Finding Your Writing Tribe

by Ralene Burke @RaleneB

Hey, friends! It’s Ralene, your friendly fantasy fanatic again. You know, when I first got involved in the writing world, I was pretty normal—by writer standards anyway, pretty sure the non-writers still thought I was a bit weird. My first novel was a contemporary YA where I learned I knew nothing about writing and needed to start fresh. So, I wrote an adult suspense.

One Writer's First Experience at the ACFW Conference

by Lynn H Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn

I attended my very first ACFW(American Christian Fiction Writers) Conference last week. 

I know many of you may be thinking about attending ACFW at some point in the future so I thought I’d share my thoughts and impressions with you.

The Comparison Trap

I was at the ACFW conference this past week and through all the amazing speakers and bits of wisdom, one simple quote stuck out the most to me. It was something that author Rachel Hauck shared during worship. I thought I'd share it with you today.

Thank you, Rachel!

Someone Else's Success does not Insure Our Failure - Rachel Hauck

Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

I invite you to use this image any way you like online. Post it to your blog, share it on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, anywhere you'd like. All I ask is that you keep it intact, with my website watermark visible.

Don't forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

TWEETABLE
Don't fall into the comparison trap in life or in #writing - wisdom from @RachelHauck (Click to Tweet)

Will You Be My Mentor?

by Lynette Eason @LynetteEason

Okay, so maybe the title’s a bit cheesy. But I was looking for a children’s story that some of my students could watch being signed in ASL (American Sign Language) and came across “Are you my mother?” Hence the title.

Ahem…Moving right along…

So, this past week at ACFW, I was a finalist for Mentor of the Year. I was blown away when I got the email telling me someone had nominated me. Why? Because I don’t formally mentor anyone. 

Social Media Image—Understanding the World Around Us

I love to read science fiction and fantasy, and watch movies from those genres. I see in the worlds of Frank Herbert and Isaac Asimov mirrors of the struggles facing our world today. I also find hope, that one person really can make a difference.

What books and movies have you seen that help you process and understand the world around us?

Oh, and if you're curious. This is an UNTOUCHED photo. I took it at the Indianapolis ACFW conference in 2010, on the roof of the Hyatt Regency. It was a reflection in a window of the building behind us. Sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction.

"Fantasy is hardly an escape from reality. It's a way of understanding it." - Lloyd Alexander

Share your thoughts in the comment section below. 

I also invite you to use this image any way you like online. Post it to your blog, share it on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, anywhere you'd like. All I ask is that you keep it intact, with my website watermark visible.

Don't forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

Weekend Worship—The Day the Truth Set My Writing Free

And you will know the truth and the truth will make you free. John 8:32

Now I have to confess, usually I can only take so much TRUTH when it comes to my writing. And as exciting as writing conferences are, there tends to be—in my humble opinion—a surfeit of truth going on there.

Everyone you meet has an opinion, especially when it comes to your writing and how it should be fixed. Add to that the late nights, adrenalin rush of meetings, and a schedule jam packed with classes and you have a recipe for emotional disaster.

I found myself on that very roller the first ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) conference I attended in 2009. Luckily it wasn’t my first big conference, but it was by far the largest I’d ever attended.

Conference Essentials for Your Computer Bag

Yesterday, since many of us are headed to ACFW in Indianapolis, I shared My Favorite Apps for a Conference. Today, I have a few more things you’ll want to pack. I call these my conference essentials for my computer bag. 

Business Cards: It doesn’t matter if you’re pitching or not you still need business cards. It’s a great way to keep up with new friends and exchange information.

Camera: This can be your smart phone or a digital cameral, but keep one on you at all times. You never know when you’ll meet your dream author or just want a snap to illustrate a future blog post.

Social Media Monday—Best Apps to Help You at a Conference

So many of us are heading to Indianapolis this week for the annual ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) conference. For some this will be the first time at a big conference, others are old pros.

It doesn’t matter where you fall on the scale, I have some app suggestions for your smart phone and/or tablet that can help streamline your conference experience.

Social Media Monday—Plug in through Social Networking BEFORE the Conference Starts!

Many writers have the mistaken idea that social networking is only beneficial for connecting online. Or that it only helps when you can’t be at a conference. But it’s important to plug in through social networking BEFORE the conference starts!

Connecting early can greatly increase what you get out of the event. And that is so true for the American Christian Fiction Writers conference coming up in September. Conferences are expensive and you'll get so much more for your money if you plug in early.

Conference Season is Here—Have You Practiced Your Pitch?

Many of us will be attending ACFW (American ChristianFiction Writers) in just 32 days. It’s an amazing conference, and one I look forward to each year. It’s a time to network, learn, and pitch our manuscripts to agents and editors.

Attending a writers conference can be a stressful undertaking—even for a seasoned writer. A lot of writers have gravitated toward our profession because we’re not comfortable with crowds, especially crowds of strangers.

Social Media Monday—After the Conference, Now What?

I've spent most of the past week at the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) conference. And while not all of you were there with me, we all need to know the value of social media follow up after an event where we've met new folks. To help, I'm reposting this blog article giving you some next steps.

The 2012 ACFW Conference gave us a great opportunity to network with professionals in our industry. I’m sure you all came home with a stack of business cards (I know I did). But you may be wondering how—or even if—you should keep the connections current. Here are some basic guidelines to help you on your way.

First, I’d spend some time on Facebook and Twitter. Take time to friend and follow those you met during the week. This is often the first line of getting to know someone. I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t want more friends or fans on Facebook or followers on Twitter. This is also a good way to network with your fellow attendees.

Second, Get ready to write…thank you notes. If you met with someone or took a class or if they helped you, and you have their snail mail address, send them a note of thanks. This will immediately help you stand out in their memory, and your grandmother would be proud! If you don't have their physical address, drop them a thank you email.

Next, I’d look over my list (see previous post) of who asked me to submit something. Then, incorporate anything you learned before you send something in. Let me repeat—TAKE YOUR TIME SENDING THINGS IN. The biggest mistake writers make is submitting something before it’s ready.

You don’t have to worry about that editor or agent sitting at their desk with nothing to do. They have plenty to keep them busy and they’re not counting the hours until your submission comes in. As a matter of fact, I know of several who have turned down a submission because it was sent too soon after the conference because they didn’t think the writer had time to incorporate what they’d learned.

Important tips on sending submissions:

• Make sure you spell the name correctly. I know it sounds basic, but you’d be surprised what we’ve heard. 

• If you’re sending an email put “Requested Material from ACFW Conference” in the subject line. This will keep your email submission from getting pushed into the slush pile. 

• If you’re mailing the submission write, “Requested Material: ACFW Conference” on the envelope for the reason mentioned above. 

• If you’re including a cover letter with a mailed submission or a brief email with an attachment, be sure to remind the editor/agent a little about your material. Many of the faculty meet with hundreds of new writers every conference season and there is no way they can remember everyone. So save us all a little embarrassment and include some history.

After you’ve sent your submission be ready to be patient. Don’t expect to receive a confirmation email or postcard, although some will do this. Don’t expect to hear back before three months. This is the busiest part of the conference season and many editors and agents are on the road more than they’re in the office. Give them some time to wade through all the paper work. 

If you still haven’t heard anything after three months send a polite email inquiry. If they don’t answer, assume no. DO NOT call them and DO NOT risk being labeled a pest. This is a small industry and people talk.

Follow these tips and you’ll be able to navigate the minefields of industry etiquette. 

What tips do you have for after the conference?

Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie

A list of Writing Conferences

Last week  I talked about the importance of a writers conference and how to pick one. This week I want to highlight some of my favorites.

This is by no means a comprehensive list, but it should get you started.

As you’re looking at these, I recommend you take note of whether or not they offer critiques (paid or unpaid) and/or contests. Both of these are great avenues to advance your craft and experience.

Writing for the Soul 

February 16-19, 2012

Grand Hyatt, Denver, Colorado

ChristianDevotions Writers Adance! Boot Camp 

February 24-26

The Cove, North Carolina

Florida Christian Writers Conference
March 1-4
Lake Yale Conf. Center (near Leesburg, FL)

Write to Ignite! 

March 16-17

North Greenville University, Greenville, South Carolina

Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference 

March 30-April 3

Mount Hermon, California

Carolina Christian Writers Conference 

April 20-21

First Baptist Spartanburg, Spartanburg, South Carolina

Colorado Christian Writers Conference 

May 16-19

Estes Park, Colorado

Northwest Christian Writers Renewal
May 19-20
Redmond, Washington

The Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference 

May 20-24

Ridgecrest Conference Center, North Carolina

Write to Publish 

May 30-June 2

Wheaton College, Wheaton Illinois

Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference 

August 1-4

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) 

September 20-23

Dallas, Texas

CLASS Christian Writers Conference 

October 31-November 4

Ghost Ranch, New Mexico

And if you’re looking for more of a retreat setting, I highly recommend the events at My Book Therapy. Susan May Warren and her team of book doctors do a fantastic job of teaching and I can’t recommend this group enough.

There are also many other conferences – large and small. Now it’s your time, what are some of your favorites?

Don’t forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

Weekend Worship—Faith for the Directionally Challenged

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

As the fog began to lift, I focused on the dim outline of the steeple and had to smile.

The one landmark that coalesced into solidarity was a church steeple. How like God to show up when I needed stability. It was just the reminder I craved. Recently, at the ACFW conference, my sense of direction had failed—along with my self-confidence—and I’d found myself hopelessly turned around. This really shouldn’t have been a big deal. After all, I was safe inside the hotel convention center. But, with my emotions on a roller coaster of ups and downs, I stood at the window unconsciously searching for something to anchor my world.

A writing conference is fraught with emotional highs and lows. One minute you find yourself full of confidence in your abilities when an interview goes well. Then, fifteen minutes later, you are certain you should pack up your computer and start washing cars for a living.

I took a deep breath and sighed out a prayer of thanksgiving. It was God who’d called me to this life of pen, pain and perseverance, and He would see me through.

When I put my confidence in Him, everything else falls into place. The expectations of this world recede into proper perspective, and I can feel God's joy as I exercise the gift He's given me. When my life begins to tilt out of control, the only place I need to look for direction is up.

So You Want to Be a Writer

A guest post by Jennifer Slattery

writing

First of all, run now, while you still have a chance. Just kidding. But seriously, writing is not for the thin-skinned. And it isn’t nearly as glamorous as it might seem. In fact, most days you’ll be glued to your computer, still in PJ’s at two in the afternoon, ball cap by your side in case one of your normal, presentable neighbors happen by. Although truth be told, you probably won’t answer the door anyway. Or the phone. Until the tips of your fingers throb from pounding your keyboard and your eyes cross from hours upon hours of edits.

Then you’ll stand up to force blood into your numbed legs and glance out the window as you try to reconnect with reality. You’d love to have someone to chat with, only all your neighbors are at work. You call a friend and leave a message. You hop on Facebook and make a few random posts. You pace the room and argue with yourself (only because your dog won’t join the debate). Then you toss all thoughts of socialization aside and bunker down. But hey, you’ve always got the heroine in your latest novel. She’s your friend, right?

Actually, I totally love what I do. I can’t envision myself doing anything else. (And believe me, I’ve tried. When I’ve noticed a fatal plot error requiring a total re-write or my computer crashes halfway through a 90,000 word document.) But I’m still here, plugging away, day after day, word after word. Only now, I’ve learned to do things differently.  

• I find ways to stay connected. When I first started writing, I did it alone. It wasn’t long before I fell into a pattern of discouragement. We all experience that once in awhile, when our negative self-talk runs amuck and those fears, insecurities and frustrations bite away at our resolve. Now I’m a part of three writer’s groups and I cherish the support they offer. I’ve also taken the time to nurture deeper relationships with a few ladies I’ve met along the way. Yeah, they’re largely internet and phone relationships, but they work. My greatest resource has been the American Christian Fiction Writers network. They have an amazing online loop, numerous mature Christian authors who love pouring into the lives of newbies, and a phenomenal critique group.
• I choose my close friends wisely. The other day I listened to a writer friend talk about how someone had totally slammed on both her and her work. Not in your normal, “I think this would be stronger if…” This was all-out brutality. As she talked, I was reminded of the story of Joseph and how his brothers and father responded when he shared his God-given dream with them. They scoffed. They were so focused on who Joseph was–a runt–they overlooked the power standing behind him.
• Writing is tough. You’re going to face rejection. A lot. You’re going to have to make tough decisions and you’re going to have to overcome a lot of inner demons that threaten to keep you stagnant. You certainly don’t need naysayers dragging you down. To the contrary. You need strong Christian friends who will encourage you to keep on keeping on, with your eyes focused on the goal with unwavering determination.
• I learned to abide. (John 15:1-4) If you want to write more than mindless drivel, you’re gonna need to learn to rest. To trust. To listen. To fight the urge to do things in your own strength and wisdom as you continually lay yourself on the alter. This is a toughy, especially when you’ve got deadlines coming your way or writer’s block dragging you down. Our first tendency is to try harder and in doing so, we fail to connect with our true source of wisdom and power. 

The other day I had the task of turning nine Bible chapters into an eight hundred word leaflet. Not an easy thing to do, especially for a word lover like me. And I really didn’t have the time to fret over it. Fretting is the biggest time sapper there is! So instead of forcing a bunch of drivel onto the screen, I closed my computer, walked into the bedroom and turned on some praise music. Basically, I passed the buck. I knew God had brought me this assignment. I knew He had a plan for it. I just needed to wait for Him to share His plan with me.

After spending a few moments in prayer and quiet, I returned to my computer with clarity and finished the leaflet in a relatively short period of time. 

• Take time to get away. Those momentary refreshers are great, but they’re not enough. At least not for me. I can only rely on shout-out prayers for so long before my creativity begins to shrivel. Every once in a while I need to create my own little spiritual retreat. Normally I don’t go far. Maybe I’ll visit a hiking trail nearby or spend a few hours in a nearby park with my Pandora radio (on my iPhone), a Bible and a notebook. Sometimes the getting there is hard, especially when my tasks are mounting, but I’ve learned those are the times when I most need to get away. And once I do, once I spend those cherished moments connecting with God, I come back twice as productive as before.
• Let it go. God’s already got the whole journey figured out. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Try not to look at the day-to-day. Learn as you go, walking forward with an eyes-wide-open approach as God guides you towards the finish line.
• Take your thoughts captive. Negativity breeds negativity. And quite frankly, it’s a waste of time–time you don’t have. Make a decision, right now, not to allow discouragement to linger in your brain. If God’s got it covered, what is there to be discouraged about? So you’ve got a 60,000 word rewrite, or realized your eighth edit wasn’t enough. And? I’m not joining your pity party here. I’m waiting at the finish line with my camera ready to catch your victorious smile when you break through the tape.

Jennifer Slattery

Jennifer Slattery is a novelist, publicist, and freelance writer living in the Midwest with her husband of sixteen years and their thirteen year old daughter. She works for Tiffany Colter, the Writing Career Coach, as an assistant publicist and is the marketing manager for the literary website Clash of the Titles. She writes for Christ to the World Ministries, the Christian Pulse, and Samie Sisters and has written for numerous other publications and websites. In 2009 she placed first in the Heart of American Christian Writers’ contest and in 2010 she was an Operation First Novel finalist, placed second in the Dixie Kane and fourth in the Golden Pen. You can find out more about her and her writing at http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com. 

If you’d like to know more about her affordable marketing and ghost writing services, contact her at jenniferaslattery(at)gmail(dot)com.

Clash of the titles Conquerors!

Delia Latham Talks About Her Journey to Publication

by Jennifer Slattery

Writers across the country are preparing for winter writers’ conferences. Many are tucking their hopes and fears in their briefcases along with that manuscript synopsis that’s been rejected, revised, then rejected again so many times the mailman’s offering Kleenex and candy. And what is it writers a quarter way up on the seemingly endless journey to publication need more than anything? Encouragement from someone who’s been there—from someone who understands the sting of rejection, and can help us see the glimmers of sun from the other side.

Today, multi-published author and Clash of the Titles’ conqueror, Delia Latham, author of Destiny’s Dream, talks about the mountains, valleys and meadows inherent with writing and offers a few priceless nuggets to help other authors keep on keeping on.

Don’t expect instant success

“My first book was also my third book,” Delia says, “Although it began its existence under a different publisher and a different title, Yesterday’s Promisewas, nonetheless, my first published book. It was the product of a Nanowrimo marathon, so the actual coming together of the story only took 30 days—the duration of the annual event. Then, of course, came all the time-consuming rewrites and tedious editing and searching for a publisher.”

Numerous authors have benefited from the accountability, community, and encouragement offered through Nano. We were never meant to go it alone and writers who attempt to write in isolation will likely crash and burn, their God-given potential sapped by negativity, discouragement and fear. With the internet and online groups such as the American Christian Fiction Writers, The Christian Writers Guild and countless local and state organizations, it’s easier than ever to find a community of like-minded believers to lean on (and carry) in your journey to publication.

Accept Constructive Criticism

Critique groups, like the rapidly growing Scribes group offered through ACFW, are like soothing balms and top-notch writing 101-401 classes rolled into one.

Although Delia began her journey with the ACFW critique group, she has since found a handful of dear friends to swap manuscripts with.

“I have a couple of treasured critique partners, and I wouldn’t even consider submitting anything without their input,” Delia says.

Never Let Writing Crowd Out Your Time With God

Delia’s greatest encouragement comes from God, her Divine Author and the giver of life and strength.

“When I’m discouraged or uninspired, I turn to Him to provide ideas, inspiration, and anointing for the thing He called me to do—write. I cannot write without Him.

Prayer is always the key to getting back on track.”

Her writing has become a two-way conversation, if you will, of her pouring her heart out to God and God penning His story through her, using the words typed on the page to touch her own heart as she writes.

Stay Teachable

“God used Destiny’s Dream to teach me so many things, not the least of which is that His promises are literal. If He says He’ll give his angels charge over us, guess what He means? Yep, you got it. He means He’ll give His angels charge over us. God says what He means and means what He says.”

Visit DeliaLatham.net to find out more about Delia and her COTT winning novel, Destiny’s Dream.

Visit Novel Journey to learn the value of critique partners, then read Michael Ehret’s article on encouragement. We’re a body. Let’s hold each other up!

Jennifer Slattery is the marketing representative for Clash of the Titles, writes for Christ to the World and Reflections in Hindsight. Find out more about her and her writing at http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com. And stop by Clash of the Titles to join the fun! 

Thursday Review - Online Writers Groups & Resources

If you're reading this blog, I'm confident you've already discovered numersous writing blogs that are worth their weight in gold, so I'm going to concentrate on online groups. These online resources ae ones that I’ve found to be invaluable. These groups have helped me move from wanna-be to professional writer. They’ve provided support, education and fellowship in the this sometimes isolating world of writing.

One quick caveat, spend your time with online groups wisely. If you’re not careful you’ll find yourself using your writing time visiting with online groups instead of writing. If you make good choices and limit the number of groups you’re active in and these can be a huge boon to your career.

• If you write books, you’ll find that every genre now has an online group. There are groups for writers of mystery, science fiction and romance, just to name a few. The best way to find these groups is to do a search online. Also ask for referrals from other writers you may know.
• There are also groups for children’s writers, the largest of these is SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators). For those who write Christian fiction ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) may be the place for you.
• There are also groups for those that do business writing, copy writing, grant writing and journalism.
• There are also groups for those of us who are editors, as well as writers. I particularly like The Christian Pen editing group.
• There are also more general groups. One of my personal favorites is a Yahoo group, The Christian Writers View 1 and 2. TWV 1 is for professional writers and TWV2 is for beginning and intermediate writers. These groups are well moderated and the information provided is stellar!

Advantages
Most of these groups offer at least a regular newsletter, to help their members grow as professionals. Some even offer full online magazines (e-zines) that are available whether you’re a member or not. One of these is Afictionado, the e-zine for ACFW.

Many of the bigger organizations also offer online courses at a free or reduced cost.

Disadvantages
Some of these groups can require steep, yearly dues. You also have to watch out for groups that aren't well moderated. These can open you up to spam. They can also be full of incorrect information and angry poster. And, as I mentioned before, they can be time suckers if you don’t watch out.

I’ve limited myself to three groups.

• ACFW
• The Christian Writers View 1
• The Christian Pen

What groups have you found useful in your writing career?

Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie