Maureen Lang I wonder how many authors I know, myself included, would be published today without having been to a writer’s conference? The publishing industry has always been a competitive field. According to one study I read, approximately 80% of the general public believes they have a book in them. Understandably with the advent of computers, this number is probably …
Keep Juggling – Using a Chart to Track Writing Goals
One of the biggest surprises of being published was the juggling act. Before publication, I’d get a story idea, research it, plot it, write it, and edit it. Then I’d start my next project. After my first contract, that all changed. I’m usually doing publicity for one book, working on my publisher’s edits for another, writing a third, and plotting a fourth. …
Are You Dancing? Jim Rubart
Are you doing the ACFW conference fence dance? You know, the one where you’re on the fence not sure if you’re coming or not. If you are on the white picket right now, I can relate. I’ve done that rumba. I did it for years with the Northwest Christian Writers Renewal Conference. Every spring I said I’d go next year. …
The Genesis Contest leads to Publication
Every year I look forward to September and the ACFW conference. It’s is my absolute favorite writers’ conference. Besides the wonderful workshops, continuing education classes and learning about the latest in the publishing industry, it’s like a huge family reunion. If you’re considering attending, let me offer some more reasons for attending. You’ll meet people from the ACFW loop that …
Platform? Dineen Miller
We hear that word a lot these day–Platform. I confess, I used to cringe away from it. The whole concept seemed so overwhelming. Where did one begin? In February, my first nonfiction book, Winning Him Without Words, released. In July 2012 my first novel, The Soul Saver, will release and is a fiction counter part to Winning Him. All of …
Advice for a Nervous Conference-Goer by Deborah Raney
A writer friend, who will be a first-time attendee for September’s ACFW conference, recently asked me for some advice after she started feeling jittery about the conference. I told her that the newbie orientation will be a great way to get her feet wet. That session is not only very helpful, but will no doubt produce some “automatic” friends to …
The Right & Left Way to Plan for Conference: Sarah Sundin
Are you a left-brained, list-making, analyzing, outline-oriented writer? Are you a right-brained, creative, spontaneous, seat-of-the-pants writer? Some combination? If you’re attending a writers’ conference, engage both halves of your brain and plan the right way–and the left way. The American Christian Fiction Writers Conference is scheduled for September 22-25, 2011 in St. Louis, Missouri, and registration is now open. ACFW …
ACFW Conference Blog: What to Expect When You’re Expectant
What to Expect When You’re Expectant by Cynthia Ruchti That swelling in your feet? Expected. The waves of nausea? Expected. The wave of resentment that the person next to you has no nausea at all? Expected. The weight gain, imbalance, trouble sleeping, urge to pull out snapshots of your “baby” in embryo stage? Expected. What can a writer expect when …
Taking the High Road: DiAnn Mills
We writers would like to take the easiest and surest path to publication, but those distinctions contradict themselves. The surest path is often not the easiest to a bestseller. Good habits and a conscientious effort to work hard at our craft means commitment and dedication. Whew! But you can do it. Each time we position our fingers on the keyboard, …
Join me at ACFW
Today I want to put in my plug for a little something called the American Christian Writer’s conference. This year it is September 22-25 in St. Louis, MO. If you’re interested in writing Christian fiction, you should definitely consider going. Honestly, when I think of the many great classes I’ve sat through, I think even secular writers would love this …