What I learned at the ACFW conference

Desperate to get a publishing contract, I spent the better part of 2011 writing a contemporary romance that I was sure would awe every editor at the ACFW conference in St. Louis. The first night in the conference bookstore I was discouraged to see most of the titles on display were nothing like mine. I know it’s good to have a distinct style, but if you want to get published you must write what the reading public is buying. The stories I wanted to write didn’t fit into what I saw on display.

After the book I had worked so hard on this summer was firmly rejected by my dream editor, I began to rethink my publishing strategy. Was I missing the point? Was I writing for the market instead of writing the stories the Lord had placed in my heart, even if they weren’t the most popular topics and genres of the day?

At a mentor appointment on the last day of the conference, my suspicions were confirmed…and validated. Andy Meisenheimer from The Editorial Department advised I write what I am passionate about instead of writing for the market. Who knows? I could be the forerunner for the next big trend in Christian publishing.

“Give it two years,” Andy said. “Write your dreams first. If after all that time, you have no success, no one says you’re growing or headed in the right direction of achieving your dreams, then sell out.”

Good advice, Andy, and something I’ve taken to heart. Instead of working on projects that don’t speak to me, I’m going to write the stories that burden my beleaguered writer’s heart. The projects that excite me. Not what might be the hottest trend on the market today, but the stories that speak to me.

What about you? What did the Lord teach you at the ACFW conference? Did a meeting or encounter impact your life or career? How has your writing focus changed since the conference? Most importantly, how have you put it into action? Please share that we all might learn and become better writers and disciples of the Lord we serve.

What I Learned in the Trenches

Tips on surviving the ACFW writers' conference
Posted by Teresa Slack
www.teresaslack.com
I finally did it. After much inner debate and rechecking the balance in my checkbook I registered for the ACFW conference to be held this September 22-25 in St. Louis. I attended last year, a little overwhelmed and out of sorts. This year I vow to get more out of the experience.

The thought of meeting with editors shouldn't cause any undo stress. Your idea will either resonate with them or it won’t. Every story idea doesn’t appeal to every editor. Nor will it fit every current need. It’s not a statement on your worth as a writer. It’s just a matter of fact. If you’re going to the conference and freaking out over how to approach editors or your dream agent, remember they are people doing a job who really, really, really want to see you succeed. If you succeed, so do they.

Last year, besides equipping myself with beautiful one-sheets and fortifying doses of chocolate, I made note cards on each of the editors present at the conference (Didn’t do this with agents since I am already agented by the fantastic Terry Burns.). If they were interested in romance, I wrote that down. If the editor was a dog person, I made sure to tell her about my heroine’s animal rescue endeavors. If he liked military heroes, I made sure to mention that my hero was just home from Iraq. When I met an editor over lunch or during a face-to-face meeting, I knew at a glance what they liked and if I could supply it or not. No use belaboring an editor who deals only in romance with an extensive outline on my gothic thriller.

I added to my note cards throughout the conference during late night chats and at every opportunity. No telling when this little nugget may come in handy.

Be well read in what you write. Several times an editor asked me who or what my work could be compared to. The example I used was from a popular secular fiction series. Both editors recognized it (hard not to notice books that sell in the millions) and appreciated my comparison.

The most important bit of advice I can give myself and you too—relax and have fun. Last year I was too worried I wouldn’t get enough out of the conference. Consequently I don’t believe I did. This year I’m going to look harder for those God appointments and not freak out about over-scheduling every minute of the day.

Hope to see you there. I’d love to hear your advice for conference goers or questions if you haven’t been yet. Definitely take time to meet other writers. That’s the best part. My hit pick for Miss Congeniality—Lena Nelson Dooley. She rocks. If you see her, give her a hug and thank her for everything she does for nervous, first-time attendees. You’ll be glad you did.

Writers' Conference Tips By Cecelia Dowdy

Writers' Conference Tips by ~Cecelia Dowdy~
Have you ever attended a writers' conference? If so, do you have any useful tips to share?

I realize a lot of writers have never attended a writers' conference. Currently, I notice a lot of buzz going on various authors' and writers' loops about the upcoming annual Romance Writers of America conference. I used to attend this conference every year, but, since I've joined ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) I don't attend the RWA conference often. I doubt I'll be attending the ACFW conference this year, either. Another conference that I've attended is the Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference. Since all three conferences are coming up, I thought I'd post a few conference tips that I've learned over the years.

When attending a conference, be sure to meet as many people as possible! Exchange business cards, and if your manuscript is complete, be sure to make appointments with editors and agents to pitch your work. Making these kinds of contacts is very important within this industry. You can also network outside of conference hours. Meet other conferees for lunch, dinner, or late-night get togethers! Just chatting with other authors and writers makes your career feel less lonely.

When you meet with an editor or agent, be prepared. Perhaps have a business card handy to give to the editor or agent. You may want to write the name of your book on your card. Just be sure to relax and not be nervous while pitching your book. You may even want to practice your pitch several times before your meeting. Some people usually start practicing weeks before they meet with the editor or agent.

Attend workshops and learn as much as you can from the speakers! Most conferences have the workshops recorded on CD. I've found that the conference CDs are helpful, especially since it's nearly impossible to attend all of the courses that are provided during the conference.

So, have any of you ever attended a writers' conference? If so, do you have any useful tips to share?

~Cecelia Dowdy~

You're invited to a SHOE Contest :-)

Okay, this is just pure fun and silliness! Guess which ACFW author over on the F.A.I.T.H. Girls blog belongs to which shoe :-D And there are several other posts about the ACFW conference...





Of course, the prizes are being awarded on Sunday. So get your guess in for a chance to win In the Shadow of Lions, foot cream and another book from Missy Tippens, Her Unlikely Family.


Again, just for fun:-D
Angie

On the way home from the ACFW Conference!

Ho! This was one exciting conference. I'm reporting in from the Minneapolis Airport of all places. As soon as possible, I'll upload some fun pictures of blog partners and friends that were with me this weekend. (Hah, it only took me a day to find the time to upload these photos...yay.)

Our own lovely, Cathy West, and Angie on the last day. If there is an unclaimed day later in the week, I'll post more conference stuffness:-D I'll do my best to get photos on this post by Monday at the latest.

Sometimes we get refueled by sleep and taking the day off. Okay, most of the time. Then there are times like this that are exhausting and invigorating all at the same time. For a writer, it's like celebrating Christmas or something, lol.

We had so many classes that my little brain is reeling from the great teaching. Fav teacher is the amazing Margie Lawson. She has some upcoming online classes that I would urge you strongly to attend...No, let me say that again...STRONGLY...no, not quite enough...STRONGLY heh heh heh. Can you tell how I feel about her teaching?

In fact, go to her site and check them out. Affordable, excellent, in-depth. According to everyone there, it takes their ability from a race car to a rocket ship! REALLY!

Be quick about it because one of her best classes is starting October 13-26, 2008. Then in January is the Defeating Self-Defeating Behaviors. I promise you will never be the same again with these new skills and opportunities.

Much appreciation to the friends, faculty and visiting editors/agents! All the people who worked so hard to make the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference happen are truly servants. They served with a heart for pouring into others and they succeeded.

Please plan on coming to Denver, Colorado for the 2009 ACFW conference. You never know when you might find a chicken van indoors!
Angie
PS More individual experience from me over at God Uses Broken Vessels or over at the F.A.I.T.H. Girls blog too.