ACFW Conference Tips

Today is my 2nd day of posting as part of the ACFW Blog Tour. If you haven't kept up with the others who have blogged, I recommend you check out that link and visit other members who have shared insights, memories and other details. Because the interest has been so high, they're going to be doing another month in July. I'll post the schedule as soon as it's released.

Now for the tips for anyone attending the ACFW Conference in Dallas this year. All right, so some of these could probably be applied to any writer's conference, but the focus is ACFW, so I'm highlighting that. :)

1. Leave your frowns at home. This conference is full of smiles, hugs, laughter, zany moments, opportunities to broaden your horizons, chances to rub shoulders with your favorite authors, times to meet new people, ability to hang out with others who understand you as a writer, a way to network like you'd never believe, and the presence of God that will astound you!

2. Come with an open mind. Be ready to step through an open door you might not have thought possible when the opportunity presents itself. Although you arrived with certain publishers or editors or agents in mind for your writing, don't discount the impromptu meetings or conversations that could lead you in a different direction that originally planned. This could even mean a chance to work on something that has been sitting on the back burner for years, or even something completely new that you hadn't even considered. If you expect the unexpected, you won't be disappointed.

3. Relax. Take time out to have fun and not be so focused on your agenda. It's when you least expect it that the greatest opportunities cross your path. Also keep in mind that everyone you meet was once where you are or is in the same place you are. They all put on their pants one leg at a time...well almost all of them. *winks*

4. Prepare ahead of time. Read the needs of the faculty represented. Make appointments to see the ones you want and know the others so you can possibly join them for lunch or dinner at the faculty-hosted tables. Study their photos (if available) so you recognize them in case you wind up in a conversation with them. Check the workshop schedule and mark the ones you don't want to miss. Be aware of the timing of everything so you're not caught unaware. Don't be afraid to ask questions of others you find when you're confused or uncertain. Have business cards, one-sheets, pens, pencils, paper, a sample query letter, one copy of a proposal, and your various "pitches" ready. Make sure you can summarize what you're writing in 10-second, 30-second and 2-5 minute "pitch." You might even find a friend or fellow writer to rehearse with you.

5. Be ready for anything. Each year at ACFW, there have been many surprises where the stories have been told months and even years afterward. Memories like these are what make this conference so special. From the kidnapping of Brandilyn Collins' books with a ransom note left in their place, to a revealing workshop led by Randy Ingermanson (the Snowflake Guy) which led to a water shortage at the hotel, and from zany slippers, head gear and costumes to dinosaur masks, boas and men wearing dresses...this conference brings out the wacky side of fiction writers and reaffirms that we are NOT NORMAL. :)

6. Get some sleep. This is a key tip. A lot of times you can ride high on the emotions and adrenaline of a conference such as this. However, you can't deny your body the rest and sleep it needs. With a 4-day conference (sometimes 5-day if you attend the Early Bird session), you'll be in a divetail before the end if you don't allow your body to replenish its own energy. I know I often think I'll "miss something" if I'm not the last to go to bed and the first up, but I also know my limitations. Stay fresh and rested. It'll make the entire conference more enjoyable.

7. Don't be overwhelmed. Last, but not least (as there are many other tips for a successful conference), take everything in stride. Try not to over-extend yourself or rush to make every workshop, late night chat, session and meeting. Remember that just about everything is recorded on CD or MP3 for you to purchase afterward, so if you miss something, you can always go back and mine the nuggets from the recordings. And if a meeting or appointment didn't work out that you had wanted, perhaps it wasn't meant for you at this time. Appreciate what you've received and don't stress on what you might have missed. There's always next year!

So, there you have it. My tips for making the ACFW conference (or almost any writing conference) a success. Again, check out the other blogs listed in this post for more behind-the-scenes reports and tellings from ACFW members. Have a great weekend.

Spotlight on Merrillee Whren and The Heart's Forgiveness

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Merrillee Whren is an award-winning author who writes for Steeple Hill Books. In 2003 she won the Golden Heart Award presented by Romance Writers of America for best inspirational romance manuscript.

Her first book, THE HEART'S HOMECOMING, was an August 2005 release from Steeple Hill Books and a finalist in the More Than Magic Contest. Her second book, AN UNEXPECTED BLESSING won the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award for best Love Inspired of 2006. Her third book, LOVE WALKED IN, was out in December of 2006 and is a finalist in the Beacon Contest. Her fourth book, THE HEART'S FORGIVENESS, is available now from Steeple Hill Books.

Merrillee has visited all fifty states and a dozen foreign countries. She has lived in the cities of Spokane, Cincinnati, Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, and Chicago and now resides in Florida. When she isn't writing, she works part-time for her husband's recruiting firm or enjoys walking on the beach, playing tennis or doing a little yard work.

THE HEART'S FORGIVENESS
By Merrillee Whren
Steeple Hill / Love Inspired
BUY YOUR COPY TODAY

SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW

1. You've got a book with a hero who has accused the heroine of things she didn't do and resents her for it. Now, they are forced to work together on a project. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

That is a hard question to answer for this book. I didn't have any particular inspiration for the story. My heroine, Maria, first appears as a very minor character in my book, The Heart's Homecoming, which is set in the same fictional town of Pinecrest, Washington. From the time that she appeared in that book, I always intended to write a story with her as the heroine, but in all my brainstorming I could never come up with a suitable hero. So I wrote the second book set in Pinecrest, Love Walked In. While writing that book, the match for Maria emerged. Grady is the brother of Clay, the hero of Love Walked In.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced the characters of Maria and Grady? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

The only part of the story that is influenced by my own experience is the fact that Grady has two daughters. I also have two daughters, but, unlike Grady's daughters, mine are only a year apart in age. Other than that these characters have very little to do with my personal experiences. I needed an occupation for my hero that would force him to work with the heroine. I had in mind that he would be a lawyer and work for the same charitable foundation as the heroine. I spoke with a friend of mine who is a lawyer about the scenario I had in mind, and she suggested that he should be the administrator for the assisted living facility run by the charitable foundation in the story. Then I interviewed the administrator of one of the assisted living facilities in our local community. She took me on a complete tour of their facility and explained her job. She gave me a lot of ideas for this book.

3. What themes exist in The Heart's Forgiveness that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

The title spells out the major theme in the story. Forgiveness has been a theme in all of my stories set in Pinecrest. Another theme is keeping trust in God when all the people around us fail. God never fails. He is always there.

4. What were your favorite parts to write? Your most difficult?

My favorite part of every book is always the beginning. The story is fresh, and I'm getting to know the characters. There is excitement in a new story. The rest of the book is more difficult. I have days when the words fly onto the page and others when every word seems to be pulled, kicking and screaming from my brain.

5. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

My next book, Four Little Blessings, is coming out in February 2008. It is the story of Cassie Rankin, who is raising her two nieces and two nephews, and the impact they have on the hero, Wade Dalton. He is impressed with her selflessness and beauty but believes they are ill-suited, because she is at least a dozen years younger than he is. Besides, he has a secret that will only make their life harder, so he intends to keep his distance. But those four little blessings won't let him stay away.

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Thank you, Merrillee, for being in the spotlight. Readers, feel free to leave a comment for your chance to be entered in the drawing for a FREE, autographed book. This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

15 Weeks Down; 5 to Go!

Almost down to the month of the wedding. I've had so many folks ask me if I'm excited, and the answer is an obvious "YES!" :) Several people have even remarked that I'm glowing. While I'm not a big one for being giddy or having my head in the clouds, my eyes *do* reflect the anticipation. And the big smile on my face is a good indicator as well. LOL!

Now, let's see what happened this past week:

* Received the unity candle for our wedding ceremony. It's absolutely gorgeous, and will make a great centerpiece or focal point on the mantle above the fireplace.
* Bridesmaid gifts will arrive this week. Stuart's groomsmen gifts came in last week, and he was quite impressed. I know those in our wedding party will like these things we purchased for them.
* Spoke with the woman who will be coordinating things at the ceremony. Also found someone for the sound board and the A/V equipment for the ceremony extras.
* Have an appointment tonight with a hair stylist to see if she might be a better option, although I'm not convinced. The other one is a good friend, but we'll see.
* Received 2 quotes/estimates on cost to move my things out to my new home in Colorado. Didn't expect the high weight they both estimated, but I think they're protecting themselves. I know the light weight of my furniture, and I don't have many boxes after clearing out so many things. However, if they under-estimate, they get fined. Otherwise, we get reimbursed once the final paperwork and weight is submitted to the office.
* Looked again into renting a truck and towing our car. It might prove to be more economical with that option rather than paying a company to haul my things, then paying for gas/hotel costs for the 3-day drive out to Colorado on top of it. Will wait and see.
* Scheduled 2 more appointments this week. Will have a decision by Wednesday and whatever our choice is, it'll be booked by Friday.
* Have our 3rd premarital counseling session this coming Wednesday. After this, we'll schedule our 4th one where we'll BOTH be present and in person. Looking forward to that. It's been all right, but not the same when talking to a speaker phone during these things.
* Got a BRAND NEW kitchen floor, courtesy of my wonderful fiance and my soon-to-be brother-in-law. It's a hardwood floor appearance in laminate...I think. Stuart and James labored over that for hours Friday night and most of Saturday as well. But, I saw the pictures, and it looks beautiful. Can't wait to touch my bare feet to it when I get to my new home in a little over a month.

Now, for the biggest thing that happened this week. We bought a new car! :) Well, all right, so it's not "new," but it's new to us. 1998 Nissan Pathfinder -- Cinnamon Brown or Maroon. Well below average mileage at 67,000 for being 10 years old. Interior is very clean, and the rear seats don't even look used. No dents, dings or scratches, and the interior has a blond-shaded wood trim/accent that gives it a unique look. There are a couple fixes that need to be made, but we got them in writing and the sales rep will call me this week about an appointment to get them done.

PICTURES














Also listed my Nissan Altima on cars.com. Parting with one Nissan and getting another. My baby's been good to me, so I have no reason to expect that the Pathfinder will be any different. I pray the Altima sells quickly, so I don't run right up to the week of the wedding with it still in my garage. For those who are inclined, say a prayer for the quick sale as well. Thanks!

That's all for now...I think. If I think of anything else before I get home from work, I'll come back and add it when I add the photos.

ACFW Conference Anecdotes

Earlier this month, I announced the ACFW Conference Blog Tour. Registration for the ACFW Annual Conference began on June 1st and we're already up to over 300 attendees! The conference takes place from September 20th-23rd in at the Marriott Quorum in Dallas, Texas. For a list of faculty and general what's what, visit the web site's conference section.

ACFW is "The Premier Fiction Conference" because it's only about fiction. Editors and agents know that they'll find the best undiscovered new talent in Christian fiction at the ACFW Conference. Christian novelists of all skill levels know that they'll get the best teaching in fiction, and all-around comraderie with other novelists. It's a win-win situation for everyone.

I've been to every one since the first, and oh! the stories I can tell. There isn't time or space to share them all, so I'll go with highlights from each year.

Right from the start, the 100 of us gathered in Kansas City (2002) were told to, "Beware, normals are about." This referred to the average person who wouldn't understand a fiction writer. Since always hold the conference at a hotel, there are bound to be other guests staying there. Our MC, Brandilyn Collins, was right. From the maid who got scared when she encountered 2 women discussing the various methods of "knocking off" a guy because he was getting on her nerves, to the writers who get into knock-down, drag-out fights with their characters over a certain scene, to the general life a novelist leads...normals just don't understand. :)

In Houston (2003), we had an amazing lead-off opening session where our keynote, Robin Lee Hatcher, invited anyone who wanted to turn their writing over to God and would like prayer to come forward. Prayer counselors stood at the front as the majority of attendees filled the area. The ministry that took place there set the tone for the entire conference, and so many writers/authors received a great blessing that year. It opened the doors wide open to endless opportunity as they went forth and left their writing to God's leading. No more worries, no more unnecessary stress about where they were headed. They put their writing in God's hands, and continued to move forward. Since that year, I can count at least 35-40 who have received book contracts, and some whose books have gone on to become top 10 bestsellers!

Denver (2004) was a year that's very near and dear to my heart. My fiance made quite a statement when he replied to the contest for a free book by writing his answer in Saurian, the language he's created for his science fiction series. When Brandilyn opened his paper to read it, she made an honest attempt, but quit and called him up to the stage to read it himself. Everyone there got a rather unique introduction to Stuart Stockton, and not many have forgotten him. :)

Of course, the other BIG memory for me was working with the Jeanonator (my bookstore coordinator buddy) and Connie in the bookstore that year. We had a moment of hilarity that led to Connie falling off the bench and landing on the floor, which sent Jeanne and I into a fit of laughter and caused editors to step inside the bookstore, asking us to keep the noise level down so they could conduct their appointments. Sure wish I had a camera at that moment, but the memory in my mind is crystal clear!

Who can forget Nashville (2005), where our keynote, Karen Ball, talked about "Goldfish moments" and let us all know that "I have a castle!" She likened many writers to goldfish, with short-term memories when they get into the zone of their writing. Everything else seems to fall by the wayside, and we forget what we said 2 minutes ago, let alone what we were supposed to accomplish that day. Just like a goldfish who can swim around a bowl just 9 inches in diameter for an entire life because he doesn't remember anything beyond about 5 seconds. So every time he makes a turn, he gets excited. "Look! I have a castle!"

Last year in Dallas (2006), the prayer room set aside at the end of a long hallway and tucked into the corner saw a lot of activity. So many lives were touched by God's awesome power and working in their lives. I heard story after story of changes that had taken place, both in the hearts of those who asked for prayer and the ones who were praying for others.

Connie also joined Jeanne and me again in the bookstore, and after a Friday night escape to the hotel restaurant where laughed until we drew the attention of the others eating there, we were up until 3am Saturday night/Sunday morning closing down the bookstore. The culmination of this was a middle-of-the-night "float" ride on the luggage cart with me dressed to the 9's in my banquet gown, waving at the unfortunate folks in the foyer as we drove past and loaded the boxes to the conference staff room after locking the bookstore. You had to be there to get the full effect, but trust me when I say it was a moment that resulted from complete exhaustion.

Now, we're just THREE MONTHS away from Dallas this year (2007). I can only imagine the sorts of things that will take place. Of course, one thing I know is Stuart and I will be on the receiving end of all sorts of teasing as we'll be newlyweds and represent the very first ACFW Couple who met at a conference and is now married. I can hardly wait!

Don't forget to check out the rest of the blogs this month and read more stories and information about this fantastic conference. I'll be back next Friday with some tips for conference attendees.

Next up....Monday's countdown to the wedding. :)

CFBA Blog Tour -- Reluctant Runaway by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance introduces:

RELUCTANT RUNAWAY

(Multnomah, March 2007)
by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jill Elizabeth Nelson is a member of the CFBA. Her blog, Artistic Blogger, addresses issues about art, art theft, antiquities preservation, and the art of fiction writing. She takes art seriously - when she's not having fun with it, that is. The To Catch a Thief Series combines her love of the written word with her love of other art forms.

The first in the series was Reluctant Burglar , second is Reluctant Runaway. In January 2008, she will reveal the third book, Reluctant Smuggler. Jill is thrilled if the adventures that spill from her imagination can raise awareness about art theft - deemed "a looming criminal enterprise" by the FBI. Jill and her husband, Doug, have four children and live in Minnesota.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Stolen Indian artifacts...A murdered museum guard...A missing woman...A baby in danger...

Only Desiree can unearth the horrifying secret that links them all.

Museum security expert Desiree Jacobs doesn't mean to get in danger's path. Really she doesn't. But when a friend is in trouble you don't just walk away. No matter what your overprotective FBI agent boyfriend says! So when Desi and Tony's date at a presidential ball is interrupted by a frantic Maxine Webb, Desi doesn’t hesitate to jump in.

Soon Desi is neck-deep in a confusing array of villains. Did Max's niece run away or was she taken? Is she still alive or the victim of a perverse ritual? And who wants her infant son–and why?

Then Tony's organized crime case collides with Desi's investigation, throwing them both into the path of something dark and sinister. Something that craves blood...

From the streets of Desi's beloved Boston to the mountain desert of New Mexico, Desi and Tony must rely on God to thwart unseen forces–and save a young woman and her baby from a villain more evil than any of them can imagine.

"A fresh voice, strong heroine, and unique plot make Reluctant Runaway a can't-put-down read. Jill Elizabeth Nelson is an author to watch in the realm of romantic suspense!"
~SUSAN MAY WARREN award-winning author of In Sheep's Clothing

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Don't have a book giveaway for this one, but be sure to check out yesterday's spotlight interview for Tamera Alexander's third book. Post a comment there to be entered into the drawing. Winner announced next Wednesday.