by Michelle Arch After three years in Chapman University’s MFA program and six semesters of writing workshops, conferences, and purposeful study of the craft of writing, I have debunked any notion that existed in my mind that writing is a peaceful, innocuous, inner journey of the soul. Naïve pre-enrollment images of my writer self stretched out on a blanket in …
40 Days of Prayer – Day 28
Day 28 Spotlight Sessions Proverbs 2:6–For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. Father God, Your Word says that You give wisdom, and we ask You to pour out insights and understanding upon those who teach the Spotlight Sessions. Help them know what is on Your heart for them to share. As they teach, strengthen their …
40 Days of Prayer – Day 29
Day 29 Paid critiquers as they work on submissions 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17–Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word. Father, I lift up my brothers and sisters that critique submission work. Please …
Here Be Dragons – Part 2
By Lynette Sowell Last week I talked about four dragons that we writers can face on our writing journeys: time, jealousy, procrastination, and a nameless one that I’ll elaborate on a little more. I’ve had twelve years of perspective on this through ACFW, and I’ve realized that these dragons do not go away the longer you write. I hate to …
40 Days of Prayer – Day 30
Day 30 Agents at the conference Psalm 143:8a–Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning; for I trust in You. Heavenly Father, You are our strength and shield, a present help in trouble. You guide us along life’s paths and open doors and windows to the plans You have for us. Through literary agents, You give us help in times …
What Not to Wear: ACFW-Style
by Melissa Tagg I got stuck in a dress the other day. I mean reeeally stuck. Arms over my head, uncooperative fabric playing boa constrictor with my torso while my sister laughed at me inside the department store dressing room. And to be honest, I halfway blame my near death on ACFW. Yep, that’s right. See, when my unfortunate incident …
40 Days of Prayer – Day 31
Day 31 Editors at the conference Psalm 141:2–May my prayer be counted as incense before You; the lifting of my hands as the evening offering. Most gracious heavenly father, I lift up each editor who will be attending the ACFW conference. I pray you will prepare their way to Dallas in September. Open the doors and provide everything they need …
40 Days of Prayer – Day 32
Day 32 Brandilyn Collins as she emcees Psalm 66:16–Come and hear, all who fear God, And I will tell of what He has done for my soul. Dear Father, we hold Brandilyn Collins up to You. We ask that You would give her peace, health, and strength as she prepares to emcee the ACFW conference. May her words bring You …
Redefining Success at the ACFW Conference
by Beth K. Vogt A writing friend of mine is attending the ACFW conference for the first time this year. She is excited… and nervous. Right now, “nervous” rules the roller coaster ride of her emotions. The biggest virtual hill she’s facing? The 15-minute appointments with editors and agents. Writers alternately covet these appointments – the whole “Please, oh please, …
40 Days of Prayer – Day 33
Day 33 Finances for those attending Psalm 121:2–My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Our wonderful Lord, we thank You for Your daily provisions and for the many ways You meet our every need and often our deepest wants. Lord, many are longing to attend this year’s conference but lack the proper financing to make it …