That first conference launched my writing career...introducing me to editors, agents and other writers. Finding out that I wasn't crazy for thinking a bit differently from others and believing the dream that I could actually write a book and maybe -- just maybe -- I would see it in print.

This year, the conference will be in Dallas at the Hyatt Regency DFW. It's literally at the airport...a short walk or shuttle ride from baggage. It will be a great location for us with lots of room for workshops, meals and more.

I'm excited that this year's keynote speaker is Bill Myer. This man has written so many and varied books, that I'm eager to know what God has given him to share with us. Plus Bill Mayer is teaching the early bird and a post session as well. Then there are all the editors, agents, media experts, mentors and more who are there to help YOU progress on your writing journey.

There are so many reasons to come if you are a Christian fiction writer. I've attended each one since 2005. Why?

• Because it's the one time a year, I get to spend time with many of my dearest writing friends. It really is like a giant (we're expecting 700+ this year) family reunion.
• I learn so much from the workshops and speakers.
• I get to give back a fraction of what has been given to me. I love running the first time orientation program for those who have never been part of our family before. You'll see me all over the conference giving hugs, praying with people, and doing a lot of squealing as I run into so many dear friends. 
• I get to celebrate with friends as the Carol and Genesis Awards are handed out at the Gala.

But why do I invest two months in the first time orientation program? Because I remember what it was like to step into the conference hotel. To have spent hours traveling from my home to a destination that held so many of my dreams. To know that even as an extrovert, I was scared and out of my comfort zone. I want to remove as many of those concerns and replace them with information, friendships, and the certainty that if God has prepared a way to attend, then He has a plan for your time at ACFW. So come expecting and excited to see what He will do.

One thing I know with certainty. God always shows up and works in amazing ways at ACFW. If you're an aspiring writer, I hope you will join us!

____________________

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.

Its Raining on Prom Night...Tea and Sympathy for the Disappointed Writer

Update: 

Last year I was disappointed to miss conference and wrote about it here.

I talked to one Alley-Mate on the phone and told her this year would not be my year either. Texas was just too far away.

Well, God has surprises in store and I am sharing this to show you that just because this year isn't your year...who knows...

I have never traveled on my own before. When I realized the hotel was right at the airport and I wouldn't have to worry about transportation my sweet hubby and I talked. In spite of the challenges, we decided this would be my year. I was sure I wasn't attending and ended up signing up the first week the conference opened. 

As I'm dealing with the last minute details of conference, I leave you with this post from last year and the fact that next year, next week, always comes with fresh new possibilities.

I haven't traveled on a plane since 9/11 and I'm desperately shy so if you see me know that attending ACFW is part of my walk of faith this year. 

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Whatever the Lord has in store for you this week you can be sure its the very best. 

If I were your next door neighbor, I'd bring over a box of See's truffles and a box of tissue.  Call this your virtual box of truffles.

Conference season is upon us.  We've had a great week of posts on the conference which I plan to save for future reference.  But I know some of you are reading all these "getting ready for conference" posts on our blogs and others and well, let's get real here, maybe feeling a little green in the gills.

Here are my top tips for the "missing conference blues":

1.  Spend some extra time in the Word.  God knows our disappointments in our writing life and in other parts of our life.  Some recent verses in my life for fighting discouragement:

Romans 8:28-30 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brother. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

Psalm 9:9-10 The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,

a stronghold in times of trouble.

And those who know your name put their trust in you,

for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.

Psalm 62:8 Trust in him at all times, O people;

pour out your heart before him;

God is a refuge for us.

Psalm 63:5-8 My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,

and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,

when I remember you upon my bed,

and meditate on you in the watches of the night;

for you have been my help,

and in the shadows of your wings I will sing for joy.

My soul clings to you;

your right hand upholds me.

2.  Write your thousand gifts and thank God for them.  Why not take some time to reflect on the things God has done in your writing life (and in the rest of your life) in the past year.  I know usually I'm more apt to grumble when I'm not being so conscious about being thankful.

3. Put it in perspective.  As Chip said, many writers have disappointed expectations regarding conference.  I think many of us also lack perspective about not attending conference.  Conference is built up and sometimes we forget that God can make a way for us to make connections without attending the conference.  Granted many important connections are made at conference, but some are not.

4.  Have a mini-conference at home.  Last year I found the ACFW conference CDs to be a very worthwhile investment because I was able to listen to ALL the conference.  If you can't afford the package, there are places where you can purchase single CDs or MP3 recordings.  For the price of a mass market paperback you could download MP3 recordings at Best Christian Conferences.  Sit down with a notebook and study a writing topic of interest.

5.  See if you can fit in a little extra time to write.  Sometime during that week, try to find a larger chunk of writing time to remind yourself that its really all about love for the craft.  Maybe see if you can head to Starbucks for a few hours early on a Saturday morning.

6.  Look at the big picture.  God has a plan for your life. He has a plan for your writing.  He wants to use it to glorify Him.  How can you do that right where you are?

7.  Plan for the Season. Only God knows the plans He has in store for us.  Finances, health, children, jobs, homeschooling...whatever the reason you are not able to make it to conference...God knows and He sympathizes even in the small disappointments of life. Through the blogosphere I've connected with writers who have been through difficult seasons in their writing life.  One writer spent 5 years on her first book while she was homeschooling her sons.  As more seasoned writers share their experiences we can find encouragement.

Colossians 2:6-7 So then, just as you received Jesus Christ as Lord, continue to live in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught-and overflowing with thankfulness.

I leave you with a quote by Jon Acuff that inspired me: "Never compare your beginning to someone else's middle."

Go forth!

 Julia enjoys writing women's fiction whenever she can find a chair free of smushed peanut butter sandwiches and lego blocks. She is a wife and homeschooling mama of two littles. She also currently reviews for The Title Trakk and Christian Library Journal. 

Countdown to ACFW: Prep Reminders Part 1

September is upon us, and I have baby brain. My novels are my babies and I am obsessing! I have endured the edits, designed my one sheets, and made lists upon lists of pitches and blurbs. It is time to make a game plan for ACFW conference, because as we know, a plan helps us to feel prepared. I am also looking forward to all the people I hope to see...agents and editors, favorite authors,writing friends, and new friends...oh my!
Today I will talk about the materials to bring, and then on the Monday before conference, I will give you some last minute suggestions on how to organize all your friend dates and appointments, assigned and for fun.

On to.......

 The stuff:

 Business Cards: 

Have you ordered your business cards yet? It's about time! You'll want to be sure to consider time for shipping. Things to include on those tickets for networking:

•  Name and contact info including blog addresses and facebook pages 

•  A picture of you – some choose not to do this, but it might be that one thing that jogs the memory of that agent or editor who has been introduced to a gazillion other writers like yourself. And it's like high school all over again when you get to swap your wallet pics with your friends!

   Tip: Make sure the design is balanced (if you don't use a template offered on sites like Vistaprint), and not cluttered.

   Optionals: Tagline (your brand) –
   Do you have a catchy phrase that describes what you write? Yet another thing to jog memories and make a lasting impression. I would suggest this is definitely optional though. I have chosen to not include a tagline on my card this year. I am un-agented, and would rather wait to get advice once a find an agent. Maybe you aren't crazy about what you've come up with? Don't sweat it, you can still dazzle them with your pitch without a brand. Pitch – some people include the pitch of their current novel on the back of their card. If you want to use your cards over and over, you can simply print your pitch on a mailing label, and stick it on several cards that you will pass out at conference.
              
                      Awards -- If you have space, or want to use the back, put your awards on there! Make yourself shine! 

One Sheets:

This tool was my confidence on-a-page last year. I sat down at my appointments and used my one sheet to spur the conversation. It took a lot of stress off of me to recite my pitch and blurb, and it appealed to more senses than just hearing me blab! What does it need to include?
 If you look at my one sheet, start at the top and go clockwise:

• The title (of course) 
• a tagline or one liner that gives the essence of your story
• a bio (mine is at the bottom) that highlights your credentials, awards, and gives a snippet of who you are, contact info and a picture of you (same reason for the business card)
• your blurb and pitch. The blurb is not a full synopsis of the story. It is more what you would see on the back cover of a book. Don't give your ending away, be sure to hook the reader so they want to request more (a full perhaps?)

    Graphics: I am certainly a visual person. Check out my post last year on designing one sheets. Be sure to include a graphic or two that relates to your story, and place them in an appealing way that works well with the rest of the layout.

 Writing Samples:
If you go to the ACFW appointments page and scroll through the agents and editors, you'll notice many of them ask for writing samples, usually your first chapter. Be sure to polish, polish, polish, and have it ready for them to look at it in that short 15 minute time slot. They DO read them, trust me from experience! Last year, two agents took the time to read part of my chapter right there in front of me. I got a request out of it, so don't think it's a waste of time or paper to bring that with you!

Organizing Your Stuff:

    Business cards: The name tag lanyard you receive at conference is awesome because it is a pouch with zipper pockets. You can use one area for your business cards, and the other for those you collect. Easy and accessible!
   One Sheets, writing samples, schedules, pitches: I used a multi pocketed folder last year, and it worked wonderfully! Each section was reserved for a specific novel with one side holding my one sheets and the other side holding my samples. On the front of each folder pocket, I taped a strip of paper with my pitch printed on it for quick reference.
You'll also want to reserve some pockets for other things like schedules, Editor and agent expectations and People you want to see, meet. I will talk about this in two weeks.

 Do you have any suggestions for getting ready for writer's conferences? How about any questions about the stuff you take with you?

Top 5 Things to Avoid Telling Editors and Agents at Conferences

Since several of the Alley Cats are en route to the ACFW Conference today, it seemed like a good time to recap some conference etiquette. So if you find yourself at home, take notes for the next conference you attend. :)

Here are my top five things you should never, ever, ever tell an editor or agent at a writers conference:

5. [in one-on-one appointment] "This manuscript is my best work yet. Oh, and by the way, my mom wrote half of it."

4. [to Amish fiction editor] "I don't get all this Amish craze. Who gives a rip about bonnets and buggies?"

3. [at the lunch table] "You've got a strawberry seed the size of Russia between your teeth."

2. [at the dinner table] "I came out of the womb with a pen in my hand. Wanna see pictures?"

1. [sliding proposal under agent's hotel room door at 6am] "Newspaper delivery!"

Have you made any embarrassing comments at a conference that you're willing to share? How would you tell an editor or agent they have a strawberry seed between their teeth?

*This list was originally posted on www.sarahforgrave.com on June 29, 2011.
**Photo by Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Conference Archives 2010: What's in a Name?

ACFW...here we come...er, not really for some of us. 

I'm reliving 2010 conference through the MP3 set. The audio sets are expensive, but well-worth it and I like to cheer myself with the reminder that I wouldn't be able to hear "all" the speakers in person anyhow. 

Lately I've been enjoying Dennis Hensley. I was thrilled to find he is also a yearly speaker at Writing for the Soul conference, so I hope to download more of his audios.

One thing I've been pondering lately is the renaming of some of my characters.  It took a critiquer to notice I broke one of the cardinal rules of naming characters.  I have too many sound-alike names.  From Jessalyn to Jared to Josiah, I was entranced with "J" names and they fluttered through my story. 

Pondering name changes, I began listening to Dennis Hensley's audio entitled "Mastering Structure, Symbols, 3D Characters..." Let me tell you taking notes on some of these will result in a cramped hand and lots of rewinds to catch the "good bits."

Here are some of the different types of names, according to Hensley:

1) Symbolic names:

Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird comes quickly to mind.  Finch and mockingbirds both being small and vulnerable birds.  Finch was also Harper Lee's maiden name.  His name shows the strength of the seemingly small individual.

Literature is stuffed with religiously symbolic characters, like Jim Casy whose initials and character traits make obvious John Steinbeck's purpose in creating him.  Or like Evangeline in Uncle Tom's Cabin who heads up the T.G.T.L. club ("too good to live") along with Beth from Little Women and other favorites too numerous to name.

Baby namer is my favorite site for finding character names, but I'm sure there are loads more out there.

2) Ethnic names:

Behind the Name is a great site if you are looking for the history of a name and its origin.

My novel's main character is exiting a cult. In researching I found that certain names are popular within this cult.

Would your character have a name that's behind the times? Perhaps reading literature from the appropriate time period or country would help you find new name choices.

Pippi Longstocking is particularly Australian, the reader immediately associates her name with a location.

I think its important to be careful that we are being faithful to the ethnicity of our character, but not promoting ethnic stereotypes.

3) Regional names:

OK, the first thought that comes to mind here is Jim-Bob Duggar and Billy-Bob Thornton.  The viewer is not shocked to learn that either man is from the Southern states. I'm a New Yaw-ker and I'm trying to think of New England names.  Anyone help me out here?

Adding last name always works great for emphasis.  The more of our name our mother used the longer our grounding sentence might be.

What are some of your favorite names from literature (or life)? How did you name the main character in your current WIP?

Last Minute Conference Tips

So, I just finished getting my one sheets, sample chapters, proposal, agenda, and business cards all organized... Three more days (less for some of you)! I am so excited. As I get ready for the big conference, I have come across some great tips from fellow ACFW members and would like to share them with any of you conference-goers:


 SCENT-FREE Conference: 

Naomi Rawlings is on the newcomers loop and has some great insight into an unusual but important subject. ACFW is "scent-free", and Naomi clears up what this means:

Some attendees, including myself, are very sensitive to certain scents. So what does “scent free” mean? Do you need to wash the clothes you plan to wear in scent-free laundry detergent? Buy scent-free shampoo, make-up, and deodorant?

No. Nothing that extreme. Just avoid scented lotions, body sprays, and perfumes. Please don’t use hand sanitizers, as the scent-free versions of those smells strong. If you’re a man, make sure your aftershave is scent free or very mild. Meanwhile, those of us sensitive to scents will be armed with inhalers for our asthma or pain killers for our headaches, in case we run into an offending smell.

Also individuals allergic to feathers should call the hotel at (314) 655-1234 and request feather bedding be removed from your room.

SLEEP:

My fabulous crit partner, Ashley Clark, gives us advice from what she learned when she attended her first ACFW conference:

From personal experience, let me just say I suspect there may be something Godly about skipping sessions to take a nap. In all seriousness, last conference I stretched myself too thin. I tried to go to too many sessions, meet too many people. That worked well for a couple days, but then I reached a breaking point. I vividly remember going back to my room and finally breaking down, asking God to lead me to whoever I needed to speak with because I just couldn’t keep up anymore. And a funny thing happened. I got a full manuscript request the next day.

TIPPING and SPACE: 

Cindy Wilson, one of our Alley Cats, brought up a good point...bring some extra cash to tip taxi drivers, bell boys, valets. In the day of credit cards, sometimes having cash is not the norm. Don't forget!
Also, she brought up a MUST! Leave room in your suitcase for any new books you pick up at the conference bookstore...they will have a BUNCH to choose from! (And that being said, don't forget to bring the books you want signed by the author.)


TIPS, TIPS, and MORE TIPS:

Alley Cat, Pepper Basham has been a busy lady gathering tips from wonderful authors on her personal blog at pepperbasham.wordpress.com . Check it out before you head to the conference. She provides wonderful advice for conquering those last minute jitters, fighting the fear of the unknown, and just equipping yourself for a great time!

And my last minute tip...take a bunch of deep breaths and remember, you've got Jesus on your side! He "did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and sound mind." He will give you all you need to proceed forward with this writing dream!

Write...Be...Who YOU Are

In four short, (loooonnnnggg) days I pile my luggage, laptop and dad into the car and we drive across the country to St. Louis, Missouri for the ACFW conference.

I'm giddy with excitement.

And anxious with nerves.

What if they don't like me?

The agent laughs at my writing?


I go blank when someone wants to know what my story is about?

Monkeys take over planet Hollywood. No...what...wait, what is my story idea again??

Did I pack enough breath mints? Deodorant? One sheets? My roommate survival cheat sheet?

My story idea sucks. My business card font is waaaay too small and no agent/editor is going to give a hill o' beans to what I'm writing or care enough to dig out their magnifying scope to read my contact info.

At one time or another these ideas have run through my head as I prepared for the conference. But I know you don't have to be attending to know what I am talking about. Because at some point in our writing lives (in life period it seems) we have these doubting behaviors.  Those times when all we want to do is give completely up.

It can be so discouraging to watch the changing shifts in the market and know that our 'monkies hit planet Hollywood and crash on the set of Grey's Anatomy' is not going to be bought anytime soon.

Is it worth it to keep going?

Since you can't attend the conference and won't get to meet with all these fab authors/agents/editors is it really worth continuing to write right now? Maybe you should just wait for the muse to come back.

Wrong. That is the last thing you should do.

As humans, but more importantly, as creations of the Father, we are unique and important in His sight. We each bring something to the table of His kingdom. It doesn't matter how long you spend on those manuscripts or how much they aren't 'saleable' in the world's eyes. They are perfect for you right now.

No one can write the story you are writing like you can. No one else had that exact story idea. You were the one to dream up the characters, give them a plot and put them to life on the page.

You spend hours breathing life and editing them into submission and no one else could come up with the exact same string of words like you could.

Don't listen to what the world is telling you should or should not be writing. Or going. Or doing. Fads change like the winds, but because we are anchored to Christ, grounded in what we know we should be doing for Him, we are in the perfect place.

Listen to the voices of reason God has placed around you, sure. Absolutely, don't ignore their common sense, but also, don't forget that you wouldn't be here unless HE put you here.

I'll see you on the other side of the conference!

What's Up The Street For Next Week?

I don't know about where you live, but where I live, it's FAIR WEEK!

Which means, there are animals, rodeo, 4H and FFA projects, livestock auctions and SO MUCH MORE going on!

We've got animals judging yesterday and Thursday and the parade today (which I'll be riding in with the rest of the family)-- it's got to be one of my favorite times of the year!

Plus in my small community, it's about the only time of year I get to see a bunch of people I know. ;-)

So while I'm off waving at the 100's turned out to watch the pararde floats and listen to the marching band, here is what is...

Coming Up the Street for YOU!

Monday we welcome guest blogger, K. Dawn Byrd on how she handled her switch from writing adult to YA fiction

Sherrinda is your hostess with the mostest on Tuesday!

Mary brings to us a great post with 7 time Christy Award winning author, Lynn Austin to the blog! Lynn has also promised to stop by to leave comments!

Be who YOU are is the topic of Casey's post on Thursday

Friday, Krista will entertain us!

News Stand

The winner's from last weekend's edition are... Joanne Sher and JourneytoEpiphany!! (Journey I need you to email me at: caseym(dot)writer(at)gmail(dot)com  Thanks!

The preparing-for-a-conference series continues on Pepper's blog all next week. Don't miss it!

What to pack for the ACFW conference

Preparing SPIRITUALLY for the conference

See you next week!! 

**Photo courtesy of grantsburgfair.com
**Photo courtesy of ecoliblog.com
**Photo courtesy of townnews.com

Conference Pitching: A Nitty Gritty Workshop (Part Two)

If you're headed to the ACFW Conference in a couple weeks, you're probably busy polishing up your manuscripts and your pitches. Two weeks ago, I dissected Alley Cat Angie's elevator pitch--that short blurb for when an editor or agent asks you in passing, "What's your story about?"

If you have an appointment with an editor or agent, however, you may want your pitch to be slightly longer (although some agents and editors still prefer the short pitch in these appointments).

So today I'll do more dissection. I feel like I'm in 10th grade biology with a dead frog staring me down. :-) This time I'll analyze Angie's longer pitch, which doesn't resemble a dead frog in any way.

We worked on her pitch in two waves, so I'll start from the beginning. Here's what she had to start, with my comments interspersed.

Chief Vio has chosen three men to fight for Yana's hand in marriage—savage beasts who assure her nothing short of a life of misery. [Wow, fascinating premise!] But when an unusual crew [I'm unsure what the term "unusual crew" means. Is there another way to phrase?] steps foot in their Amazonian village, her heart begins to beat for the first time at the sight of the coiled-haired [Okay, I'm getting uber-picky here, but "coiled-haired" reads a little awkward to me. I'm wondering if a different description would work...I'm not sure I can picture what coiled hair looks like. Is it curly? Is it a certain color?] man, Andres Garcia. Yana resists her forbidden attraction to Andres, a foreigner in faith and blood [love this phrase!]. Yet when she indulges in her heart's desire [This is sort of broad. What exactly is her heart's desire and how does she indulge in it? Are you talking about falling in love with Andres? If so, I'd maybe state it more clearly.], and admits faith in his God, Yana finds herself trapped between two worlds [How so? I'd love to see you show the stakes here].

Her village's fury is soon kindled by the deceit of the pale-skinned men [I'm a little lost here. Who were the pale-skinned men and how did they deceive the village?], and Yana and Andres find themselves in a dangerous pursuit [Would love to see some specifics here in place of "dangerous pursuit"]. Just as the villagers have reason to claim Andres' head, Yana escapes with him beyond her world. [This feels sort of vague. Is there a short phrase you can use to provide a clear picture of where they go?]

But danger is not lost in the jungle. It waits for the couple, like a jaguar hunts its prey, ready to attack from the hills of Andres' Spanish home. Is Yana's newborn faith strong enough to endure what lies ahead? [Nice ending! You've resisted the urge to spell out the ending of the book, which leaves all the right questions in my mind.] :)

A few weeks later, Angie sent this revised version:

Yana's father, chief of an Amazonian tribe, has chosen three men to fight for her hand in marriage—savage beasts who assure her nothing short of a life of misery. But when a crew of Spanish explorers steps foot in their village, her heart begins to beat for the first time at the sight of the pale-skinned man, Andres Garcia.

Yana struggles with her forbidden attraction to Andres, a foreigner in faith and blood. And when she discovers his commander has crafted a plot to steal the chief's medallion, she must choose between her loyalty to her people and protecting Andres' life. She succumbs to his love and warns Andres about his commander's dangerous pursuit. Disease strikes the village, and Andres and Yana assume the plot is abandoned when the Spanish crew chooses to depart and avoid its spread. They bid farewell in secret. Yana once again faces a future with a ruthless warrior, without love or happiness.

The villager's fury is kindled when the medallion is found missing the morning when the crew sets out. After days of man hunts and deaths from illness, Yana finds Andres upon the road to her village, with the medallion cradled in his hands. Danger is inevitable, even in his noble quest to return the treasure, and Andres must escape to save his life. Yana cannot bear to say goodbye again, and chooses to follow him and His God across the seas.

But danger is not lost in the jungle. It waits for the couple, like a jaguar's eyes upon its prey, ready to attack from the hills of Andres' Spanish home. Is Yana's newborn faith strong enough to endure what lies ahead?

I really liked the clarity that Angie provided in this version, but I felt like she almost went the opposite extreme and got a little too bogged down in the details. I sent her a revised version, in which I condensed about a third of her pitch and jumped straight to the last paragraph (which I loved!).

Yana's father, chief of an Amazonian tribe, has chosen three men to fight for her hand in marriage—savage beasts who assure her nothing short of a life of misery. But when a crew of Spanish explorers steps foot in their village, her heart begins to beat for the first time at the sight of the pale-skinned man, Andres Garcia. Yana struggles with her forbidden attraction to Andres, a foreigner in faith and blood. And when she discovers his commander has crafted a plot to steal the chief's medallion, she must choose between her loyalty to her people and protecting Andres's life.

Disease and threats push Yana and her lover to escape the village in secret, and while Yana cannot bear to say goodbye to her home, she follows Andres and his God across the seas. But danger is not lost in the jungle. It waits for the couple, like a jaguar's eyes upon its prey, ready to attack from the hills of Andres's Spanish home. Is Yana's newborn faith strong enough to endure what lies ahead?

This pitch sets up the conflict and motivation for Yana at the outset--the arranged marriage, followed by foreigners and her attraction, and then the fact that Andres's commander is plotting to steal her father's medallion. Then by scrunching down those other details, we've given a brief glimpse of what the story holds while also leaving a powerful story question at the end. Some editors or agents might prefer that this be trimmed even more, which would allow you to have more of a two-way dialogue in your appointment.

But no matter what she goes with, Angie's job is to practice saying her pitch so many times that she'll sound natural when her mouth goes dry and her knees start knocking against each other. :) I know she'll do great!!!

Are you preparing a pitch for conference? Any questions you have about the changes we made to Angie's pitch? If you're feeling brave, share your pitch with us in the comments!


*Sponge photo by nuchylee / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
**Keyboard photo by Gregory Szarkiewicz / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

What's Up The Street For Next Week?

Here at the Alley we like to celebrate. And lately the Alley Cats have been exceedingly blessed on their writing journey. They have taken their work seriously, worked hard, perfected their craft and now we get to shine the spotlight on some of their successes.

AND we get to celebrate ANOTHER success this weekend! Last weekend it was Wendy's agent news and...

THIS WEEK

It's SARAH'S AGENT NEWS!!

Sarah is now the proud client of Books and Such literary agent, Mary Keeley!!!!

Pass on your kudos in the comments section, we are SO PROUD of our Alley Cats here!! : D

Coming up...

You're headed to that conference. Big or small. And there are editors you want to meet, agents you want to chat with and friends to bump into. Angie has a great post on networking at a conference on Monday


Middles are so easy to get stuck in. On Tuesday, Julia will share her post on moving past that troublesome sticking place in our manuscripts.


Sarah continues into Part 2 of her series on pitching at a conference on Wednesday.


Bring that troublesome ending on Thursday, newly agented Wendy will have tips for us.


Writers love to read books they love, but can you strengthen your writing by books you don't? Cindy discusses this topic on the blog this Friday.

*~*~NewsStand:~*~*

To celebrate the Alley's 400 followers (YOU!) and so much agent news going on around here, leave a comment and I'll draw two names to pick a book from my swap list.

See the Alley notice on the right hand side bar?? THREE of our Alley cats are now agented!! Big news for our blog AND these writers! It's only a matter of time now before a first sale. I just know it.  ;-)

BE SURE and check out the Seekerville Weekend Edition tomorrow (Sunday) for some exciting news!

Pepper has a conference series of tips from authors all this coming week on her blog. Don't miss it!

Casey has Julie Lessman on her blog with a giveaway of Julie's very latest release,  A Heart Revealed. Hurry, giveaway ends soon!

Celebrate in Wendy's big news on her blog post from this Friday!!

Did ya miss it? Here is SARAH'S big news post on her blog.

Going to the ACFW conference? Check out this check list from Camy Tang for all that should be in your bag.

Courtesy of discountpartyshop.co.uk

Preparing to Meet Agents and Editors

One of the greatest things about conferences is the networking. It's your opportunity to connect with friends and other writers, as well as professionals in the publishing industry. However, this can also be intimidating, especially meeting with agents and editors who you're trying to make a good impression on.

With the ACFW conference coming up shortly, I thought I'd share a little on when you will have the opportunity to meet agents and editors as well as how you might want to prepare.

Where will I meet agents and editors?

Scheduled Meetings

When you register for the conference, you will have the chance to schedule a meeting with an agent or editor or both. These fifteen minute sessions give you the opportunity to sit down face to face with an agent or editor and talk to them about you and your work.

Late-night Panels

You can also schedule to sit in on a publisher's panel. This is where editors and others from a publishing house will talk about their house, sometimes what they are looking for, or the direction of publishing, etc. You may not have the chance to meet an editor one on one at these sessions, but usually there will be a time scheduled for questions and answers.

Lunches

During a couple of meals, you will have the chance to sit with certain agents or editors (first come first serve, of course, because there's limited seating at each table) and talk with them. Sometimes it's more casual and just general chatting and other times it's more specific. I sat with both an agent for one meal and an editor for another meal at the ACFW conference last year. The agent asked me about what I write, shared a little of what she was looking for with the entire table, and then I ended up spending several minutes chatting about mission trips and unusual food with her. A great example of how agents are people, too, and how it doesn't hurt to take a breather and just be yourself.

Random Meetings

These are the unscheduled kind where you run into an agent or editor because someone either suggested you seek them out or they just happen to be where you are or the other way around. I can't stress more that these kinds of meetings (such as the bathroom meeting) are not the kind of place you want to be pushing your pitch or your one sheets. BUT, if the agent or editor does ask to hear or see something, then you have an opening. (Trust me, it does happen. It met two authors in the bathroom and the conversation turned toward my writing and from that I got a recommendation to talk with an agent the next day. Also, a walk down to Starbucks with an agent turned into my chance to do a short pitch and hand over my one sheet.)

What do I need to bring with me or how else to I prepare?

One Sheets

A one sheet is a single page promoting your individual book. The one sheet includes a summary of the book, a bio of you as well as a picture if you have one (which hopefully you do for professional reasons), a single sentence hook if you can - basically a query letter in more attractive form. Angie posted on one sheets earlier this week if you need some good tips. (Also, bring these with you everywhere because you never know when you're going to have a chance to hand them out. I ended up handing out two over lunch, one at Starbucks, and three during scheduled meetings.)

Chapters

It's a good idea to bring the first chapter or scene of your book with you so if an agent or editor asks, you have something to show them. It's a chance for them to see your writing style and know if they're interested in seeing more. If nothing else, it's a chance to get feedback if they're willing.

Pitch

This is also called the elevator pitch, the very brief but hopefully intriguing summary of your book. It's a great idea to have this at the forefront of your memory, ready to tell an agent or editor what your book is about either at a meeting or somewhere else. I only had one agent and one editor meeting at the conference last year, but I ended up saying my pitch to three agents and two editors, as well as other writers and authors, in various places throughout the weekend. Check this post from Sarah about elevator pitches if you need some ideas.

Business Cards

These are handy to bring to appointments to attach to one sheets or chapters, although you should already have your contact information on the one sheets anyway. Otherwise, they're mostly just a tool to keep connected with other writers, authors, or friends you meet.

Relax and Be Yourself

There is such a thing as preparing yourself mentally or even spiritually beforehand and I'd highly recommend it. Last year, I had dreams about my first big conference, dozens of scenes in my head about the ways I'd mess up my pitch or what a poor impression I would make. Prepare yourself by telling yourself that you're not in this by yourself. You will be there with hundreds of other writers who are nervous or excited or even new just like you. And remember, agents and editors are people too and if you can relax with them you'll be able to really show them who you are and get as much from each meeting as you can.

What worries or concerns do you have about meeting agents or editors? Or, for those of you who are pros or excited about this one on one time, how do you plan on preparing for those meetings?

A Time for Everything at a Conference

wen

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die (A new story idea is born while you ride the airport shuttle. An old story officially dies after hearing two others pitch something way too similar during a workshop about clichés nonetheless.)

a time to plant and a time to uproot (A spine-tingling conversation is happening in the bar. You plant it. Women begin gossiping about a fellow writer. You uproot.)

a time to kill and a time to heal (You kill your darlings during an intensive editing workshop. You heal from the comments you weren’t expecting to hear from an editor while sitting with him at lunch.)

a time to tear down and a time to build (You break your plot into teeny tiny pieces to evaluate only so you can build your story back up stronger after an inspiring plot structuring workshop.)

a time to weep and a time to laugh (You cry at the joy of seeing friends. You laugh with those same friends when one receives a request for a full.)

a time to mourn and a time to dance (You take a moment in the lobby to mourn that your career path will never look like Stellar Susan’s. And then you go get your groove on in a hotel room, dancing with friends...this I really did last year.)

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them (You hand out your one-sheets and business cards. You collect business cards and words of advice before you sweat yourself into a Wicked Witch puddle pre-pitch session.)

a time to embrace and a time to refrain (You embrace those you’ve established a strong bond with. You refrain from tackling your favorite agent to the ground in the ladies restroom, while screaming out the lyrics to David Cassidy’s “I Think I Love You”.)

a time to search and a time to give up (You scan the crowd for your top picks of who you’d like to sit with at lunch and when you realize their table is entirely full, you give up and end up sitting with exactly who God wants you to.)

a time to keep and a time to throw away (A trusted mentor offers a gold nugget on your way to meet with an editor. Keep it. Your napkin from lunch when you were able to sit with desired agent…throw that away!)

a time to tear and a time to mend (That entire first chapter. You rip it up after you realize it’s corroded with back story, a puffy and unnecessary prologue, and boring details. And in the bathroom at 2 a.m. you quietly mend your herky jerky ending.)

a time to be silent and a time to speak (You’re sitting in a class when an agent offers folks to stand up and give their pitch. You stay silent knowing you’ll have your time in T minus one hour during a one on one.)

a time to love and a time to hate (You love arriving and hate leaving.)

a time for war and a time for peace (You war with your insecure thoughts all weekend only to leave at peace with how everything unraveled.)

Because after all, there’s a time for everything at a conference!

Relate to any of the above?

*from Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 with my interpretive conference-minded spin on it
**most of the above are fabricated scenarios with real potential to occur

Conference Pitching: A Nitty Gritty Workshop (Part One)

If there's one thing that can make a writer shake until they fall out of their chair, it's the idea of pitching their story to an agent or editor face-to-face. But if you craft a killer pitch before you arrive at a conference, you'll be one step ahead of the game.

A couple months ago, my fellow Alley Cat, Angie, asked for feedback on her elevator pitch and query blurb. And weird old me jumped at the chance. Call me crazy, but I get a kick out of this stuff. Apparently the other Alley Cats found my comments helpful enough that they convinced me to turn it into a blog post. So here we are.

Just to clarify, I'm going to get into the details of wording choices and plot points to emphasize in a pitch, not necessarily how to deliver it effectively in person. So let's get started.

Here's Angie's original elevator pitch along with the comments I sent back to her.

In the Amazon basin in 1546, a tribal chief's daughter dares to love a Spanish explorer, ultimately facing a choice between her heart and her people.

[My comments: I love the unique setting! In general, this description feels a little broad to me. It's really close, but I think you could punch it up an extra notch by giving more specifics. What's her external goal throughout the story? I'd present that first, then tell how this forbidden love inhibits the goal.]

Without knowing her full story, here's the example I developed based on the longer elevator pitch she had also provided.

Desperate to escape a pre-arranged marriage to a savage beast, an Amazonian princess indulges in a forbidden love. But will the Spanish explorer who has captured her heart pull her from her home, only to lead her into a dangerous trap?

In this revised pitch, I changed the following elements to give it more kick.

1) Mentioned the marriage to a savage beast. I did that for a couple reasons. One is to give her motivation and goal in a short snippet, but it also explains the stakes (the phrase "savage beast" has a startling quality to it and gets the listener's attention).

2) Eliminated the need for a phrase describing the setting and time period. By putting the terms "savage beast" and "Spanish explorer" in there, it gives the listener a sense that it's a historical piece in a unique setting, while utilizing every word choice possible to convey the plot.

3) Mentioned the forbidden love. This clearly sets the stage for conflict no matter what she chooses. Instead of saying she's facing a choice between her heart and her people, we've now rephrased it to clearly show that conflict (marriage to a savage beast versus forbidden love with an explorer).

4) Ended the pitch with a question to increase the stakes even more. Now we're not just talking about forbidden love anymore, but forbidden love that could lead to a dangerous trap. (By the way, putting "dangerous trap" at the end is a Margie Lawson technique of backloading...putting a power word or phrase at the end of the sentence to draw the listener in and propel them to want more.) I didn't word that last sentence very well (has lots of "her" in it), but hopefully it gives you an overall sense of where to provide the specifics.

This type of pitch would be effective for those super-short snippets of time when an editor or agent says, "What's your story about?" You'd probably want a slightly longer pitch for a one-on-one appointment. I'll be dissecting that type of pitch in two weeks when I present part two.

Do you have any sort of method you use when developing an elevator pitch? If you're stuck on your elevator pitch or want feedback, share it with us in the comments. We love to brainstorm around here! :)

*Nervous photo by africa / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
**Elevator photo by Gregory Szarkiewicz / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Design and Conquer: The One Sheet

I am an artist at heart. Graphics and design make me all giddy! When I first learned about one sheets, I was excited to play with this informative "art form".
The one sheet is a cheat sheet for you when you pitch, but it is also someone's only glimpse at your novel. These are so great to have at a conference.
Make it eye-catching, something an editor or agent is drawn too when they look through their stacks of one sheets. Use graphics that will stick in their mind when they think of your book. I'll give you my personal tips on creating a one sheet based purely on my graphic background... As I am unrepresented and unpublished, I will have to let you know how mine works at this year's conference! :)

Raison d'etre: Everything should have a reason to be... This is the anal architect in me. I cringe when I walk into a room and a picture is just “floating” on a wall when it could easily have been measured out and placed in a logical spot. Make sure you don't have graphics or text “floating” in space. Line text up with other text, center it with something, make sure your graphics or bio pic aren't just placed in a blank spot, but work with the rest of the sheet.

Tip: Photoshop has a grid that you can turn on while working on a design. This is a great way to “place” your elements.

Anchors Away: Use gradients, blocks of color, or "watermarked" graphics to anchor your sheet. The one sheet is just that, one overall composition to represent your novel. Be sure you don't just leave the eye “hanging” by keeping all your graphic work at the top or at the bottom. The graphics and text should flow to completion together.

Balance is everything. You don't have to have a ton of graphics, but if you have them, be sure they aren't sticking out amid a sea of text, that will only take away from your text.

Tip #2: How to put a picture behind the text: In a Microsoft program or Open Office, you can right click on an image and go to "order" or "alignment" and it should give you the option to send "to back" or send "behind the text". Be sure you change the opacity on the graphic so your text is still clear. In Photoshop or Gimp, you just make the graphic layer below the text layer.

Tip #3: DON'T RELY ON Photoshop and GIMP's text tools...make your one sheet background, then insert it into a Word file and use text boxes. The text in these programs (perhaps newest versions of Photoshop are different?) does not print out as crisp as Word.

Artistic License: It is easy to become overwhelmed with the many clipart images and photos you can choose from to represent your book. Don't settle. Only your mind's eye knows what you envision when you think of your story. Is it the vibrant colors of your humorous heroine's shoe collection? Or deep reds and velvety purples of kings and queens? Allow the graphics to support your novel in a way that the front cover of a book would. Be picky, take your time, and CREATE!

Tip: You can find a ton of free pictures using Flickr Be sure to check what each photo's copyright rules are...they will let you know how much you can manipulate it, and if you have to get the photographer's permission.

Go here to see examples and content tips on one sheets:
Rachelle Gardner's One Sheet Post
Dineen Miller One Sheets 

Are there any specific graphic-related questions you have as you create your one sheet?