Today I head to Dallas for the American Christian Fiction Writers’ National Conference. I am so excited about many aspects of this conference. First, it’s the only conference that focuses exclusively on fiction. Since that’s what I write, it’s a good place to be. Second, at it’s opening session last year, I received my very first book contract. I will …
Forty Days of Prayer – Day 2
Day 2–Weather during travel Luke 8:24b–And He got up and rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm. Dear Lord, Thank you and praise your holy name for the beauty and elegance of the weather patterns from your hand. They are so intricate and connected to the health and well-being of our planet. Today, …
Forty Days of Prayer – Day 3
Day 3–Early Bird Sessions Prov. 2:2–Make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding. Father God, We lift up every participant in the Early Bird sessions at the ACFW conference. We pray their hearts and minds will be open to the truths the teachers have for them. We pray a hedge of thorns around their lives as they …
Conference Tip: Rest Before You Arrive
If at all possible, be rested before you get to the conference. I know this is hard because there’s so much to do to get prepared, but make a list of tasks to be completed-business cards, pitch sheets, packing, etc.-then get it done early. Try not to spend the last night before you fly out worrying about if you have …
Conference Tips: Simplify
If you’re like me, a “be prepared at all costs” type person, force yourself to simplify. Pack the absolute necessities. Have a nice, mix-and-match wardrobe with a few accessories. Keep your writing portfolio simple. Organize it and your flight plans, your hotel confirmation, etc. in a binder so that all your paperwork is together. I’ve learned (okay, I’m learning!), that …
Forty Days of Prayer – Day 4
Day 4–Operating Board & Advisors 2 Thes. 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. Dear Father, Please be with our operating board and advisors as they meet on Wednesday before our …
Forty Days of Prayer – Day 5
The Operating Board and Advisory Board, along with other volunteers and some attendees, will be traveling to Dallas prior to Wednesday and Thursday when the majority of attendees will be in route. Please hold this prayer for traveling mercies up to our Gracious Father throughout this coming week. Day 5–Travel safety Psa. 121:3b-4–He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, …
Conference Tips: Surrounded by Cyber-Friends
For some of us, conferences blur from one year to another. It’s hard to remember every one we’ve met, even a year ago, even someone we sat next to at dinner. For the first three times I saw Kristin Billerbeck, I introduced myself. Finally, she kindly said, “I know.” So, as you prepare for the conference, understand that people you …
Forty Days of Prayer – Day 6
Day 6–Health for those attending Psa. 143:8a–Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning; for I trust in You. Our Father in heaven, Holy Holy Holy is your name. Thank you that you care about every detail of our lives and that you tell us we can bring any need and request to you in prayer. Today Lord we ask …
Conference Tips: Finding God and Friends
This is for those who are new to ACFW conferences and those who are teetering on the edge of decision. To go or not to go. Go. I urge you. If you signed up, you will be forever glad that you did. This will be my fourth ACFW conference (the only kind I’ve ever gone to) and I have “take-away” …