Writers conference season is upon us, and I have all the feels. I’m excited about seeing old friends, nervous about pitching my work, and salivating at the thought of the food (especially the Blue Ridge Macaroons, which I have written about in this space before).
Here’s my theory: going to a writers conference is a lot like going to summer camp.
For a variety of reasons, I never went to camp as a child, but I have lived the experience through these adult events. I have drawn some parallels between camps and conferences, so here’s what you can look forward to:
You make “fast friends” in a short amount of time. It’s amazing how deep the relationships get in a matter of days. I have made lifelong friends and prayer partners at various events, and I’m anxious to see who I will meet next.
You have plenty of activity time. At writers conferences, we do not make friendship bracelets and birdhouses (Wouldn’t that be interesting, though?), but we do bond over shared classes, learning new things about our craft.
You share meals together. I have never drunk “bug juice” at a writers conference, but tater tots do make the menu occasionally (just like camp). Even so, there is something special about “breaking bread” together, when we share stories, writing advice, and lots of great food (especially the aforementioned macaroons).
You don’t sleep much. Not only are you in a new environment, but you are around like-minded people 24/7 for several days, making you want to spend as much time together as possible. Sleep is what the week after a conference or camp is for.
I could probably draw many more comparisons, but these are the highlights. I hope to see you at a conference/camp soon; step up and say “howdy” if you see me at one. We currently don’t have a secret handshake, but maybe we can work on that.
At least we don’t wear matching t-shirts. Oh, wait a minute . . .
Carlton Hughes, represented by Cyle Young of Hartline Literary, wears many hats. By day, he is a professor of communication. On Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, he serves as a children’s pastor. In his “spare time,” he is a freelance writer. Carlton is an empty-nesting dad and devoted husband who likes long walks on the beach, old sitcoms, and chocolate—all the chocolate. His work has been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Dating Game, The Wonders of Nature, Let the Earth Rejoice, Just Breathe, So God Made a Dog, and Everyday Grace for Men. His latest book is Adventures in Fatherhood, co-authored with Holland Webb.
Writer’s conferences are, once again, gearing up to welcome attendees. These annual conventions (in-person, online or a hybrid of both) are where writers gather to meet and learn from industry professionals, successful best-selling authors, literary agents, editors, and each other. Conferences host lectures, panels, and workshops geared to help writers at every stage of their writing journey. You will socialize, improve your craft and perhaps even start a career altering relationship.
There are three major reasons you should go to a writers’ conference: learn, make friends, and pitch.
Learn from the best teachers
The faculty at a writer’s conference comprises best-selling authors, top literary agents, and world class editors. These generous people provide firsthand knowledge gained from years of experience in the publishing business. Besides the large group lectures and panels, many conferences offer you the opportunity to get one-on-one time with these professional (usually for an additional fee). You can get feedback on your own writing or ask the burning questions you’ve always wanted to.
Make some new friends
Friendships start with a shared experience, or a shared passion. At a writer’s conference, you’ll find people who both have shared your experience of writing a novel and share your passion to get published. Every person, from the greenest newbie to the most hardened veteran, spent serious money and took days away from friends and family to be there.
Writer’s conferences know many of their attendees are introverts, and this concept might make them a little nervous. They will often have places and events setup to help introverts break the ice and get conversions started. As a bonus, your fellow introverts will understand in a way few of your other friends do when you need a few minutes of solitude to recharge.
Pitch your novel to agents and publishers
Most writer’s conferences host events where you can pitch your novel to an agent, editor, or publisher. You’ll know your pitch didn’t get lost in an email inbox with thousands of others never to be read. You gave it to them one on one. The agent will hear your passion for the project, and you’ll be able to answer their questions on the spot. You’ll receive invaluable feedback on your project as you watch their facial expressions and body language.
Now that you know why you should attend a writer’s conference, let’s look at a couple of writer’s conferences specifically geared to writers of science fiction and fantasy novels.
Home to nearly 2000 authors, artists, and allied professionals, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America is one of the oldest and largest conferences for speculative writers. This year’s conference was held the first week of June and was online only. At the conference, the SFWA announces the winners of The Nebula Awards for the best novel, novella, novelette, script, and short story. Dates and locations for the 2022 conference are yet to be announced.
The World Science Fiction Convention aka “Worldcon” is a five-day international conference attended by thousands of writers, artists, fans, editors, publishers, academics and dealers of the science fiction and fantasy community. You’ll see a celebration of Science Fiction and Fantasy in all its forms: books, film, TV, art, comics, anime and manga, and gaming. This conference announces the winners of the prestigious Hugo awards. This year’s conference will be held December 15 through December 19, 2021 in Washington, DC.
Realm Makers is a niche conference for creatives who love Science Fiction and Fantasy and profess a Christian worldview. It’s a place for you to learn, share your talents, & meet with people like yourself. This conference hosts the Realm Awards to recognize the best speculative fiction written by Christian authors. This year’s conference will be held July 15-17, 2021 in St. Louis, Missouri.
Writer’s conferences provide a range of benefits to attendees and should be something every aspiring author plans into their yearly schedule.
Ted Atchley is a freelance writer and professional computer programmer. Whether it’s words or code, he’s always writing. Ted’s love for speculative fiction started early on with Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia, and the Star Wars movies. This led to reading Marvel comics and eventually losing himself in Asimov’s Apprentice Adept and the world of Krynn (Dragonlance Chronicles).
After blogging on his own for several years, Blizzard Watch (blizzardwatch.com) hired Ted to be a regular columnist in 2016. When the site dropped many of its columns two years later, they retained Ted as a staff writer.
He lives in beautiful Charleston, SC with his wife and children. When not writing, you’ll find him spending time with his family, and cheering on his beloved Carolina Panthers. He’s currently revising his work-in-progress portal fantasy novel before preparing to query.
Ted has a quarterly newsletter which you can join here. You’ll get the latest on his writing and publishing as well as links about writing, Star Wars, and/or Marvel.
Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Bethany Jett, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!
“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”
Filling the Writer’s Well with Jean Wise
Have you ever felt spent or like you well has run dry? To be honest, we all do at some point. If this is where you find yourself, today’s Writers Chat episode will encourage your heart, your mind, and bring a smile to your face. Freelance writer and Christian speaker, Jean Wise shares how important it is to maintain health on not just the physical part of your life, but emotional and spiritual as well. Co-hosts Melissa Stroh, Jann W. Martin, and Norma Poore along with our special guest Tina Yeager share tips on refilling a well that’s gone dry. Be sure to check out the replay to hear about Jean’s acrostic on ROYAL.
Watch the July 14th replay.
Creating Your Own Ezine with Amber Weigand-Buckley
In this episode of Writers Chat, Amber shares tips on how to create an e-publication on a budget. She gives a basic overview and shares simple checkpoints in crafting your publication. If you’ve been dreaming of your own publication, then here’s a great way to start doing. Be sure to check out this week’s replay for great resources.
Watch the July 21st replay.
Amber Weigand-Buckley, Magazine/Web Managing Editor at On Course magazine Co-Owner D:vine Media Solutions, member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA), and has over twenty years of award-winning media experience. She is also the founding editor and Art Director of Leading Hearts magazine and serves Asia Pacific Media as a fundraising consultant as well as editor and the art director of their e-mag MISSION magazine. You can contact her by visiting https://barefacedcreativemed.wixsite.com/barefacedjournals.
How to Pitch to Agents at Conferences with Hope Bolinger
You’re tired but a little accomplished. After all the blood, sweat, and tears it is finished. Your baby. Your novel is finally complete. The next step, getting before an agent, can be as daunting as the writing. In this episode, Hope shares with us best practices for pitching to an agent whether at a live or virtual conference. Check out the replay of this episode and be inspired to go through with the next step.
Watch the July 28th replay.
Hope Bolinger is a YA novelist, literary agent at C.Y.L.E., a graduate of Taylor University, has more than 800 of her works featured in various publications like Writer’s Digest, Keys for Kids, and Crosswalk.com, just to name a few. Her column “Hope’s Hacks” reaches over 6,000 readers weekly in the Serious Writer newsletter. She has finished a trilogy based on Daniel from the Bible. You can find Hope on social media or contact her at www.hopebolinger.com
JOIN US!
Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. Here’s the permanent Zoom room link.
Participants mute their audio and video during the filming then we open up the room for anyone who wishes to participate with our guests. The “After Party” is fifteen-minutes of off-the-record sharing and conversation.
Additionally, you can grow your network and add to the conversation by joining our Writers Chat Facebook Group.
I remember watching a Carol Burnett Show sketch that spoofed the old Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland musicals. You know the ones.
Hey, let’s put on a show!
The routine: a bunch of kids decide to do a show in an abandoned barn, and, miraculously, elaborate costumes and props appear. The show is a success, the day is saved, happily ever after for everyone.
I am a member of the planning committee for Kentucky Christian Writers Conference, and, like most conferences, we found ourselves at a loss as to how to hold our event this year in the midst of a pandemic. In April, members came to a unanimous decision.
Hey, let’s put on an online conference!
Now, I’m not Mickey Rooney, and Judy Garland was nowhere to be found. However, a group of determined writer servants set their minds to making such an event work.
Our coordinator Hallee Bridgeman and her tech-expert husband Gregg arranged the video conferencing details, and the rest of the committee followed. Much time and energy were devoted to scheduling, promotion, faculty confirmations, and more.
Everything fell into place, but, as the event neared, I got nervous, which is unlike me. I have attended numerous writers conferences and have taught at KCWC for years, but I had never done anything like this online.
I was scheduled to teach three classes (one a repeat), and, the night before, I was a wreck. What if my style wouldn’t translate to online teaching? What if my highly-interactive new attendee class went over like a lead balloon? What if my home internet went out?
It turns out, I had nothing to worry about. The classes went off with very few glitches. The technology, for the most part, worked. As for interaction? God did a supernatural thing, y’all.
Through the “chat” feature and other means, 400 attendees from nearly 40 states and 6 countries (France! Australia!) connected, networked, and generally enjoyed each other’s company. Though different, my classes were fun and interactive; getting out of my comfortable zone was a good thing. I was also able to attend some great classes myself and to listen to inspiring keynote addresses without having to jump up and run somewhere to take care of conference details. I even baked a batch of brownies while attending a class!
An overwhelming majority of the attendees have raved about the setup of the conference and the encouraging instruction, as well as celebrated the fact that they had some human interaction after months in isolation.
And guess what? MY HOME INTERNET DID GO OUT! With less than a minute left in one of my classes, I was answering a question when my service “hiccupped.” Only me, right? I did what any tech person would do: I unplugged the “internet thingie” and then plugged it back in. Voila! It came back!
So we put on a “show,” and, by all indications, it was a success. God knew what we needed when we needed it and showed up in a big way.
Let’s put on another show! Who’s with me?
Carlton Hughes, represented by Cyle Young of Hartline Literary, wears many hats. By day, he is a professor of communication. On Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, he serves as a children’s pastor. In his “spare time,” he is a freelance writer. Carlton is an empty-nesting dad and devoted husband who likes long walks on the beach, old sitcoms, and chocolate–all the chocolate. His work has been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Dating Game, The Wonders of Nature, Let the Earth Rejoice, Just Breathe, So God Made a Dog, and Everyday Grace for Men. His latest book is Adventures in Fatherhood, co-authored with Holland Webb.
Technology today offers a wide selection of resources for writers in the form of YouTube instructional videos, simulcasts, zoom meetings, etc., as well as stacks upon stacks of how-to
books by professional and successful authors. Regardless of the genre, writing basics remain the same.
Bookstores stock genre-specific educational books. Utilizing these valuable resources will aid in effective writing. Below are some Mystery/Suspense/Thriller instructional books in my
writing library.
BOOKS:
Conflict & Suspense, by expert thriller author and writing instructor, James Scott Bell. This book offers proven techniques that help craft fiction, tap into suspenseful power, build conflict, and maximize tension.
Mastering Suspense, Structure, & Plotby Jane K. Cleland. According to the front cover, this book offers instructions on how to write gripping stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Writing and Selling Your Mystery Novel by Hallie Ephron provides a complete guide to writing mystery, suspense, and crime. It explains twisting the plot, creating a compelling sleuth, and much more.
Deadly Doses: a writer’s guide to poisons by Serita Deborah Stevens offers correct information about poisons, methods of administration, symptoms, and reactions.
YouTube:
YouTube videos are available, too, with a plethora of topic selections. Decide on a topic and search for the desired video. If you’re
looking for a specific person’s teaching, then add the name to your video selection. Sample videos are listed below.
ACFW.com offers member resources, writing tips, writing help, writing software, books on writing, on-line courses, and more. Join the ACFW Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Group on Facebook.
Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference:
blueridgeconference.com offers daily informative and instructional blog posts for every genre, along with Facebook Live videos targeting writing specifics. Like or join the conference Facebook page for more information.
Killer Nashville International:
killernashville.com This conference is for the criminal-minded writer and happens in Franklin, TN. Be sure to check out their Facebook page.
Serious Writer Inc.:
seriouswriter.com offers simulcasts and teaching in their Academy. The Serious Writer Club is where you’ll receive over one hundred hours of training and more.
Writer’s Police Academy/Murdercon:
writerspoliceacademy.com focuses on the mystery/ suspense/thriller writers dealing with almost every area of crime imaginable. This conference is highly sought after and sells out fast when registration opens. They have a Facebook page as well and offer Facebook Live videos.
The list of helpful resources is ongoing, but it takes training, determination, and persistence to develop mysterious, suspenseful, and thriller scenes. Attend writer’s conferences,
connect with a critique group, and join your local monthly writer meetings.
Feel free to add other helpful resources to the list.
Loretta Eidson writes romantic suspense. She has won and been a finalist in several writing contests, including first
place in romantic suspense in the Foundations Awards at the 2018 Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, a finalist in ACFW’s 2018 Genesis, was a finalist in the 2018 Fabulous Five, and a double finalist in
the 2017 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence.
Loretta lives in North Mississippi with her husband Kenneth, a retired Memphis Police Captain. She loves salted caramel lava cake, dark chocolate, and caramel Frappuccinos.
A few days ago Annette’s Embrace the Wait column listed good strategies to prepare for a writers’ conference. Conferences are important investments in our writing career, so it makes sense to start well by preparing ahead of time.
It also makes sense to end well, which means thinking about
what you do after the conference is over.
Here are seven post-conference strategies to get the most out of your
investment
Send thank
yous. Send a brief email to every professional you met with, thanking them
for their time and their advice. You may also send thank yous to conference
hosts and anyone else that seems appropriate.
Follow up
on contacts. Dig out the business cards you collected and follow your new
writing friends on social media. Even better, send them a brief personal message
that will help them remember who you are. You never know which contacts will
turn out to be important a few months or years from now.
Follow
through on submissions. Right away. Do not procrastinate. (In fact, having your
query/proposal/sample chapters polished and formatted should be part of your
pre-conference checklist so you are ready to take advantage of these opportunities.)
Sending your promised materials promptly shows busy agents and editors that you
are professional, disciplined, and prompt. It also puts you in the front of the
line, when they can still remember who you are and why they wanted to see your
work.
Give
yourself time to recover. Conferences can be exhausting, physically,
mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Yes, you may be pumped to go home and
try all the wonderful things you learned, but be patient. Practice good self-care
by allowing your writer self to recover for a day or two before starting a blog
or completely revamping your website.
Organize
your notes. Go through all the materials you acquired during the
conference. File course materials where you can find them for later reference. If
you do not have a workable system for storing information so you can find it
again, this is a good time to create one.
Choose One
Thing to implement right away. Conferences
can fill us with motivation and inspire us to try new and wonderful techniques,
but attempting too much too soon usually leads to frustration and a lack of
focus. You will be more successful if you select one or two practical strategies
or ideas to implement. Choose ones that particularly resonated with you or that
apply to exactly where you happen to be in your current project. Once you get
that going, you can return to your notes and apply something else.
Journal your
thoughts. It may be helpful to spend some time pondering your experiences
and journaling about them. Pay attention to what excited you the most, what
struck fear into you, and what caused a pang of some other emotion. Think
through the reasons for those emotions and ponder what to do if those emotions
are holding you back. You may also find it helpful to list all the key
takeaways you learned, or list the wonderful people you met and jot down a note
or two about what you discussed with them. Whatever will help you put useful
information into long-term memory.
May your next writers’ conference be the best one yet.
Award-winning writer Lisa
E. Betz believes that everyone has a unique story to tell the world. She
loves inspiring fellow writers to be more intentional about developing their
craft and courageous in sharing their words. Lisa shares her words through
speaking, leading Bible studies, writing historical mysteries, and blogging
about living intentionally.
I never went to camp as a child. For a variety of reasons,
it wasn’t my thing.
Even though I was fat, I was a very picky eater. I didn’t
think the camp kitchen would serve french fries, Rice-A-Roni, and peanut butter
(my most popular choices) at every meal. Also, when you’re a hefty kid and tend
to be the last one chosen on any team, it’s hard to keep up with the physical
activities and games. To this day, I don’t know how to swim, which posed
another problem for camp.
Fast forward to later in life, and I served as a camp
counselor at church camp for a few years when my sons were younger. I served in
this capacity until the year I turned 41. That year, I was charged with
supervising 12 very active boys with no assistant—24 hours a day for four days.
I had an epiphany: I “aged out” of this type of work. I went back one more time
to work in the camp store, but I suffered a terrible gout attack, presumably
from the delicious institutional food, thus ending my camp experience.
Or so I thought. How does this discussion relate to writing?
Hold on.
I have been attending two writers conferences—Blue Ridge
Mountains Christian Writers Conference (BRMCWC—they love consonants) and
Kentucky Christian Writers Conference (KCWC—consonant lite)—for several years. While
at BRMCWC last year, it hit me—writers conferences have served as my summer
camp experience.
At summer camp, fast friendships develop over a short period
of time. Need I say more? I have gained so many like-minded friends at writers
conferences—too many to count, in fact. I love watching the relationships come
together, with the “packs” of writers hanging out together in the dining room,
in the coffee shop, and in the “dorm” lobby after hours. Close, lifelong bonds
have been formed in those precious sites.
Summer camps generally feature enrichment activities for the
campers, and, boy, do writers conferences fill that bill. In between the
socializing, we do go to class every now and then to learn from the best. After
all, that IS why we are there.
I will say that writers conferences top summer camp when it
comes to the quality of the food, but meals are still communal activities. Meal
times prove to be special times to bond, to network, and, if you’re at my
table, to laugh over the silliest of things. I haven’t experienced a food fight
at a writers event, but I have learned to never say never.
Considering all the similarities, I am ready for some camp
time. I hope to see you at BRMCWC in May or KCWC in June, and, if there are physical
activities or games, do my ego a favor and pick me first. Please?
Carlton Hughes wears many hats. By day, he’s a professor of communication at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College. On Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, he does object lessons and songs with motions as Children’s Pastor of Lynch Church of God. In his “spare time,” he is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in numerous publications, including Chicken Soup for the Soul and several devotional books from Worthy Publishing—Let the Earth Rejoice, Just Breathe, So God Made a Dog, and the soon-to-be-released Everyday Grace for Men. Carlton and his wife Kathy have two college-age sons, Noah and Ethan. He is on the planning committee for Kentucky Christian Writers Conference and is a year-round volunteer for Operation Christmas child.
Writer’s conference season is upon us. If you’re like me, this time of year gets your creative juices flowing and turns you into a bundle of excitement and nerves. This will be my fourth season to enjoy the bounty these wonderful gatherings bestow. Nope, the thrill still has not faded. If you have never attended a writer’s conference, I would highly recommend you go to at least one. After you’ve shared several days with people who get your writerly heart, I promise you’ll be hooked.
Writer’s conferences provide some of the best
opportunities for encouragement and motivation a writer can ever know—especially
if that writer is in the middle of a long waiting season. These events offer
networking opportunities with fellow writers, classes to help improve your
craft, and face-to-face time with agents and editors who are usually difficult
to access.
But before you venture out into conference land it’s
important to be adequately prepared for the journey. Here are a few tips to jumpstart
your conference success:
Pray and ask God for guidance about which conference(s) to attend. He will place you right where He wants you. Plus, He’ll often prepare divine appointments where and when you’d least expect them.
Once you’re registered, immediately research the conference website and take full advantage of signups for mentoring, intensives, VIP lunches, practicums etc. Many conferences offer special perks that have limited space and require advance registration. If you don’t scour the website, way in advance, you might miss out on some of these valuable opportunities.
Enter the conference contest if they offer one. You’d be amazed at how a dose of competition can take your writing to the next level. It’s exhilarating to hear your name called from stage if you place, but even if you don’t the experience is guaranteed to kick your writing game up a notch.
Research the faculty ahead of time. If you have writing that is ready to pitch, make sure to do your homework before you attend the conference. Find out which agents and editors will be attending. Spend a good amount of time online getting to know who they are and what they’re looking for. If you find a good fit for your work, be prepared to jump at every chance to meet with that faculty member at the conference. A little planning can go a long way.
Pack your professional essentials. Be sure to take business cards, one sheets, paper and pen, clothing that shows you’re serious about the profession, and the confidence you need to sell your yourself and your work.
Polish your work, practice your pitch, and prepare your heart. Prior to the conference dedicate some time to make sure that you’ll be taking your very best with you. Best work. Best pitch. Best you.
Scripture:
Ecclesiastes
4:12
Fun
Fact or Helpful Resource: If
you’d like more details about preparing a one sheet and pitching, here are some
excellent resources:
Annette Marie Griffin is a award-winning writer who speaks at local women’s group meetings and women’s retreats on the topic of biblical womanhood and finding our identity in Christ. She is the Operations and Events Coordinator at a private school for special needs students and is the editor of their quarterly newsletter. She has written custom curriculum for women’s retreats and children’s church curriculum for Gateway Church in San Antonio, Texas where she served as Children’s Ministry Director and Family Program Director for over twenty years. She and her husband John have five amazing children and two adorable grands. She’s a member of Word Weavers International, ACFW, SCBWI, and serves on the Board of Directors for The Creative Writing Institute.
I remember those days of whining to myself. “But it’s good. Everybody says so, especially all my friends and family.” Sigh … yes, I’ll admit it. I really took those familial critiques as having substantial meaning. And … they … did … not. And not because their opinions weren’t valuable, but because they do not know the market, no matter how many books they read. Or how well versed they think they are.
Most
readers have a few authors that they have read for years, maybe even decades,
and that makes them loyal readers, not professional reviewers. And once a
reader is with an author that they like, they will accept however that author
writes for the most part: good or bad, contemporary or old and stale, or anything
in between.
Agents
are always looking for fresh voices. New takes on old
stories, new ways of expressing the same thing, because let’s face it, there
aren’t that many new themes and/or ideas out there. So how do we sell it? A
fresh voice that uses all of the new trends in writing, that steps outside the
box for lack of a better expression, and who knows what the new readers are
looking for.
How
does a writer stay abreast of trends? How do they develop their voices? How can
they get a chance to show off what they can do?
Let’s
explore the answers to these questions:
attend conferences and workshops
attend conferences and workshops
attend conferences and workshops
Did I
really answer all of those questions the same way? You bet I did. Because at
conferences you’ll find numerous agents, editors, web designers, other authors,
those who can help you build platform, and so on. It’s an opportunity to
network, learn in classroom settings, discuss trends in the industry at
appointments, network with and possibly join a critique group, and to get
feedback on your work. HONEST feedback from someone who doesn’t have your
friendship to lose if they don’t like it.
IN A
WORD: invaluable
While
I occasionally find authors through my email, most of the clients that I pick
up are from conferences. Why is that? Most folks who are willing to pay for a
conference have done their homework, learned their craft, and worked hard to be
able to get to a conference. It means time away from family, a chip at the
finances, but it also means time spent with others who GET US. Other folks with
voices in their heads that just have to get out. They are writers who have
thick skin and can take it when their work is confronted. They can say, “Wow! I
didn’t know that. That certainly isn’t what I learned in Advanced English
class.” In other words, they are teachable writers willing to listen, to learn,
and to apply.
So,
why can’t I get an agent? I am probably not taking all of the above seriously.
I am convinced that I already know everything. I don’t work with critique
partners. Why bother? They don’t know any more than I already do. I can’t
afford to attend a conference (you can’t afford NOT to). I have an MFA in
creative writing, so why bother? I know it all, right?
Leaving
old notions behind, being teachable, learning to build platform, writing the
best novel you possibly can after learning all the ins and outs of the
industry, and you WILL be on your way to connecting with an agent or editor for
your work.
There
are conferences available from $99-all the way to WOW! break the bank.
Do
your best! Nothing comes free. It comes with hard work aimed at a teachable
spirit!
You
can do this … yes, you can!
Linda S. Glaz is an agent with Hartline Literary Agency, and also the author of eight novels and two novellas, so she “gets” writers. She represents authors in both the Christian and secular communities. She speaks at numerous conferences and workshops around the country each year. Married with three grown children and four grands, she lives in a small town where everyone is family.
One of my favorite quotes from a fictional character is Anne Shirley’s
profound declaration that, “Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it.”
That’s how I feel about a new year too. The more years that fly by the more I’m
reminded that time is precious and not to be wasted on loitering in the past.
With each new year comes God’s reminder to, “Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?”
When you’ve been writing for a while with little to no traction in the publishing world, it can be difficult to perceive that your writing has any purpose. But take heart. As Christian writers we know that our purpose is to write for Him. If we are doing that faithfully, then we can be assured that He is the one taking care of the details and timing of publication.
The start of a new year is a perfect time to take stock, realign ourselves with our calling, and press on with a renewed commitment to writing. And it just so happens that the start of a new year provides plenty of built in opportunities to motivate a renewal. Here are a few:
Take full advantage of writer’s conference season. Whether it be a local conference or one in another state, it is well worth the time and investment to attend. Writer’s conferences not only help you gain important connections with agents and editors, they also provide training to improve your craft and connect you with other writers who are on the same tedious journey. I’ve never attended a conference that didn’t result in my returning home with new passion, writing vigor, and drive. Map out a plan to attend one now, the anticipation will help motivate too. Here’s a great resource to find a conference that is the right fit for you:
Join a critique group if you are not already involved in one. It’s amazing how inspiring it can be to hear feedback about your writing—the good and the bad. There are plenty of great groups out there for the finding, but Word Weaver’s Intl. has been my go-to group for years. I look forward to the first Thursday of each month, and it serves as a deadline to submit something fresh or freshly improved. I also love the structure of the meetings and the friendships I’ve made through them.
Create monthly writing goals for yourself and share the plan with someone who can ask you about it each month. Challenge yourself to stretch your norms or simply to remain consistent. It’s a fact that people who have accountability partners are more likely to stay motivated to succeed. Here’s a great article about how to set achievable writing goals.
Fun Fact: I read this quote from Hope Bolinger when she posted it for Serious Writers Club on Facebook. It inspired me. I hope it will do the same for you.
“It takes years to find an agent. And when the agent picks you up, years to find a publisher. And when the publisher picks you up, years to get the book published. And when the book gets published, years to start making money from royalties. And when that book sells, years to get the next one sold. It’s all a process. Don’t worry if it’s taking you a while to get your book with an agent or book sold. It’s just a slow industry. You’re not behind. You’re right on time.”
Annette
Marie Griffin is a
award-winning writer who speaks at local women’s group meetings and women’s
retreats on the topic of biblical womanhood and finding our identity in Christ.
She is the Operations and Events Coordinator at a private school for special
needs students and is the editor of their quarterly newsletter. She has written
custom curriculum for women’s retreats and children’s church curriculum for
Gateway Church in San Antonio, Texas where she served as Children’s Ministry
Director and Family Program Director for over twenty years. She and her husband
John have five amazing children and two adorable grands. She’s a member of Word
Weavers International, ACFW, SCBWI, and serves on the Board of Directors for
The Creative Writing Institute.
If you want to do excellent work you need to invest in
quality tools.
A cook needs good knives. An athlete needs high-performance
shoes and clothing. A serious musician needs a professional-quality instrument.
What about a writer?
What tools will help you produce quality work?
What upgrades will help you become a better or
more efficient writer?
How will you honor your calling and God-given
talents by investing in your writing journey?
Are you ready to invest in yourself? Here are some tools, resources, and opportunities to consider:
How-to Books.
We can always learn more about the craft and business of writing. What books
need to be added to your writing shelf?
Books to
inspire you. If you want to write a good book, you should be reading good
books—in your genre and in others.
Reference
books. The internet is a wonderful tool, but sometimes you need a book,
because A) the information isn’t readily available elsewhere, or B) it’s
quicker and easier for you to find a particular fact in a book you know well.
Classes.
Some professions require you to get so many Continuing Education Credits every
year to maintain your license. Writing isn’t like that, but classes are still a
wise investment.
Writing
tools. Computer, keyboard, printer, pens, notebooks. What tools do you use
on a daily basis? Are you making do with the family’s leftovers or do you care
enough about writing to invest in quality?
Software.
Writing, editing, photo editing, social media scheduling, time management, marketing…
Sure, you can get by with the free or basic versions of these programs, but
sooner or later it becomes a good investment to upgrade to the “Pro” level. Is
now the time to become a pro?
Workspace.
Would a dedicated writing space help you work more efficiently? Is your current
workstation ergonomically designed, or do you need a more supportive chair or an
adjustable desk? Maybe a new light or a fresh coat of paint will do wonders for
your frame of mind?
Conferences.
Writing conferences are one of the best ways to network and meet industry
professionals. Now is the time to consider which conferences you will attend in
2020 and begin saving for them.
Expert
help. No writer can do it all. Sometimes we need to hire an editor, website
designer, publicist, or other expert to help do what we can’t do well
ourselves.
The small
stuff. Healthy snacks. Inspiring wall art. Coffee mugs or water bottles
that help you get into your “writer’s mindset.” What small things will help you
get motivated and maintain energy throughout your writing sessions?
Hint: Some of
these suggestions would make a nice Christmas or birthday present, so update
your wish list today. And don’t forget to make room in next year’s budget for bigger
items and a conference or two.
You and your words
are worth the investment!
Award-winning writer Lisa
E. Betz believes that everyone has a unique story to tell the world. She
loves inspiring fellow writers to be more intentional about developing their
craft and courageous in sharing their words. Lisa shares her words through
speaking, leading Bible studies, writing historical mysteries, and blogging
about living intentionally.
What do a whale, a worm, and a writer have in common?
Remember the story of Jonah in the Bible? When Jonah took off running for the
hills after God called him, the Bible says God provided a whale to swallow him.
Actually, it says “a great fish,” but that messes up my alliteration, so we are
going with a whale for the time being.
Coming off conference season, it often feels like we
writers have been swallowed by a whale of information. Yes, we know God
provided it, but we still have trouble wading through it.
We plod along, trying to bring to the forefront what
applies most to us and set our writing priorities based on our new wealth of
knowledge. After, we pray our distress prayer from the belly of information. We
come out, maybe with a few sprigs of seaweed in our hair, but we are out and
ready to continue our writing journey.
The worm is from the story of Jonah, too. When Jonah
got out of the whale of a situation, he was “all in” and did what God told him
to do in the first place; he still had attitude problems. Imagine that—someone
who doesn’t learn the lesson the first time.
God allowed the tree to grow for shade and then sent
the worm to destroy it after Jonah pitched his temper fit because God was being
God.
As writers, we may feel like an insignificant worm,
but if we are appointed by God, we have a big job to do, a God-designed job.
Remember, the whale’s job was to swallow Jonah, and the worm’s job was to gnaw away little by little at the tree. So, the next time you feel like a worm instead of a whale in the world of writing, just start gnawing away at your appointed place. That tree will fall before you know it, and you will be doing what God designed you to do.
Sue Davis Potts is a freelance writer from Huntingdon, Tennessee. She is mother to her beautiful college-age daughter, Jessa.
Sue enjoys writing for both children and adults. She worked for years as a preschool teacher but feels most at home these days with other writers who speak her language. She has been published in local magazines, anthologies, Ideals, Southern Writer’s Magazine and Focus on the Family’s children’s magazines Clubhouse and Clubhouse, Jr.
She authored a children’s library book and her book of short motivations 101 Life Lessons From Uno (The One-Legged Duck) is available on Amazon. Her blog, Potts Pages, can be found on her website, www.suedavispotts.com.
Conference season is upon us writers. With it comes euphoric highs, a whirlwind of preparation, and lightning storms of nerves. If you’ve never attended a writer’s conference, then you’re in the same boat I was three years ago. Prior to my first conference in 2017 I had never considered traveling across the country to purposefully immerse myself into a sea of strangers for days on end. Especially when the strangers were real writers. What would they think about a wannabe writer invading their territory? Nope. That sounded as fun as a root canal.
But then something weird happened. To my shock and horror my dear husband gave me a writer’s conference registration as a Christmas gift. Ugh. I was stuck. The poor guy was so proud of himself for coming up with such a thoughtful surprise that I couldn’t tell him the neatly wrapped certificate felt more like a sentence than a gift. What choice did I have? I had to attend.
A Divine Appointment Story
That first conference was unlike anything I had ever imagined. Not only did I find myself, for the first time ever, surrounded by writerly minded people, but God set up some divine appointments for me there that changed my life forever. I was so nervous walking down the conference center hallway to mealtime that first day. I felt like the new kid at school—unsure of my place in the world and even worse—no one to sit with at lunch.
Oh, how I mentally berated myself for not having found a clever way out of the trip. After all, how hard would it have been to feign the flu or a heart attack before the flight? Standing there in the cafeteria line I seriously considered retreating to my room and staying there till the conference ended, but before I could run away a lovely lady joined me in the food line and struck up a conversation. Again, I was stuck.
We enjoyed small talk until we had our dinner firmly in hand. She followed me to a small empty table where we sat and unloaded our trays. Others began to join us, and the introductions began. About halfway through the meal my new food-line friend told us where she lived. That’s when I knew God was up to something. Something strange and big. This lovely older lady, who just happened to join me in line also just happened to reside in the same remote town where I had lived most of my childhood years. When I say this town was remote, I mean barely on the map. In fact, when I revealed to her that I had grown up there, she insisted that I must be mistaken.
But there was no mistake. That same small town, where hurt had taken root in my heart and left scars I thought had long since faded—that town, that represented my unresolved past and had become such a bur in my soul that it had kept me from finding God’s grace and healing—she lived there. But why? Why had God dragged me a thousand miles from the safety of my own clan, and drawn her to drive hundreds of miles from hers to place us together at that exact time?
Because He knew that my writing journey must begin on solid ground—free from the stumbling blocks of the past. I still get chills when I contemplate how expertly He orchestrated my time with that wonderful woman to bring healing and wholeness to my soul. God wrote an entire chapter of my life during those four precious days, and that chapter paved the way for my writing journey to begin.
Since that experience I’ve had countless divinely arranged encounters with people who have taken my hand to help me find the next foothold in my climb to publishing. Those people have become my mentors, teachers, encouragers, and friends. But the truly awe-inspiring part of it all is the realization that it’s God’s sovereign hand that has placed my palm into theirs.
Tip #4–Look for Divine Appointments
My tip for this month
is to be on the lookout for God’s divine appointments. When they come recognize
Who arranged the meetings and share your story with others who may be just
starting out or those who have been in the trenches so long that they’re tempted
to forget the hope that lies in knowing He is the ultimate appointment setter. I’m
confident that most of you have benefited from divine appointments which have
propelled your writing career. Take a minute to share some of those experiences
in the comments below to help others remember how truly awesome our God is.
Fun
Fact: Famous author, JK Rowling was rejected time after
time until she became clinically depressed over the rejections. Finally, the eight-year-old
daughter of the chairman of Bloomsbury publishing house saw the opening
chapters of her manuscript, insisted upon reading it, devoured it, and then demanded
to read the rest of the book. Even after Bloomsbury decided to take a chance on
Harry Potter Rowling’s editor, Barry
Cunningham, warned Rowling that she needed to get a day job because it was
impossible to make a living writing children’s books.
Annette
Marie Griffin is a
award-winning writer who speaks at local women’s group meetings and women’s
retreats on the topic of biblical womanhood and finding our identity in Christ.
She is the Operations and Events Coordinator at a private school for special
needs students and is the editor of their quarterly newsletter. She has written
custom curriculum for women’s retreats and children’s church curriculum for
Gateway Church in San Antonio, Texas where she served as Children’s Ministry
Director and Family Program Director for over twenty years. She and her husband
John have five amazing children and two adorable grands. She’s a member of Word
Weavers International, ACFW, SCBWI, and serves on the Board of Directors for
The Creative Writing Institute.
March is a conflicted month for me, it marks both my
toughest fight and greatest victory. The 31st of this month marks 22
years since my accident that left me changed forever—disabled.
My world was turned upside down in an instant. One
minute I was returning to my car after buying my mother’s birthday card, the
next I was waking up a week later in intensive care.
My family and friends surrounded my bed. The next
few days I would learn about what happened after leaving the bookstore, about
the truck that T-boned my Mustang, crushing the right side of my head.
About the witnesses who rushed to my aid after the
accident and how they were sure I was dead. I’ll never forget the moment one of
the best neurosurgeons in the world explained to me how he had removed a part
of my brain and I would never walk again.
After weeks of in-house therapy, I was transferred to
a rehabilitation hospital. It was there I received the care and attention I
needed from trained specialists and other T.B.I. (traumatic brain injury)
survivors.
Although I wanted
to give up, I was told to take it slow and listen to my therapists. My family
and friends continued to come and support me.
A month later I was transferred to a transitional living center where I
could be observed in a normal setting. That’s where I learned I had limited use
of my left hand.
I learned the importance of support groups. Family
and friends are great, but people with disabilities were essential to my
recovery. In the 22 years since I’ve learned support systems aren’t just for
the disabled.
Support?
The dictionary defines support systems as, “a network of people who provide an individual with practical or
emotional support.” Our family and circle of friends are support systems in its
most basic form. They are the first ones to support our hopes of a writing
career.
They’re where we first receive love, help, and
advice. Older family members and friends have experienced the trials of life we
will eventually face. When the storms of life come, our support systems are
there to encourage us.
Each stage of life will bring us different systems
uniquely qualified to help us grow. Throughout my life, I’ve experienced many
supportive networks.
After I recovered from my accident, I attended a few
survivor groups and then later felt led to get serious about my faith. I began regularly
attending church again. It was there where I met my mentor and soon after
attended my first Promise Keepers men’s conference.
It was at that conference I realized I wasn’t the
only man who was broken. Along with more than 60,000 other men, I learned we
needed each other. I learned the power of encouragement. For over a decade I
consistently attended men’s rallies to be refueled and eventually joined the
movement as an ambassador.
I often shared my story of struggling with being
disabled and about my previous life and battles with substance abuse. This
eventually led me to join another support group, one for persons with addictive
personalities. I’ll never forget what was said the first day I attended.
The group leader stated he was glad to be born a
predisposition to become an alcoholic. Because if he hadn’t become one, he’d never
realized just how broken he was. “Everyone is broken and has problems, but not
everyone realizes it or can accept it. We all need help in one way or another.”
My disability was a wake-up call to my need for
help. Over the years I’ve watched people come and go who didn’t take their
addictions and brokenness seriously. It was all fun and games for them. But I
had learned it is no laughing matter.
As a youth I attended youth rallies and conferences
for fun, I never realized how serious the getaways were. While conferences and
groups can be fun, it’s more about encouragement and education.
Fun
and Games?
Anyone who’s pursued a writing career for any amount
of time, you know it’s not a luxurious or easy journey to start. And not for
hearing stories of other writers who have faced the giants we face ourselves,
most of us would be content just to give up and take a different path.
Fortunately, we have lots of opportunities to get
the support and training we need to continue our journey when the going gets
tough.
local writing or critique groups
online writing communities
social media writing communities
online training and education
writing mentors
writers’ conferences
By
the time this article posts we will be officially in conference season. It’s great to gather together with our friends and colleagues
who we don’t get to see often. And it’s fun to meet new people and network with
industry people we may never meet otherwise. I finally got to meet one of my
writing mentors at the last conference I attended. I also made more friends who
live in my area who continue to support me weekly.
Keep
in mind that like other support groups, writing conferences are for training,
encouragement and making sure our careers/dreams are supported.
Martin Johnson
survived a severe car accident with a (T.B.I.) Traumatic brain injury which
left him legally blind and partially paralyzed on the left side. He is an
award-winning Christian screenwriter who has recently finished his first
Christian nonfiction book. Martin has spent the last nine years volunteering as
an ambassador and promoter for Promise Keepers ministries. While speaking to
local men’s ministries he shares his testimony. He explains The Jesus Paradigm
and how following Jesus changes what matters most in our lives. Martin lives in
a Georgia and connects with readers at Spiritual
Perspectives of Da Single Guy and on Twitter at mtjohnson51.
Recently, I went to my local gym for a run. After I finished, a friend and another member approached me and shared how they couldn’t use the treadmill beside me. They said they were afraid I would fall because I was running too fast.
I replied that I use the treadmills to do cardio and not to walk, talk and watch TV. Shocked, my friend explained she wanted to do cardio too. The problem is she didn’t want to use the equipment the right way to do the job.
We see this everywhere in society these days. People want results, but they want to do it the easy way. Or they just don’t know how to use the right tool or know the correct equipment for the job.
Before pursuing a writing career, I worked in the manufacturing and production industries, being disabled I tend to pay more attention to safety. One of the first things I learned when I started in these fields, is to always use the right tool for the job.
The manufacturing and textile industries have been around for decades and most jobs utilize specific tools made for specific functions. These tools ensure safe work with maximum results. This train of thought has become a way of life for me. You never get maximum results by giving minimum effort.
Once you know your goal, get the right tools for the job and give it your best shot. The difference between a professional writer and novice is the professional carves out the time to write and knows how to use the right tools for the job. According to PC Magazine*, the best laptops for college students are below.
Dell XPS13
Asus VivoBook S15
HP Chromebook x2
Lenovo Legion Y530
Lenovo Yoga 730
Apple MacBook Air (2018)
The Tools?
Fortunately for those of us who are still trying to achieve a full-time professor writing career, we live in an age where we have countless resources, devices, and conferences to help us with our writing journeys.
While working on this post I decided to take another path for my writing career. After spending two years seeking Christian representation for my screenwriting, I realized that if my target audience is outside the church, I need to work with someone who can help me make the right connections on the path I believe I need to be on. Regardless of the path I take, there are resources to help me find the appropriate agent for the market I’m writing for. The two staples in market guides are listed below.
Over the last year, I’ve had the opportunity to work with other writers and editors who have shared with me some of the writing software they use. Here are some of the best for 2019.
If you’ve ever tried to write anything before, you’re aware of just how stressful it can be. You don’t have to be disabled like me to understand the bad side effects of stress on the body: headaches, chest pain, fatigue, upset stomachs, and insomnia are just a few.
For me, you can add an increased risk of seizures, aneurysms or strokes; which is why it’s great to live in the 21st century with increased communication and advanced technology. All of which support writers in getting the job done right.
Support?
The idea of being a nomad writer is a myth. All writers need connections and networks. This is one of the most important tools for a successful writer is attending writing conferences.
It is that there where we can get up-to-date and hands-on training from professionals who know what it takes to get the job done right. Also, it’s a great way to get advanced training in writing programs, and most importantly networking with key connections in the industry. The general rule I’ve heard is to attend at least one conference per year. There are two that I am interested in attending this year.
I once heard someone say, “The only difference between an athlete and a spectator is that the athlete decided to stop watching and get into the game.” Attending writer’ conferences is the best way to get into the game with the right stuff.
*Brant, T. & Burek, J. ( 2018, December 7) the Best Laptops for College Students in 2019, P.C. magazine
Martin Johnson survived a severe car accident with a (T.B.I.) Truamatic brain injury which left him legally blind and partially paralyzed on the left side. He is an award-winning Christian screenwriter who has recently finished his first Christian nonfiction book. Martin has spent the last nine years volunteering as an ambassador and promoter for Promise Keepers ministries. While speaking to local men’s ministries he shares his testimony. He explains The Jesus Paradigm and how following Jesus changes what matters most in our lives. Martin lives in a Georgia and connects with readers at Spiritual Perspectives of Da Single Guy and on Twitter at mtjohnson51.
I just returned from Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, and there was much talk about how most writers are introverts, people who prefer solitude and who are somewhat uncomfortable in big crowds.
I don’t know what they’re talking about! I am an off-the-charts extrovert, and my wife says I’ll talk to anyone. At writers conferences, I make friends standing in meal lines, waiting on group meetings, walking to classes, sitting outside . . . well, you get the picture. Writing can be hard for me for this very reason: I’d rather be cutting up with someone somewhere rather than sitting alone writing. God does, indeed, use the foolish things of this world to confound the wise.
One thing that has always fascinated me about this introvert/extrovert conundrum is Genre Night. BRMCWC (I’ll say it again—Pat, we need to buy a vowel) started this now-annual event a few years ago, and, quite frankly, I have found it a bit weird.
For those who are uninitiated, at Genre Night, writers/conference attendees dress in costume based on the type of writing they do or their current project, march across the stage, and explain their genre to the audience.
Even as an extrovert, I never thought it sounded fun. Until this year.
I had never participated in Genre Night because (1) it’s hard to dress up based on what I write (What does a humorist/freelancer/blogger/general writer-for-hire wear, anyway?) and (2) I don’t own a velvet gown, a Klingon costume, nor any authentic 18th century garb (shocking, I know).
In the lead-up to this year’s event, attendees were blowing up the conference Facebook with their dress-up plans, and one lady even offered to loan items from her costume stash. All that talk got me thinking about joining the parade, but what could I wear?
I thought of my favorite t-shirt, featuring Snoopy wearing glasses, a dress shirt and tie and holding a pencil. I like to say it’s “Joe Cool Carlton.” I spotted a wild-looking Hawaiian shirt my son got me for Christmas one year. I had been “saving” it to wear for a special occasion, so why not? But I needed something to top it off.
Sometimes being a children’s pastor comes in handy. I have a multi-colored beanie with a plastic helicopter blade on the top, held up with a pig. Perfect! I also found some googly-eyed nerd glasses for good measure.
I knew I would have to get on stage and explain my genre, but what if . . .
As a humorist and an extrovert who needs people to notice him, I didn’t want to say, “I write humor.” Combined with my silly costume, that might get some chuckles. I’ll say it again—I WRITE HUMOR. I wanted to go for the belly laughs. We had to wear our costumes to dinner, and I got many comments and curious looks. Then, my moment came to walk onstage and explain myself.
“My name is Carlton Hughes, and I represent . . . Amish romance.” A hush fell over the crowd for a split second, as if they were thinking, What? Then, the kicker.
“I actually write humor.” The crowd exploded with laughter.
The rest of the week I met lots of people who wanted to know this crazy guy. One of the conference directors even yelled, “Amish Romance!” each time she passed me. My job as an extrovert in a sea of introverts was done. Through it all, I learned God makes us all different, giving spice to life. He needs loud people like me to entertain the quiet ones.
Now, what to do next year?
Carlton Hughes wears many hats—some serious, some goofy.
By day, he’s a professor of communication at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College. On Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, he does object lessons and songs with motions as Children’s Pastor of Lynch Church of God. In his “spare time,” he is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in numerous publications, including Chicken Soup for the Soul and several devotional books from Worthy Publishing—Let the Earth Rejoice, Just Breathe, So God Made a Dog, and the soon-to-be-released Everyday Grace for Men. Carlton and his wife Kathy have two college-age sons, Noah and Ethan. He is on the planning committee for Kentucky Christian Writers Conference and is a year-round volunteer for Operation Christmas child.
I struggled to stay awake on the drive home from the Ohio Christian Writers Conference, my conference companion and I too tired to even speak to each other. Air1 and 104.9 in the background, I sang along to myself, thoughts drifting to the wonderful time of worship at the conference then to the conference itself. Those three words became the basis of my thoughts.
The OHCWC was my first writers conference. I’d attended writing workshops before, but never a conference with pitch appointments or that many agents, editors, and publishers. I didn’t realize how tired I would be.
Three days of sitting around taking notes, listening to writing workshops, pitching my WIP, and connecting with other writers shouldn’t be that tiring, right? However, I, and I think a lot of other writers, forget how mentally taxing writing is.
As you prepare for your next writers conference or are readying to return home from one, take time to recover afterwards. I’m sure upon your return home, family and friends will flood you with questions: “Did you publish your book?” “Who did you meet?” Your brain will need a rest from all that happens at a writers conference, and questions can quickly become overwhelming.
That recovery time is needed; thus, here are four ways to recover from your next writers conference:
Let your family and friends know that you will need alone time.
Writers conferences are a wonderful time of networking with others. When you return home, you won’t want to be swarmed by more people and questions. While it’s great that your family and friends care to know about the conference, make sure that you tell them before your departure that you will need alone time afterward. Tell them that you appreciate any and all questions about the conference, but to please, save them for the day after you return.
Take a shower.writers conference
It’s a strange yet well-known fact that writers think well in the shower. When your brain is overloaded from all the information you received at the conference, a nice warm shower may be just what you need to relax and to begin processing all you learned.
Drink some tea (or coffee!) and read a book.
You’ve learned so much about writing and talked so much about your own book that it will be beneficial to disappear into the world of another author for a few hours. Curling up on the couch with your favorite drink and taking a break from reality will help you relax and recover from the conference.
Journal your thoughts.
After the OHCWC my thoughts were in a jumble. All the information from the sessions swirled around in my head, and I didn’t even know where to begin sorting through them. So, I pulled out my notebook for writing thoughts, a ballpoint pen, and I wrote. The writing wasn’t pretty. It was hardly coherent. But by the end, I knew where to start formulating my writing plans and knew how to answer the questions others would undoubtedly ask me.
Most of us won’t have much time to relax and recoup after a writers conference, but these four ways don’t require a lot of time. A couple of relaxing hours will go a long way to helping you continue your writing journey.
If you’ve ever been to a writing conference, how did you feel afterwards? What did you do to recover?
Galaxy tights, mismatched socks, and a cup of tea in her T. Rex mug often accompany Megan when she sits down to write. Her passion for story has impacted her life since she and her sister first began enacting stories with their dolls and using their imaginations to create worlds of stories in their backyard. After graduating with her BA in English, she is currently earning a Graduate Certificate in Editing through UC Berkeley. Megan is using her love of story and purpose of serving Christ to write and edit at Literary Portals Editing. Find more about her services at www.literaryportals.com.
Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. Participants mute their audio and video during the filming, then we open up the room for anyone who wishes to participate with our guests. The “After Party” is a fifteen-minutes of off-the-record sharing and conversation.
Additionally, you can grow your network and add to the conversation by joining our Facebook Group.
I attended my first writing conference when I was sixteen-years-old. This is what lead to the publication of my first novel, PURPLE MOON.
Since then, I’ve attended conferences yearly and have grown in my craft, established connections that were beneficial to my career, and made lasting friendships and memories.
But these conferences can be intimidating for newbies — especially if you’re a teen like I was.
A young writer recently asked me,
“I was wondering if you have any advice for pitch appointments? I’ll be attending a conference this fall and it will be my first conference where I’ll be pitching my novel in a formal setting.”
For those of you who don’t know, at a writer’s conference, you have the opportunity to meet with agents and publishers and pitch your book. At most conferences, these appointments last about 15 minutes.
Which means that, as a writer, you must make a great first impression in this short amount of time in hopes that they will request your full manuscript (or proposal).
As a writer, Associate Agent, and Acquisitions Editor, I’ve experienced what it’s like to be on both sides of the table. I’ve learned — through trial and error, and through witnessing the pitches of others — what to do and what not to do.
Here is what you do want to do during these pitch sessions:
Prepare beforehand. Write a concise tagline of your book that you can deliver during the pitch. Make a list of potential questions the agent or editor might ask. Do your research on who it is that you’re pitching to. You might also want to make a list of questions that you’d like to ask them as well.
During the pitch, give a brief introduction, then tell the agent/editor your title and genre. Then dive into the concise pitch. If you have a one sheet or sample chapters, ask if the agent/editor would like to see it.
Remember: passion makes an impression when it’s contained within the boundaries of a professional approach. You want to be passionate about your project, but not so passionate that you begin to ramble.
Project confidence, not arrogance. Believe in your book and don’t be afraid to tell the agent/editor about your publishing history and writing qualifications. (They will want to know this!)
Refrain from over-delivering — give them just enough of a hook to wet their appetite for more.You’ll also want to leave time for them to ask questions to you and vice versa.
The most important thing to remember? Relax. Have fun with this! Don’t put pressure on yourself to leave with contract interest, but to share your passion for your book and receive feedback and direction.
The agent/editor isn’t meeting with you to criticize you; in fact, they’re hoping to find projects that they can pursue. Many times they’re happy just to offer their input, even if they may not be interested in the project at the time.
Is anyone else planning to attend a conference soon? Let me know in the comments!
So you’re thinking about attending a writers conference, or perhaps you’ve already registered for one. Even if you’re a pro at this, a paid critique still may benefit you. You’ve got a new story, and every story is different.
Here’s why:
One-on-one attention from an industry professional.
For a small investment, you get to sit down with an agent, an editor, a seasoned author. Not only are you getting a fresh set of eyes on your work, you’re also getting their experience and expertise. And this is not a pitch, so there’s not quite as much at stake. It’s a lesson, a mentoring session.
Be a learner.
You thought I was going to say more than that, eh? Not so much. That gem speaks for itself. With the fresh set of eyes comes a fresh perspective. Be a learner.
Photo cred: Alice Birkin
Let’s look now at the different industry professionals who might be willing to meet with you.
Paid Critique: Agents
If you’re on the Great Agent Hunt, this is ideal. You’ll get to not only see what the agent thinks of your work but also get feedback. When you query them, most agents don’t take the time to offer tips or insight unless they genuinely feel that, with some revisions, your work would be a good fit for representation. So this is a rare treasure! Choose the agents you meet with carefully, though. Don’t waste an agent’s time (or yours!) if you write sci-fi and all their other clients are historical fiction. Do your research beforehand and pay for a critique from your dream agent.
Some agents truly are as cool as Sidney Bristow and James Bond. Photo cred: Peggy Marco
To me, one of the best reasons to meet with an agent at a conference is to get a feel for their personality. In the agent-author relationship, it’s most important to find someone you could work with well. You may want a champion, a cheerleader, a career advisor. You may need a quiet professional relationship.
I remember at one of my first writers conferences, I met with an agent who�����������on paper—looked ideal for me. It turned out my work wasn’t a good fit for her, and I actually felt relieved. I could see, even before we sat down for the appointment, that our personalities wouldn’t gel. The meeting only confirmed it. We both handled ourselves professionally, and I can honestly say she’s a well-respected agent with impeccable taste. I just wouldn’t have enjoyed working with her. That’s important to me. Now? I count my agent a dear friend. (And she’s better than Sidney Bristow.)
Paid Critique: Editors
Again, do your research early and choose your appointments wisely. Get feedback from editors you hope will love your book. Listen to what they say about your writing. Ask questions about your story. But most of all, use the opportunity to ask them what they’re looking for. What makes a good story in their opinion? If they could give you any piece of advice, what would it be? They���re meeting with you because they want to be an encourager and a sharpener to you. If they didn’t want that, they wouldn’t offer paid critiques.
(Many don���t. They may still play this role in an appointment, though. If you’d like to see what editors want from their regular appointment slots at a conference, check out this excellent post by Karen Ball.)
So many authors, so many styles. Photo cred: Anton
Paid Critique: Authors
Meeting with authors who write in your genre is always a good idea. Get feedback—after all, they’re published. They know what works. Listen to their pointers on your writing with an open mind. Take notes. Think about what they’ve said that will work for you. They won’t try to change your voice, but you can gain valuable insight into both the industry and the writing process.
If you’re an indie author, this opportunity is golden. So very much goes into writing and launching and marketing a book well, and every author has their own story. Be brave and ask the hard questions. You may find the conversation invigorating and leave feeling better equipped for the challenge!
Wrapping up
Make the most of these opportunities. Many connections formed during these appointments can lead to valuable relationships. The publishing industry is always shifting and changing, and there’s always something to learn.
Have you ever had a paid critique? Tell me how it went.
Conference season is upon us and social media is abuzz with encouragement to click a sign-up link and submit a deposit.
So what’s all the hoopla about a conference for writers? Are these events worth the time/money/effort to attend?
I’m not so sure. After careful deliberation, here are 5 reasons to stay home:
You have plenty of writer friends and have no interest in meeting others.
Seriously. Within seconds of arrival, you would be amazed at the number of folks excited about putting pen to paper and eager to get to know you. And not just on the surface. They might ask what you like to write, what you dream of writing, what you hope to do with words, imagination, and hard work.
So, yeah. If sharing your writer-soul with other writerly-souls doesn’t appeal, then think twice about attending. Life-long friends can be such a nuisance.
You already, um…know enough writer stuff.
The conference will be packed with classes on everything from grammar and punctuation to character development and plot lines. Not to mention workshops on proposals, query letters, manuscript submission, where to find work, how to build a resume, and tips on formatting everything from movie scripts to picture books. Want to try a class outside your genre? You’ll have the opportunity to get a little crazy and go for it.
Unless, of course, you wrote the book(s) on the aforementioned. (Then you might be compelled to share your expertise with the rest of us…)
Hanging out with a faculty of accomplished writers and authors sounds like a bore.
Hmm. I guess it could be a tad dull. You know, hearing about their writing journeys, their struggles, and how hard work and dreaming big paid off. Drinking from the well of experience and soaking in encouragement from the pros could be overwhelming. And if you’re on the fence with your decision, do not daydream about sitting next to your favorite author during lunch and having an actual conversation. That would just be weird.
You have reached your affirmation quota.
This is a given. Unless you check into your room and hide under the bed, you will receive encouragement—from the experts and from your new friends (see #1).
Sorry. Just the way it is.
Attending a conference is expensive and time consuming.
This is true. There is cost involved. And sacrifice. Of course there are scholarships available, but you would have to apply. And there are smaller and shorter gatherings that cost less than the week-long events. Other options include: ask family and friends to invest in your dream through birthday and Christmas gifts, set aside a little dream-money each month, sell unused stuff on eBay, have a garage/yard sale, etc. (A cost/trouble/sacrifice analysis is recommended.)
In all seriousness, taking that step to attend a writing conference—especially for the first time—is huge. But you will NOT be alone. Grab a suitcase, pack your dreams and aspirations, dust off that manuscript (finished or not) and hit the trail.
Kindness is such a simple word, yet all too often it seems vacant from our speech.
Perhaps it’s the plethora of reality TV shows where everyone “speaks their mind” in aggressive, hurtful words that are meant to increase the network ratings. Perhaps it has to do with our own inadequacies; if we put someone else down, we think we are raising our own image. Wrong! Or perhaps it’s just that we are born to be self-seeking, focusing on our own needs.
This lack of kindness in our society really hit home to me on a recent out-of-state trip. I was in the restroom stall—sorry if that’s TMI—when I overhead a young woman poking fun at a person I assumed was her sister. “I hate those pants on you. They make your butt look fat.”
Nice, I thought sarcastically. Had I been outside the stall, I would have said something to the evil sister. But being trapped, all I could do was ponder these mean words. Obviously the sister being derided for some fashion faux pas had no recourse but to wear the “ugly” pants, unless she happened to have another pair in her carry on luggage, AND had time to change before her flight left.
Regardless of Nasty Sister’s words, it would have been so much kinder to wait until they were home and said something in private. Or just keep her mouth closed, period.
Although I wish it were not so, I’ve seen unkindness in the Christian writer’s realm. These include mocking another author’s hairstyle at a conference and leaving a conference attendee alone at a table rather than inviting him or her to join your group. A lack of kindness can be found everywhere.
As we begin a brand new year, I pray that writers (including myself) can determine to be kinder. If you can’t review a book, kindly decline, offering well wishes for the book’s success. If you really don’t like a book by a fellow writer, don’t leave a negative review. Privately message the writer if you think that will help them, but don’t publicly deride their words.
If you are at a conference, be a help to your fellow writers, especially the new ones. Don’t just seek out the so-called “famous” authors. Someday, the writer you scorn may be on the best sellers list!
Please remember, we are all children of the King. Determine in 2016 to treat others like the royalty they are.
May your new year be blessed!
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5: 22-23) NIV
Image of green typewriter courtesy of Just2shutter via freedigitalphotos.net
Image of helping a drowning person courtesy of Kateen2528 via freedigitalphotos.net
Want a great investment idea for your writing career? Go to a Christian writers Conference. You will meet the best writers, get the best advice and meet other writers who will become your friends. Going to a conference is like a mental boot camp. Your brain will hurt, you will be exhausted but the result are worth it. Here is a short list of Christian conferences for the next few months. Remember, most of these conferences have scholarships. I attended my first three from scholarship monies. You pay for travel, food and board. It is well worth it. If you know of a Christian writing conference that is not on the list, please put it in the comments below.
UPDATED: ACFW Virginia Writer’s Conference: July 25th, Woodbridge, VA
Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference: July 29-August 1, Langhorne PA
Christian Indie Authors and Readers Conference: July 30- August 2, Davenport IA
UPDATED: Realm Makers: August 7-8, St. Louis, MO
Oregon Christian Writers Conference: August 10 – August 13, Portland, O
Atlanta’s Christian Writing Conference: August 20-22, 2015, Marietta, GA
Christian Communicators Conference: August 26-30, 2015, Asheville, NC.
American Christian Fiction Writers Conference: September 17-20, 2015, Grapevine, TX
Writer to Writer Conference: Sept 18-20 2015 Murfreesboro, TN
Breathe Christian Writers Conference: October 9-10, 2015, Grand Rapids, MI
Blue Ridge Christian Novelist Retreat: October 18-22, 2015, Ridgecrest, NC
Indiana Faith and Writing Conference: October 30-31, Anderson, IN
Next Step Writers Contreat: November 12-14, 2015, Albuquerque, NM
Writer to Writer Conference, February 5-7, 2016 Hershey PA
Writers Advance Boot Camp: February 19-21, 2016, Asheville, NC
Here are a few websites that display all conferences and retreats, both Christian and non-Christian.
