by Jason C. Joyner I’ve been a watcher of the Christian fiction industry for several years now as an aspiring writer. I’ve enjoyed reading great books, interacting with thoughtful authors, and helping to promote CBA books through blog tours and street teams. Now on the cusp of the 2013 ACFW Conference in Indianapolis, there will be a lot of excited …
Be Kind to One Another
by Tina Radcliffe It’s quite serendipitous that what has been percolating in me for days is a postscript to Deborah Raney’s lovely post of September 4, 2013, “Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Reviews.” As members of ACFW, there is an expectation that at some point we will have books available for consumer purchase. Additionally, we all have our own …
3 Easy Steps to a Successful ACFW Conference – even if You’re Not Attending!
by Beth K. Vogt I’m heading to Indianapolis tomorrow, getting a few days head start on the ACFW conference. I started a mental checklist weeks ago, about the time my Twitter feed and Facebook page filled up with “I’m going!” conversations – and some “I’m not going” laments – and discussions about arrivals and departures, favorite snacks (candy corn, anyone?) …
Making Time for the Work You Love
by Mary Ellis Most readers imagine authors pounding away at their computers, then taking long walks on the beach to renew their inspiration. A writer’s life must be solitary, introspective, and perhaps a bit tragic. Although there are some writers enjoying that lifestyle, most juggle other jobs too. If wish to add author to your day job and family responsibilities, …
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
by Anne Mateer I’m not a bold person. I rarely talk to strangers. Even if I need something. So the idea of asking someone–a living, breathing person–for help in researching what would become my first published novel, terrified me. I mean, even if I could muster the courage to ask for assistance, who would take the time to answer questions …
Do Yourself a Favor – Follow Through
by Cynthia Ruchti “No more shoulds.” I could feel my eyes widen and my eyebrows creep higher at her no-nonsense statement. She meant all three words. She’d determined to eliminate the word “should” from her vocabulary. No more “I should,” “We should,” “They should,” “You should.” “I’m either going to do it or I’m not,” she vowed. “I either will …
Conference Expectations
by Ian Acheson I waited outside the reception area of the corporate campus waiting for my client to arrive. I was expecting to receive a letter of employment from the CEO that would end my consultant status and see me appointed as a director of the company. We’d been in discussions for six months and all that was required was …
Overcoming Writing Fears
By Loretta Eidson Pressing the send button for that first submission can be the most nerve-racking, push-of-the-button feat ever tackled. Why? Writing thrusts the writer’s reputation into the world. It shouts from the inner corridors of the heart, “I have something to write about, but will the editor think it is worthwhile?” It unveils a hidden desire to communicate with …
Encouragement for the Discouraged
by Lindsay Harrel As most of us know, this writing journey can be filled with a lot of valleys. Experiencing writer’s block. Being stuck at home when everyone else is attending the big conference. Feeling like you’re on the outside of publishing circles. Receiving rejections. Trust me, I’ve been there! But I also was blessed enough to receive some great …
In God’s Waiting Room
by Sarah Sundin “Wait.” We don’t like that word, do we? But a writer’s life is filled with waiting. Most famously, we wait for that first book contract. But the waiting doesn’t end. We wait for our editor’s approval. We wait for reviews. We wait for readers’ reactions. We wait for sales figures. And many published authors go through another …