by Golden Key-Parsons What is POV? Is my manuscript ready to present to an editor? What is an “em dash,” and how does one use it? Will my manuscript be rejected if I don’t have the correct format? Do I need business cards, and/or one-sheets? May I speak to editors in the restroom, or must I have a formal appointment? …
Don’t Waste Your Pre-Conference Time
by Christy Lashae-Smith When I say Pre-Conference Time, I’m referring to NOW: August 9th to September 16(or 17th) when you get in your car or board the plane to head to Denver for conference. You’ve probably prioritized your time all year. You’re balancing a job, family, and all those other extra-curricular activities you wonder why you got involved in and …
The Benefits of Volunteering at Conference
by Jennifer Hudson-Taylor Most of us think of church or local ministries when we consider volunteering, but there are plenty of volunteer opportunities at the ACFW Conference. It isn’t only about writing workshops and meetings with agents and editors, although those are wonderful assets to the conference. More importantly, God is at work during prayer time, praise and worship, devotions, …
NOVEL IDEAS—CONNECTING AT THE TABLE
by Cynthia Ruchti “Can we talk?” Among the things that surprise ACFW conference attendees are these: · It’s amazing how many writers consider themselves introverted. · It’s amazing how noisy introverts can get when set loose at a writers’ conference. Talk, talk, talk, talk, talk! We talk in the elevators, in the hallways, in the lobbies, in the classrooms, in …
Conquering an Introvert’s Fear of Conference
by Missy Tippens By Missy Tippens The ACFW conference is fast approaching, and I know some may be first time attendees. And others may be looking forward to it but are worried or nervous. I suspect a lot of writers are introverts, and I know quite a few who are. And then we go to conferences to network and force …
Professionalism 101
Is it the suit? Not really. I know it looks professional to wear a suit, but professionalism 101 is all about simple skills and the appropriate attitude. The clothes are tools that enhance skills and attitude. When you think of professionalism as skills and clothing as tools, it’s easier to pick the right tool for the circumstance. Now we can …
Making the Most of Your Conference Experience
by Mindy Obenhaus Time is ticking away. In only six short weeks, hundreds of Christian fiction writers will converge on the Mile-High City for ACFW’s annual conference. Whoo-hoo! Whether this is your first ACFW conference or your tenth (though I’m pretty sure they haven’t had that many), you want to get everything out of your conference that you can. Take …
Relax-Yes, you too can enjoy those editor and agent appointments
by Belinda Peterson Really, you can enjoy them!! I promise. This is how you do it. Kidding. I can’t tell you HOW to do it, but I can provide some tips on making it a little easier on your nerves. At least I hope I can. The very first editor appointment I had was with Brenda Chin from Harlequin. I …
Confidence at Conference
by Angela Breidenbach ACFW Publicity Officer Many Christian fiction writers are gearing up to attend the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference in Denver this September. Some are feeling the pinch of nerves as if their finger were caught in the car door. They want to go, need to go, but don’t know how to get through it without serious doubts. …
What It’s All About
by Annette Irby It’s good to have a focus. Golf players zero in on the hole (or the flag across the green). Ball players “keep their eye on the ball.” Runners aim for the tape. As a Christian writer attending an ACFW conference, there are tons of things to focus on: from the business side of workshops, critiques, and meetings …