Later this week, I’ll be attending one of my favorite writer’s conferences—ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writer’s). It’s a writer’s organization that I’ve been a member of for almost ten years. Whew! That seems like a long time, but really it feels like only a couple of years since I joined. (I always used to think people sounded old when they said something like that, and I guess I’m no exception.)
But I do love this conference. I attended the very first of their National conferences back in 2002, and even then it was wonderful. Small enough to talk to just about everyone, and with that same encouraging, exciting undercurrent that remains throughout the organization today. Not only that, but worshiping with others who share a love for writing and a love for God is incomparable. Over the years, this particular conference has grown into one of those drawing the best faculty and largest number of attendees.
So what do writers do at a writer’s conference? Whether we’re there with new hopes or old ones, much of the excitement revolves around getting to see people face to face whom we know through our writer’s loops. We do a lot of laughing and hugging and share way more dialogue than we’d ever put in a single scene of any of our books. Because this is a Christian group we do some praise singing and some praying. It feels like a slice of Heaven.
Most people who attend are hoping to connect with an editor or an agent, which is a highlight for everyone. I’ll be seeing one of my editors (Sarah Mason from Tyndale) and also my agent from WordServe (Rachelle Gardener). I’ve sometimes wondered what it would be like to attend a conference as an editor or agent—hundreds of attendees vs. a dozen or two (at most) in the sought-after agent/editor group. I doubt I’d like it if I couldn’t call a moment my own, which makes me grateful for those agents and editors who attend.
Not that I find much time on my own at any conference anyway, between roommates who are favorite friends I rarely get to see (so we end up staying up to chat most of the night) and sharing meals with other friends both old and new. I will probably talk to my agent about my new project, and I’ll attend some workshops for ideas on marketing my books, on honing my craft, on the spiritual side of being a writer. I’m scheduled to meet with several aspiring authors for critiques, which I always enjoy. It’s so much fun to share the dreams and excitement about writing with others I haven’t met before. I’m also part of a book signing event on Saturday morning.
And on Sunday evening we’ll all get dressed up for a banquet and watch honors being awarded to both published and unpublished authors, as well as for mentors and editors and agents. It’s a bit like the academy awards of Christian publishing. Look to the East was nominated for a Carol Award, and I’m rooming with my friend and crit partner Siri Mitchell who has also been nominated (same category!). But really, a win for one is a win for the other since we’ve encouraged and critiqued one another throughout the writing process. I’m secretly hoping she wins, thus I’ll be spared the need to do an acceptance speech. The best marketer I am not. But as they say, it’s an honor to have been nominated. To me, both Siri and I have already won.
These last few days before I leave I’ll be in crazy-busy-mode. Getting away means leaving lots of instructions for things to go on as normal at home while I’m gone. I know I’m missed but that’s not such a bad thing to be reminded of every now and then.
It’s little wonder that an introvert like me will come home exhausted—and yet somehow more excited than ever to be part of this industry.
And ready to get back to work!
Join Me!