Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Brandy Brow, 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.”
Conference Series #1~ Before Going to the Conference
In this episode of Writers Chat our co-hosts Johnnie Alexander, Jann Martin, and Melissa Stroh are joined by Bethany Jett to provide per-conference tips. These ladies discuss how to pick the right conference, the advantages of virtual and in person, budgeting, what to take with you, and so much more! They also share their experiences as attendees as well as from a faculty/director perspective. For more, check out this week’s replay.
Watch the February 1st replay.
Sensitivity and Diversity in Manuscripts with Edwina Perkins
Publishing houses are looking for more diversity in what authors are submitting, so, non-ethnic writers need to address some important issues when it pertains to diversity in their manuscripts. In this episode of Writers Chat, Edwina Perkins shares the importance of engaging with sensitivity and beta readers. She explains the qualifications of a sensitivity reader, and managing expectations (for example, a sensitivity reader is NOT a developmental editor). Edwina also shares seven terrific tips for writing believable and authentic characters. For more, check out this week’s replay.
Watch the February 8th replay.
Edwina Perkins is the assistant director of Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She is also the coordinator for Mentoring Moments and the manager of Sensitivity Between the Lines, both with BRMCWC. She is an acquisitions editor for Iron Stream Media and for the imprint Harambee Press. As a longtime member of Word Weavers International, she now serves as a member of the advisory board. Edwina is an award-winning writer, experienced teacher, speaker, freelance editor, and a sensitivity reader. She is also a freelance writer with Guideposts. One of her passions is to address the need for sensitivity and diversity in the publishing industry. She’s a lover of anything dark chocolate, and chocolate covered espresso beans are her weakness.
Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133
I love writing conferences. If you have been reading this blog for very long, you already know that, because I have written about them many, many times.
I love the camaraderie of those with like minds. I love learning new things about writing and the publishing industry. I love eating in the cafeteria and pretending it is summer camp with all my friends.
Today I am thinking about the opportunities provided during the one-on-one appointments with editors, publishers, and the like. I love those, too, for you never know what’s going to happen and when God is going to open a door from a seemingly random encounter.
At the conference I attended this year, I signed up for two appointments with people I really wanted to talk to. SCORE! The rule with this conference states you’re allowed two appointments during the initial sign-up period—which is a free-for-all, by the way. It’s a good thing it’s a Christian conference, or else there would be pushing, shoving, and cage matches.
After that initial wrestling match—er, signup period—you are allowed to go back the next morning for additional appointments if there are open slots left. Not one to ignore an extra opportunity, I always go back to check the appointment sheets. This year, I signed up for my third appointment with a writer/editor I didn’t really know, but, when she introduced herself at the group meeting, she said she was looking for parenting articles.
I recently co-authored a devotional book, Adventures in Fatherhood, about . . . PARENTING, so I thought, why not talk to this person?
It turned out to be a divine appointment. At our meeting, she grabbed my book and screamed “I LOVE IT!” We discussed her editorial needs, and she suggested I send copies of the book to contacts at an organization she once worked for and still does some consulting. I won’t mention the name of the organization, but they do have a keen focus.
Back home, I stood in the valley of decision. Did I really want to send someone a book out of the blue? Wouldn’t that seem a bit weird? Have I ever denied that I am weird? Don’t answer that last question.
I took the plunge and sent the books, because you never know. That phrase has become my theme for seeking writing opportunities: it just might be a God-thing. You never know unless you try.
After I put the copies in the mail, my school year started, and my schedule was full. I had forgotten I had sent the books until, a few weeks later, I got an email from a representative of the organization. He and his staff LOVED the book and wanted to discuss freelance opportunities with me and my co-author.
Say what? A person gets a random book and likes it? And wants me to write some more? DOUBLE SCORE!
Lesson learned: take the opportunity. Try, even it seems random. After all, nothing is random with God.
You never know.
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.
Why do you write? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books?
I write because I can’t not write. Writing is like breathing for me. It has always been the best way for me to communicate my ideas. The theme of all my writing is for everyone to live significantly. The goal and message of my books is to move us toward authenticity in our faith and practice thanks to God’s love for us and our love for Him.
How long have you been writing?
As far back into childhood as I can remember I have always been a writer. Songs, poems, plays, and musicals were my first genres. Professionally, I have been writing since 1991, 30 years now.
Tell us about one of your greatest joys in your writing career.
The greatest joys in my writing career come when someone says he or she was changed, touched, encouraged, or motivated by something I have written.
Tell us about one of your darkest moments in your writing career.
The darkest moment in my writing career happened when I pitched my work to a certain literary agency, and they said my platform was much too small for them to represent me. It wasn’t so much what they said, but the way they said it that made me feel insignificant and made me feel my work had no value.
Rejection is a common experience for writers. How do you overcome rejection? How has rejection shaped you or your career?
I overcome rejection by realizing every no is getting me closer to yes. No just means that particular company doesn’t need what I have right now, it doesn’t mean my work is unworthy. I wear a t-shirt from time to time that sports a quote from Nelson Mandela that says, “I never lose; I either win or I learn.”
In what ways has God led you to mentor other writers? Were you surprised when a certain skill or connection led to mentoring opportunities?
I mentor other writers by teaching them how to think through their book projects the way a publisher would think about them. I help them build their ideas into publishable products with the readers’ felt needs in mind and a marketing strategy. God gives me discernment. As I listen to my clients tell me about their book ideas, I can mine the gold and diamonds from their thoughts enabling them to clearly see what they are really trying to communicate. I’m grateful every time God opens another vein in the rock, so He’s surprising me at every meeting.
Tell us about a facet of mentoring that particularly excites you.
The facet of mentoring that particularly excites me is what I mentioned in the above answer. I’m excited whenever I see the Holy Spirit move in a meeting. The ideas that blossom as I talk with clients are so awesome that I know they are sparked by Him.
What venues/methods have you found most effective for meeting and mentoring writers?
Like everyone else, I pivoted to teaching virtually because of the COVID pandemic and that has caused my business to thrive. I also teach at writers’ conferences virtually. Now that the country is opening back up to in-person events, I’m being scheduled at those now too. I am a conference junkie and I love to teach writers and join them on their journey to publication.
Have you organized or led groups to support writers? (Retreats, ACFW chapters, etc.) How has that experience helped you to mentor writers?
I own AuthorizeMe Consulting, Coaching & Editing Firm, and Literary Agency through which I (obviously) consult, coach, edit, agent, and teach masterclasses helping writers reach the publishing goals. My company mentors writers because my clients experience hands-on help making sense of how to implement all they learn from me and from writers’ conferences they attend.
Have you organized or directed a writers’ conference? Tell us about that experience, and/or share an anecdote that illustrates how you saw writers being mentored and encouraged through the event.
Yes, I have been assistant director and director of the Sandy Cove Christian Writers’ Conference, Northeast, MD. I started the first ever teen major track at a writers’ conference at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers’ Conference, where I served on faculty in various capacities for 20 years. I am currently co-director of the West Coast Christian Writers’ Conference.
There are so many examples I could share. Let’s see. I remember one woman who wanted to write her memoir and I asked her the question I ask all memoir writers, “Who cares? As an unknown, why would people want to read your story? What’s in it for them?”
She returned to the next portion of my workshop the next day realizing that her story was about her release from shame. That was it! The title and table of contents how to focus on release from shame which was the felt need of her audience. We were all excited for her to have had that breakthrough and she was able to finish storyboarding and outlining her book knowing her new direction.
If you speak at writers’ groups or conferences, what are some of your favorite topics to speak about?
Some of my most popular topics for workshops and keynotes are:
“Starting Strong and Maintaining Momentum,”
“Getting Started as a Professional Freelancer,”
“From God Through You,”
“Excuses, Excuses, Excuses,”
“The Magic of Storyboarding,”
“You’re in the Right Place,”
“Branding Your Ministry,”
“Move to the Excellent Level: The Ten P’s of Your Writing Success.”
What advice do you have for writers as we interact with our peers? What can we do to be better supporters and mentors of our fellow writers?
Pray for each other.
Support each other’s work.
Purchase each other’s books.
Write reviews.
Share posts.
Do you have a favorite resource or two that you recommend to beginning writers?
The Bible.
My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers.
The Synonym Finder by J. I. Rodale.
The Soul at Rest by Tricia McCary Rhodes.
Scribbling in the Sand by Michael Card.
Do you have a favorite resource or two that you recommend to writers who are struggling with discouragement?
The Bible.
What are common mistakes you see aspiring writer’s make?
Giving up on traditional publishing too soon.
What advice can you give aspiring writers that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have heeded?
I heeded advice I was given. I knew nothing about publishing, so I actively did what I was being taught to do. I’d tell aspiring writers to listen to the experts. Do what we tell you to do, the way we tell you to do it, until it does not work for you anymore. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel. “In the multitude of counselors, there is safety.” Avail yourself to as many writers’ conferences as possible. Do a little at a time, but just keep at it. Do not settle for mediocrity; reach for perfection.
Sharon Norris Elliott Bio:
“Live significantly!” That’s the inspiring message of Sharon Norris Elliott: author, speaker, Bible teacher, editor, consultant, and literary agent. She writes challenging yet encouraging books in several genres including women’s non-fiction, parenting, devotional, and children’s literature. Her most recently published title is A Woman God Can Bless (2020, Harambee Press). Her 13th book and 3rd parenting book, Didn’t See That Coming: When How They’re Living’s Not How You Raised Them is due to launch from Elk Lake Publishers in late 2021; Elk Lake has also contracted her 7-book children’s I Really Need to Know series.
God’s goodness has brought Sharon from Compton, CA, to standing before great audiences. She’s a cum laude graduate of Biola University, holder of an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree, member of ACE, AWSA, and SCBWI. She is also a religious broadcaster on HSBN.tv, CWWN.tv, Spotify, and other social media outlets. She is Founder and CEO of Life That Matters Ministries; AuthorizeMe® Consulting, Coaching, & Editing Firm,and Literary Agency LLC; and Milk & Honey Life Retreats. Sharon serves as co-director of West Coast Christian Writers’ Conference.
She and her husband James live in Southern California and enjoy their church, their children, and their grandchildren.
All books can be purchased via Amazon, BarnesAndNoble.com, and Sharon’s website.
As I write this, I’m getting ready to attend my first in-person writers conference in two years. I have been so busy planning and packing, I nearly forgot to write this post. I am thankful for social media reminders!
I feel a bit like an alien, preparing to land on a new planet. Can anyone relate? It has been so long since I have been able to gather with others and socialize, I don’t quite know how to act.
When I started packing, I selected enough clothes to spend about two weeks away (Did I mention I’ll be gone for three days?). After I weeded down the clothes, I started thinking about the additional things I would need, like notepads, pens, my computer, and, of course, snacks. Again, I over-thought everything, so I needed to cut down to a manageable number of items. At the rate I was going, I would have looked like the Beverly Hillbillies trucking down the highway with all sorts of things hanging off the vehicle.
Finally, I thought about those minor details—one sheets, writing samples, business cards. Actually, those are IMPORTANT things! Like I said, it’s been a looonnng time since I have attended such an event, so I’m bit rusty.
The more I have thought about this conference, the more I realize the truth of what I tell first-time attendees when I teach the “Newbie” class at another event. The most important thing about a writers conference: the people.
The relationships you make with the people at a conference are vital, everlasting. Book projects come and go, but your friendships will last much longer. I found my agent by hanging out during breaks (we were friends long before I became his client). I have bonded over cookies in the cafeteria. I have spent nights laughing and catching up over ice cream. (Yes, most of my special moments include food). I met the co-author of my book in the appointment sign-up room. I wish I could list all of the friends I have made at writers conferences, but there isn’t enough space.
These friends not only understand what it’s like to be a writer (and to struggle at times), but they have stood by me through the ups and downs of life.
So, I am not going to worry so much about the clothes, the electronics, and the writing stuff (though those things are important) as I prepare for the conference. I am going to anticipate hugs (!) and special times with my friends.
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.
It’s almost SWCS, or Summer Writers Conference Season, for those of you who don’t know. I attended my first writers conference years ago and have attended many of them since. At that first one, I learned something right away.
When you sit down next to anyone at a writers conference, there will always be a basic first question. You might think it would be, “What is your name?” Not so, because you’re most likely going to be wearing some form of ungainly nametag, so that information will be clear.
No, the first question will be: “What do you write?”
I have been asked that question when I sat down for meals, classes, and for a break outside. New friends, old friends, famous authors, and not-so-famous authors have inquired this information from me. I have probably even been asked this question in the bathroom, although I don’t remember a specific instance (Plus, men’s rooms at writers conference tend to be less populated than ladies rooms).
Last year, I taught at the virtual Kentucky Christian Writers Conference, and I was amazed at the discussions in the chat feature. Attendees interacted much as they would have at a live conference, and people still constantly asked . . . you got it . . . “What do you write?”
As I gear up to attend such events this year (one virtual, one live), I have thought of some creative, off-the-wall answers to the classic question, just to spice things up a bit. So here goes.
“What do you write?”…
“Feline nonfiction novels.”
“Amish speculative fiction. Watch out, Martha, there’s something in the butter!”
Look around suspiciously and whisper, “I can’t talk about it in public.”
“Your Best Quarantine Life Now: Changing Your Pajama Pants More Than Twice a Week.”
“Amish romantic suspense. Watch thy back, Levi.”
“A new devotional book, 365 Days with Teenagers. 100 stories about sleeping in, 100 stories about not cleaning your room, 100 stories about junk food. I don’t know about the other 65—I’ll do that tomorrow. Or someday.”
“A Quarantine Cookbook: Making Meals Out of Butter Crackers, Cheese, Peanut Butter, and Old Chocolate Chips Found in the Cabinet.”
“Amish Dystopian Teenage Romance: No Hunger Games with MY Bread, Sarah.”
“I don’t want to tell, because I’m afraid someone will steal my idea. But I have printed out my work in three hardback notebooks and have them with me.”
Hopefully you can tell my tongue is firmly in my cheek. On a serious note, if you do attend a writers conference and are asked this question, be yourself and talk confidently about your work.
Martha and Levi would not want it any other way.
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.
One month ago my first novel officially released. As you might guess, I am proud of finally achieving that goal!
Death and a Crocodile is a fast-paced mystery set in ancient Rome, featuring a feisty female sleuth, quirky humor, a glimpse of the early church, and a naughty, sausage-snatching cat. It was recently named a gold medal winner in the Illumination Book Awards mystery/thriller category.
In case you’re wondering, my meteoric rise to fame began long, long ago in a phase of life far far away from my current reality. (As in mother of toddlers to grandparent.)
Over the intervening years I’ve spent countless hours learning, writing, getting feedback, writing some more, attending conferences, building platform, and writing. Ten years ago I actually completed an entire novel manuscript. Four years ago I complete the manuscript that became my first novel. Two years ago that manuscript was a finalist in the ACFW Genesis award. One year ago I signed a contract for the book with CrossLink Publishing. And now here I am, at the start of my career as a published author.
Author interviews often include a question something like “What advice do you have for beginning authors?” Since I have just transitioned from unpublished author to published author, I thought I would take a stab at answering that question.
Believe in yourself and your stories
When I first discovered that I enjoyed creative writing, I wrote short articles and drama sketches. Sometimes I would work on a few scenes of a longer story, but I never got very far. Partly because I hadn’t yet learned how to structure a story, but mainly because I didn’t think anyone would want to read the stories I made up.
My inner critic whispered that no one wanted to read my stories. My plot ideas weren’t good enough. They were stupid, lame, boring, or too odd for anyone else to enjoy.
It took me years to get over this hurdle.
And it was only after I decided to believe my stories were worth reading that I began to take myself seriously as a writer. Only once I had moved past that mental hurdle could I risk my work being seen in critique groups or actually decide to finish an entire story manuscript.
Give yourself permission to be a beginner
You’ve probably heard the advice that you must turn off your inner critic and give yourself permission to write a “bad” first draft. I suggest you take that concept further and give yourself permission to write a “bad” first novel.
Let me clarify! By “bad” I don’t mean poorly written, or awful, or a piece of junk. I merely mean not yet good enough to be published. I call them practice novels. A practice novel is not bad. A practice novel is not a waste of time. I think of practices novels as a hands-on writing course that helps us learn and improve our craft.
I recognize that God has called some of you to write a specific book, and therefore you need to continue improving and polishing that manuscript until it is publishable. However, for many of us, and particularly those who write fiction, our calling is to be a teller of tales, not necessarily any one particular tale. Therefore, creating practice novels that helps us hone our skill and find our voice is a perfectly acceptable use of our time and talents. I have heard many successful authors mention the practice novels they wrote, which gave me mental permission to do the same. I wrote three practice novels before writing Death and a Crocodile.
Do you need to give yourself permission to call your manuscript a practice novel and set it aside to begin working on something better? And who knows, a plot point or character from a practice novel could always end up in a future work.
Network even if you don’t know what you’re doing.
I am a card-carrying introvert. I was not born with a networking gene. One of the things I hate most in life is feeling alone in a crowd of people. Attending any large social event drains my energy big-time. (Are you getting the picture?)
So attending writing groups or conferences is a HUGE stretch for me. But I do it.
Because interacting with other writers face-to-face is an important piece of growing as a writer. All of the one-on-one meetings I’ve had at Christian writing conferences have been encouraging, and several of those meetings have led to further interaction with helpful authors. Also, every time I have attended a live conference, the Lord has guided me to people I could befriend. So even though I’m not a natural networker, and I didn’t realize I was networking, I have collected writing acquaintances over the years that I can turn to for advice, encouragement, and even an endorsement or two.
In other words, attending writers’ groups and writing conferences enables God’s providence to operate and lead you to open doors.
An example of networking and God’s providence: A woman I befriended at a local writers’ group met Cyle Young through attending a writing conference. When he was starting Almost an Author, she heard about it and passed the word to me, so I was able to begin writing a column here. That led to Cyle becoming my literary agent. Which eventually landed me a publishing contract. See all that networking? And it began with me talking to ONE writing friend and making the effort to join a group writing blog. That’s all I thought I was doing, but God had bigger plans.
If you know any beginning writers, take the time to encourage them in whatever next step they need to take on their writing journey. Encourage them to believe in the worth of their stories. Or perhaps invite them to come along the next time you attend a writing event.
Lisa E. Betz worked as an engineer, substitute teacher, and play director before becoming an award-winning mystery writer. She brings her analytical mind, quirky humor, and positive outlook to all she writes. She draws inspiration from thirty-five years of leading Bible studies to create entertaining mysteries set in the world of the early church, and then she fills that world with eccentric characters, independent females, and an occasional sausage-snatching cat. Her first novel, Death and a Crocodile, garnered a gold medal in the Illumination Book Awards.
I am convinced that my writing journey is not just about me. God has a master plan to use the trials and the triumphs, the work and the wait, the refinement and the rejections—all for His glory. Part of that elaborate plan has involved connecting me with other writers. Like tesserae—the pieces of stone, tile, or glass used to construct a mosaic—God has strategically linked these writers’ journeys together with my own to form beautiful work of art.
It’s my pleasure to share my fellow tesserae with you in the next few posts in hopes that while you wait for publication they’ll become a part of your mosaic too. These writer friends all have a particular gift, skill-set, or unique insight that has brought balance to my writing journey.
My first guest tesserae is Becky Antkowiak. I met Becky at the BRMCWC in 2019 and was drawn to her radiating joy. She’s one of those people you just can’t help but like. We found an instant connection through our adoption stories and have been friends ever since. Unlike me, Becky is an extrovert extraordinaire. She has found a way to get the most out of connecting virtually during these trying times, and I asked her to share some of those valuable tips with us in the following interview:
1) What motivated you to dive in, do the research, and learn how to get the most out of virtual gatherings?
My time at Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference (2019) was the most fun I’d had in years—learning, meeting new friends, and finding my niche. When Covid forced the #BRMCWC2020 postponement, I was disappointed. When leadership announced the half-capacity-plus-virtual conference option for November 2020, I sobbed.
My husband was stymied. “Shouldn’t you be smiling? A virtual option is good news, right?”
“Yeah, but three hundred friends will be having fun without me!”
I knew I needed to take advantage of the virtual option (I have Lupus) but mourned the lost opportunity to connect. I prayed that God would “fix it” and make Covid go away, so I could attend in person.
God didn’t “fix it.” Instead, He nudged me to contact BRMCWC leadership. They graciously connected me with my co-host, Jaime Snell, and approved us to run Zoom sessions. Prior to November, I hadn’t run anything more than basic meetings. I watched Zoom tutorials and chatted with Zoom tech support to learn as much as I could, then prayed God would handle the rest. And He did. God provided everything we needed to help virtual attendees feel connected.
Direct access to faculty—during sessions, at meals, and in casual conversation—is one of BRMCWC’s unique advantages. As we scrambled to overcome the challenges Covid presented, we realized the virtual attendees wouldn’t be able to interact with faculty. Connecting people with resources (and with other people) is my passion; I wanted to ensure our virtual attendees didn’t miss out.
I reached out to some BRMCWC contacts and asked if they’d be willing to speak to our group. God prompted every person to say YES. I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to connect friends with what they needed.
2) What are your top tips for getting the most out of a virtual conference and/or meeting?
Focus is the key to success during a virtual conference. Unlike an in-person conference, virtual conferences allow us to attend in our pajamas, run a load of laundry, grab a snack from the fridge, and manage fifteen other household issues while still attending. However, if we don’t plan and prepare, those perks can become drawbacks. A quick trip to the kitchen for coffee might morph into a thirty-minute “clean up after breakfast” detour. Even if we bring the laptop, we’re still not focused. “I’ll listen while I fold these towels,” results in missed information.
Preparing our minds, our environments, and (if applicable) our housemates ahead of time allows us to focus fully and take advantage of every minute. I wrote a series of posts at beckyantkowiak.com detailing ways to get the most from a virtual conference.
3) What advice do you have for authors who are camera shy and reluctant to participate on camera?
If you’re not thrilled by the idea of public speaking (online or in person), you’re in good company. According to a number of studies, fear of public speaking ranks ABOVE fear of death. (Seriously.)
Ideas for anyone reluctant to speak:
Prepare, prepare, prepare. If possible, ask for Q&A questions ahead of time.
Change the speaker view to reduce the number of attendees on your screen.
If you’re in charge of the meeting, ask someone to co-host.
Learn to navigate the meeting platform well ahead of time.
Ideas for anyone leading a meeting of people reluctant to speak:
Prepare your participants. Communicate expectations, responsibilities, and information at the beginning/prior to the meeting.
Invite participants to communicate via chat (either in a private message or “to all”). Then, verbally draw them out. “Karyn, you made a great point in the chat, and I want to make sure I don’t miscommunicate what you said. Do you mind sharing with the group? I think what you said is so important.” Often, knowing they won’t speak at the same time as someone else gives attendees the courage to turn off that mute button.
If you’re running a Q&A, tell participants, “If you have a question, type, ‘I have a question,’ in the chat, either publicly or directly to me. I’ll send you a direct message via chat when your turn approaches, so you can turn off your mute.” Then, follow through. First, private-message the person next in line to ask a question: “James, you’re after Kelly. As soon as she’s done, I’ll call on you, so please un-mute yourself.” Then, after the speaker has finished answering Kelly, alert the speaker (and provide a verbal prompt to your participant): “James has a question. Go ahead, James.”
When soliciting questions, remind participants of the limited time. “Please ask only one question until others have had a chance. If we have time, I’ll open the discussion for people to ask a second question.” This gently reminds extroverts not to railroad the meeting.
4) What benefits have you experienced from the virtual gatherings you have attended?
I’m a serial extrovert. If we make direct eye contact, I’ll consider us lifelong friends (you’ve been warned). More than once, when gatherings included multiple gals named Becky, I was labeled “the hugging Becky.”
I mention this to help you understand the absolute gift virtual connection has been for me in a world where I can’t hug my friends (or strangers). Because of my health, we’ve been extra careful. I’ve had in-person contact with only a handful of people since March.
After a while in semi-quarantine, I lost all motivation to write. (If you’re an extrovert, you likely understand how deep my depression and overwhelm began to helix. If you’re an introvert, imagine how you’d feel after spending the last six months in a small apartment with thirty strangers.) Then, a friend posted about the She Speaks for Him conference. I showed it to my husband and he encouraged me to sign up. Connecting with others online during the conference filled a void in my soul and pulled me out of an emotional pit.
Because of that experience, I knew the commitment, and the time, and the fight with technology terror (is this is an official disorder?) to provide Zoom for BRMCWC would be worth the work. Participants in the BRMCWC Zoom often thanked us for hosting, but truly, our group would have been nothing without the amazing attendees. (I’m only sad I can’t hug them. For now.)
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:26, Hebrews 10:24, 1 Peter 3:8
Fun Fact or Helpful Resource: I asked Becky to share a little about herself. Be sure to connect with her. I know you’ll love her as much as I do! https://beckyantkowiak.com
From Becky: I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. I’m an editor, an adoptive homeschooling mom, and an advocate for those who can’t speak up for themselves.
I’m the founder of the 540 Club, a community of writers who commit to write, to learn, and—above all—to encourage other writers. In addition to our Facebook group, we gather via Zoom for Write-ins and weekly meetings. The 540 Club* is FREE, and always will be.
Need prayer? Send me a message via the contact page at beckyantkowiak.com. I love to pray for my friends!
Thanks so much, Annette, for the chance to share. XO
*Future plans for the 540 Club include creating a non-profit arm, with opportunities for members to participate in virtual writing workshops for underserved kiddos. If you have related experience (non-profit formation, virtual teaching, etc.), I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Annette Marie Griffin is an award-winning author who has managed and directed programs for children and youth for more than twenty years. She has written curriculum for character growth and development of elementary-age children, developed parent training seminars to benefit the community, and counseled at-risk youth. Her first children’s book What Is A Family? released in 2020. She and her husband have five children—three who have already flown the coop and two adopted teens still roosting at home—plus two adorable grands who add immeasurable joy and laughter to the whole flock.
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.”
Creative Website Content with Rhonda Dragomir
In this episode, Rhonda continues the series on effective author’s websites. She shares with us the current trends in site design, as well as simple ways to add effective content that will draw people back to our sites.
Rhonda Dragomir is a graduate of Asbury University with a degree in Social Work, she is also a pastor’s wife and Bible teacher. Rhonda is an award-winning writer, with published works in Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies and Spark magazine.
How to Prep for Writers Conferences with Bethany Jett
In this episode, Asst. Acquisitions Editor and Serious Writer co-owner Bethany Jett gives wonderful tips on how to prepare for a conference and what to expect while there. She also discusses etiquette when meeting staff, either for a fifteen minutes appointment or during a meal.
Watch the October 16th replay
To get the low down on making the most of your conference experience, including a secret or two, check out this week’s Show Notes and Live Chat Discussions.
Bethany Jett is the Founder and Co-Owner of Serious Writer, Inc., and Vice President of Platinum Literary Services where she specializes in marketing, nonfiction proposal creation, ghostwriting, and developmental editing. Her love for marketing and social media led to her pursuing her Master of Fine Arts degree in Communication: New Media and Marketing. She also holds a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies: Behavioral Social Science and Humanities with a Criminal Justice minor.
How to Create Compelling Book Covers with Graphics Designer Cody Morehead
In this episode, Cody discusses why you want a trendy, good looking book cover. He shows examples of eye-catching covers and explains the importance of understanding the current book cover trends. Cody reminds us, people really do judge a book by its cover.
Watch the October 23rd replay
To learn more on designing your book cover, as well as learning what a hex code is, check out the information and resources on this week’s Show Notes and Live Chat Discussions.
Cody Morehead is the Creative Director for Serious Writer™ Inc, and founder and owner of PubZoo Creative. To get a consultation for your book cover or logo design, go to RealPubZoo.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.
Did you know there are conferences throughout the country that focus on the mystery / suspense / thriller genre? Some are primarily writer’s conferences, others are primarily conventions designed for fans of the genre. Both types are great places to learn, network, and enjoy the latest and best of the genre.
Here are some of the biggest conferences. If you love reading or writing mystery, suspense or thriller, you might want to check one out.
The granddaddy of all mystery conventions. Named for the mystery fiction critic, editor and author Anthony Boucher, Bouchercon is the world’s largest crime fiction convention. The convention’s goal is to bring all parts of the mystery fiction community together, from readers to critics to booksellers. It features a four-day weekend of panels, keynotes, and special events. The 2018 conference will be held in Saint Petersburg, Florida in early September. Next year it will be held in Dallas, Texas at the end of October.
This annual conference is for all genres that involve mystery, thriller, or suspense writing. Held annually near Nashville, Tennessee. The four-day conference features seminars, breakout sessions, agent roundtables, a mock crime scene designed by law enforcement professionals, and more.
This annual mystery convention is held in March somewhere in the western half of North America. The 2019 location is Vancouver, British Columbia, and the 2020 location is San Diego, California. A with other fan conferences, the purpose of Left Coast Crime is to connect readers, authors, critics, librarians, publishers, and other fans of the genre. The three-day event features panels, interviews, award presentations and more.
An annual mystery fan convention held in the Washington D.C. area that focuses on tradition-style mysteries (think Agatha Christie). Book signings, award presentations, panel discussions, and other events. The 2019 conference will be May 3-5.
The largest crime fiction writers’ conference in New England. Held every year over Veteran’s Day weekend in the greater Boston area. Crime Bake is so popular it regularly sells out. Seminars, keynotes, master classes, pitch sessions, networking and more.
This conference devoted to thrillers is held each year in New York City by the International Thriller Writers (ITW) organization. ThrillerFest is a writers conference and fan convention in one, offering three paralell tracks: CraftFest offers classes for writers, PitchFest gives writers an opportunity to pitch their work to agents, and ThrillFest is a fan convention featuring both best-selling authors and not-yet-famous ones.
For writers who want a hands-on experience to better understand law enforcement, fire-fighting, EMS or forensics. This event is held at a law enforcement training academy in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It features actual police, fire, forensics, and EMS training with top instructors. If you want to write with gritty realism, this is the conference for you.
There are plenty of smaller mystery conventions around as well. In Reference to Murder has a helpful page listing upcoming conferences with links.
Hopefully there is one near you.
Lisa E. Betz believes that everyone has a story to tell the world. She loves to encourage fellow writers to be intentional about their craft and courageous in sharing their words with others. Lisa shares her words through dramas, Bible studies, historical mysteries, and her blog about intentional living. You can find her on Facebook LisaEBetzWriter and Twitter @LisaEBetz
This past month I packed up my little bag, tucked my insecurity into the glove box and drove south to Wimberley, TX to participate in the Serious Writer Tour conference.
The sun shone, the chickens clucked and y’all, I’m here to tell you, it was a great day.
Carpets of Texas bluebells added beauty to my journey.
Here’s some of the conference highlights:
Children’s writers are eight times more likely to be published in nonfiction. Wendy Lanier shared this fantastic statistic, plus a slew of information on the various types of nonfiction that are published (hint: it ain’t just biographies).
From trade to literary, commercial to persuasive, there’s plenty of flavors within the nonfiction realm to explore. Until this point, I hadn’t considered writing nonfiction. I think I (incorrectly) imagined the process being very similar to writing an encyclopedia. But I like researching. And in the middle grade arena, tapping this market first could help build your credibility.
Contests. One of the many info nuggets dispensed by Michelle Medlock Adams was that contests matter. Why? Because agents and editors who are on the hunt often look specifically at – you guessed it – contest winners. And you can’t win if you don’t enter.
Always be ready to pitch. I wasn’t expecting to have one-on-one time with acquisitions editor Rachel Lamonica Pellegrino from Little Lamb Books. But guess what? I got it. And when she asked what I was working on, friends, it wasn’t pretty. I messed up in every possible way.
After I stopped chewing on my feet, Ms. Pellegrino gracefully gave me constructive, actionable feedback. Even though it was ultimately a positive experience, I fumbled into an important life lesson. So let me serve as a cautionary tale: Do your prep work. Create a concise, thoughtful pitch. Rehearse it. Because you never know what kind of opportunities you’ll have. You want to put your best foot forward instead of shoving it firmly into your mouth.
BONUS ITEM:
Get out of your comfort zone. If you’ve read along and thought “This is all well and good, but I could never go to anything like this. I’m ______,” allow me to gently and kindly take you by the shoulder and say “Yes you can.” Not only can you, if you’re serious about writing, you should invest time and energy in learning new things about your craft.
At a writing workshop or conference, you’ll meet other writers. Confession: this intimidates me sometimes. But I remind myself that writers are my people. For every writer in the room, there’s a unique path that led them there. I don’t have to worry whether or not my path is like theirs. There’s room at the table for all of us.
What do you think? Are you planning to attend any conferences or workshops this year? Which ones?
Kell McKinney earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and an M.S. in documentary studies from the University of North Texas. She’s a part-time copywriter, double-time mom and wife, and spends every free minute writing and/or hunting for her car keys. Connect with her on Twitter @Kell_McK or kellmckinney.com.
In this Writer’s Chat, Cherrilynn Bisbano and Victoria Duerstock share behind-the-scenes tips and tricks to help you maximize your time at a writers conference. This is one you’ll want to revisit, and not just the night before. Don’t forget your business cards!
Join us!
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.
My husband and I don’t live check-to-check, but we also don’t have lots of extra money. However, one thing I include in my annual budget is the Crimebake Mystery Writer’s Conference. Held in Boston on Veterans Day Weekend, it is two and a half days of education, exhortation, and encouragement.
And I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
This year I attended for the tenth time, and I learned just as much as I did during my first conference. How is that possible? It’s in no small part because of the planning put in by the Committee. Within days of the conference, a survey is sent to participants. Two weeks later another survey is sent, just in case participants ignored the first email. Tenacious about getting feedback, the committee uses survey results to create a conference targeted to the needs and wants of their audience. Brilliant!
So, what did I take away from this year’s Crimebake? The same things I do each year, just at a different level: craft, validation, connections, and inspiration. Let me explain:
Despite the fact that I was a freelancer for over ten years and I have seven books published, there are still concepts I can learn about the craft itself. During the first few conferences I attended, I picked up tips about story arc, character development, and hooks. This year, I learned about the nuances of creating suspense and techniques to prevent the “muddle in the middle” of my manuscript. In addition, workshops about publicity and marketing and a session about career strategies gave my business knowledge a boost.
Writing is a solitary pursuit. Every morning before I go to my day job, I hide out in my office to make up stories about imaginary friends. Banging away at the keyboard, I often second-guess my work. Are the characters believable? Are the situations realistic? Or is it all drivel, and I have no idea what I’m doing? The good news is that information I heard during conference sessions validated what I’m doing. I’m on the right track.
Unlike many writers who are introverts and tremble at the thought of attending a large-scale event, I’m an extrovert and love to meet people. I typically introduce myself to my tablemates and ask them to talk about their writing journey. One of my favorite experiences this year was the author breakfast on Sunday. I picked a random table, and it turned out that Paula Munier was our “celebrity.” With laughter and grace, she talked about what it was like to be an author having been a literary agent for nearly thirty years. Apparently the shoe was on the other foot, and her agent was telling her things she had told her clients. Paula encouraged and celebrated each one of us. Other ways I made connections was to volunteer to do behind-the-scenes tasks. I stuffed attendee bags, worked the registration table, and coordinated the game at the SinCNE chapter table. Serving on the SinCNE chapter board has also provided connections I wouldn’t otherwise have made such as meeting the SinC’s national president. Very exciting!
Perhaps best of all, the weekend gave me a full dose of inspiration. Sometimes juggling my writing with a full time job can be overwhelming. Sacrificing time with my husband or not pursuing my hobbies can be frustrating, and constantly thinking about some aspect of my author career can be tiring. But I love to write; it feeds my soul in a way nothing else does. Haround with published and not-yet-published authors was just what the doctor ordered. Sharing dreams, successes, and setbacks with others who understand and have walked my shoes reignited my passion. I came away from the conference ready to jump back into my manuscript.
There is no doubt in my mind that I’m an author of multiple books because of my diligence in attending Crimebake. Can you get published without attending a writing conference? Possibly. But will your writing career be as fulfilling? Probably not.
I urge you to find an affordable, professionally-run conference. Then mark your calendar and start putting aside money from each paycheck to make it happen. You’ll be glad you did.
Linda Shenton Matchett is an author, journalist, blogger, and history geek. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, Linda has lived in historical places most of her life. She is a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and a trustee for her local public library. Active in her church Linda serves as treasurer, usher, and choir member. She is a member of ACFW, RWA, and SinC. The author of several romance novellas, her debut mystery novel, Under Fire, was released in July, 2017 by eLectio Publishing. Visit her at www.LindaShentonMatchett.com.
When my first book was written in 2009, the publishing industry was going through a crisis. Layoffs in the publishing world seemed to occur more frequently than snowflakes in a blizzard.
At that time, once flourishing publishing houses practically came to a halt in their production of new titles. Fledgling writers like myself were not feeling welcome.
My first novel had just been completed and I just knew (i.e. thought) that I was supposed to see it published right away. So I made a decision that I now deem to be unwise: I self-published “The Road to Deer Run” and spent a lot of money doing so.
Oil Painting that became the cover for my first novel
It actually was well received for its storyline but five years later, I see the flaws I made as a new writer. I didn’t know enough about writing and it showed.
Today, self-publishing is common and is no longer deemed a plebeian form of seeing a book become a reality. But there is much more to publishing a really great book that just getting it formatted to Kindle. There are proper edits to any book that will make a reader not want to put your story down. There is marketing. There are writer’s conferences you should attend. There are books on the writing craft you’ll want to read. There are many facets of getting published without making the myriad of mistakes that I did. And were I to start over again, self-publishing is not the way I would begin.
My hopes for this column are that I might encourage you in your writing. Crafting words and pitching ideas to potential editors, publishers and agents can seem overwhelming. My first encouragement to you is to take one step at a time. Don’t rush from having an idea for a novel to seeking an agent. Take your time and absorb as much knowledge from other writers and editors who have been in the writing trenches. Don’t be in such a hurry to see your book birthed that you make mistakes that you might regret later. No one is more aware of this than I am.
In this monthly column for Almost An Author, I want to encourage you. I’m now a published author who has gone from feeling humiliated to winning awards. From self-publishing to having six contracts signed for books. Even “Road to Deer Run” has been contracted for re-release with an independent Christian publisher and will receive new edits and a new cover later this year.
After five years of struggle and mistakes, God has given my first novel new life—just like He gave new life to me when I became a Christian. I’m so grateful for His grace!
[bctt tweet=” God has given my first novel new life #novel #firstnovel #amwriting” via=”no”]
[bctt tweet=”… self-publishing is not the way I would begin #writer #firstnovel #novel” via=”no”]
(Old Typewriter image courtesy of Thaikrit through FreeDigitalPhotos.net)
