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.

Thursday Review - ACFW Bound - Part Two

It's been an amazing day . . . and I'm exhausted! Those of you who've been to writing conferences know what I mean. It's an "I can't stuff any more knowledge into my brain" sort of tired.

This moring we had the priviledge of learning from James Scott Bell from 8am until 12. I've taken his class twice before, but I learn so much, it all seems brand new. I reviewed his third book on writing, The Art of War for Writiers in my very first Thursday review, if you're curious why I think he's so great.

Then lunch with my newest friends  fellow writers MBT Ponderers. An amazing group of encouraging, praying, talented writers. Several of the group are Genesis finalists so I feel like I have a vested interest in who wins on Sunday evening.

Then, tonight we heard from Tim Downs. He delivered a great keynote. I can hardly wait to gett some of his books to read!

Supper (Jim Bell claimed not to know what "supper" was - said he'd heard of dinner, but not supper - he's from CA, need I say more?) was really good. I can already tell I'm going to eat way too much while I'm here. Tonight their were editor panels and tomorrow night will be agent panels.

Like I said, my mind has turned to mush. Tomorrow my first appointment is with editor Jeff Gerke - I've been practicing my pitch all evening And thanks to my MBT Ponderer friends it's honed to a razor sharp edge.

Tomorrow is packed with appointments, meals and workshops, I miss all my Blue Ridge buddies, but Lisa Carter and I are representing!

I'll be back tomorrow with more updates.
Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie

Thursday Review - ACFW Bound!

Instead of the usual Thursday review, I'll spend the next few days posting about my experiences at the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference in Indianapolis. I'm sitting at the Greenville, SC airport right now, excited and nervous about the conference.

I've been traveling to conferences for over 10 years and the butterflies never seem to disappear. I'm excited about what God has in store for the next few days and nervous about those growth experiences that are sure to come.

I've already had one - this morning my husband complained that my suitcase was too heavy to lift. I just rolled my eyes. It was his turn to roll his eyes when the person at the baggage counter charged me $50 for being 10 pounds over the weight limit. Note to self - pay attention to what those around me are trying to tell me!

I'll give you all an update tonight from Indianapolis. Also, you can follow my tweets at www.twitter.com/EdieMelson . I'll be using #ACFW to identify the conference tweets. You can just search for #ACFW on Twitter and catch them as they come in. There are bound to be lots of other attendees using the same code so you'll get lots of live and update info about the conference experience.

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