by Golden Key-Parsons What is POV? Is my manuscript ready to present to an editor? What is an “em dash,” and how does one use it? Will my manuscript be rejected if I don’t have the correct format? Do I need business cards, and/or one-sheets? May I speak to editors in the restroom, or must I have a formal appointment? …
40 Days of Prayer – Day 39 The Conference Committee
Day 39 The Conference Committee Rom. 15:5–Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus. Father God, We come today to lift the Conference Committee to You. I thank You for this group who has worked so diligently to plan this year’s Conference. We pray that You …
Don’t Waste Your Pre-Conference Time
by Christy Lashae-Smith When I say Pre-Conference Time, I’m referring to NOW: August 9th to September 16(or 17th) when you get in your car or board the plane to head to Denver for conference. You’ve probably prioritized your time all year. You’re balancing a job, family, and all those other extra-curricular activities you wonder why you got involved in and …
40 Days of Prayer – Day 40 For God’s Presence and Blessing
Day 40 God’s presence and blessing Psalm 127:1–Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain. Jesus, though Your Spirit comes to the conference in each of us, we invite You to show up. We want Your agenda to happen in the spiritual realm as …
The Benefits of Volunteering at Conference
by Jennifer Hudson-Taylor Most of us think of church or local ministries when we consider volunteering, but there are plenty of volunteer opportunities at the ACFW Conference. It isn’t only about writing workshops and meetings with agents and editors, although those are wonderful assets to the conference. More importantly, God is at work during prayer time, praise and worship, devotions, …
Connecting With Publishers
by Lena Nelson-Dooley When I wrote and sold my first two books, I didn’t know much about publishers or agents or anything. We didn’t have an organization like ACFW. After the organization started having national conferences, that changed in my writing life. I was able to actually meet editors face-to-face. I ate meals with them, and many of them have …
NOVEL IDEAS—CONNECTING AT THE TABLE
by Cynthia Ruchti “Can we talk?” Among the things that surprise ACFW conference attendees are these: · It’s amazing how many writers consider themselves introverted. · It’s amazing how noisy introverts can get when set loose at a writers’ conference. Talk, talk, talk, talk, talk! We talk in the elevators, in the hallways, in the lobbies, in the classrooms, in …
Conquering an Introvert’s Fear of Conference
by Missy Tippens By Missy Tippens The ACFW conference is fast approaching, and I know some may be first time attendees. And others may be looking forward to it but are worried or nervous. I suspect a lot of writers are introverts, and I know quite a few who are. And then we go to conferences to network and force …
Professionalism 101
Is it the suit? Not really. I know it looks professional to wear a suit, but professionalism 101 is all about simple skills and the appropriate attitude. The clothes are tools that enhance skills and attitude. When you think of professionalism as skills and clothing as tools, it’s easier to pick the right tool for the circumstance. Now we can …
Making the Most of Your Conference Experience
by Mindy Obenhaus Time is ticking away. In only six short weeks, hundreds of Christian fiction writers will converge on the Mile-High City for ACFW’s annual conference. Whoo-hoo! Whether this is your first ACFW conference or your tenth (though I’m pretty sure they haven’t had that many), you want to get everything out of your conference that you can. Take …