ACFW Blog

It’s hard to know where to start when talking about the 2009 ACFW Conference. Besides the fact that I would be traveling back to my hometown, visiting family, and meeting up with friends, I had many more reasons to be excited about going to my first conference.

As a newbie last year, I decided to head to Denver without expectations. That’s right, none whatsoever.

I had appointments set up with an editor and an agent. While trying to still my nerves and keep my knees from knocking together all the way into the room, I was immediately put at ease by both women I met. They listened, gave me ideas, and took the time to answer my questions. I couldn’t have asked for more.

Along with meetings, I attended different classes offered throughout the weekend. I was so excited to learn more about the craft of writing. Some of the best writers, editors, and agents taught classes that were not only fun, but informative.

I saw friends from home and had a lot of laughs. I also met a multitude of new friends, which I immediately felt like I’d known for years. I was encouraged by Debbie Macomber’s stories about her rise from unpublished writer, punching the keys on a rented typewriter, to becoming a New York Times bestseller.

But, beyond the writing, the meetings, the classes, and the friends, I was astounded by the love of Christ filling the hotel. People prayed in the hallways with each other. Editors and agents prayed for the people they met. Competition was non-existent, and a genuine concern for each other’s goals and dreams was evident. The music brought us all together to praise God at such a time.

At the end of the conference I left feeling more empowered to share the love of Jesus with others. I came home on fire for Christ! I didn’t expect it, but I got it. And I’m very thankful for it. Here’s a link to the conference.

To learn more about Julie Pollitt and her writing, stop by her blog.

Angela Breidenbach, ACFW publicity officer, here to share ACFW member, Christy LaShae Smith’s guest post. She’s a 2009 Genesis winner and one of the new authors to watch Take it away, Christy!

Where else will you find people who share the goal of glorifying Christ and share a goal of writing? Where else can people with those same goals gather to promote and support each other? Why, nowhere else except at the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference!

The reasons stated above are the same reasons why I am drawn to this organization, why I have been a proud member for 4 years.

My first conference was 2007. Writing had been in my system since I was a teenager, but I was still a newbie when it came to the right way of doing things. The Dallas conference I walked in wide-eyed and ready to learn I was overwhelmed by the editor/agent appointments, but the only way to learn is to dive in the deep, head first.

By the time I attended my second conference in 2008, I found myself in the role of helping others. In the first conference, the Lord showed me the value of other people, of their helping hand. In 2008 in Minneapolis, I was able to be a helper and encourager to others.

In 2009, I flew to Denver, amazed that I was attending conference as a Genesis Finalist. But, I’ve got to be honest, I felt I was in the middle of a tug of war between my Heavenly Father and Satan himself. At five months pregnant, I was more emotional than normal. Finances at home were tight. Conference couldn’t have fallen during a tougher time. I arrived at the hotel, faced my first challenge, but also faced one of my best friends and roommates. She became my hero and my supporter as she always is when I need her, sometimes anticipating my needs before I realized them. A true friend!

During 2009 conference, I spent a lot of time, rushing out of the workshops feeling terribly queasy. Was it the altitude or the pregnancy that had my stomach all out of whack? As I lay there in the hotel room staring up at the ceiling, shedding some tears at times, I wondered if the whole conference would be like this? I couldn’t concentrate. I was so excited to be there, so stressed about things going on at home, and still amazed that my manuscript was being honored as a finalist in Genesis, that I just couldn’t do anything else.

Well, the devil may have nipped at my heels the entire time. He may have kept flames of self doubt burning hot during that trip, but my Heavenly Father had my back. Our God surrounded me with friends I’ve met across the country and they supported me, checked on me, loved me like lifetime friends do – the only thing is I haven’t known most of these folks any longer than a four years.

I’m still amazed that God has blessed my writing the way He has. I’ve climbed many mountains in life. Writing is so private, so devastating at times when we send our work out and feel like we’re risking everything. But the Lord is our constant. And by glorifying Him in all we do, in every word we write, He will bless us in some way.

Remember this, as you mingle with other writers, editors and agents at the conference. We join together with shared goals at the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. Rejoice that He has led you to write for Him. Rejoice that you are surrounded by His children who truly love Him and as a result, show love for you, too.

BIO: Christy LaShea Smith is the 2009 Genesis winner in the Contemporary Romance Category. She resides in Georgia, and stays busy balancing writing with her full time job, and spending plenty of family time with her husband and two children. Read more about Christy on her blog At Split Ends.

Angela Breidenbach, ACFW PR Officer, here: Please welcome our ACFW member guest Carla Stewart

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)

In 2001, when God nudged me to follow my writing dream, I had confidence in my instincts—my better-than-average spelling and grammar, my ability to put together a coherent sentence. I read voraciously and understood the power of story. I pounded out a novel in three months and skipped off to my first writing conference. Even though one of the speakers warned it might take several years to have a book published, I had a feeling he was misinformed and that I would be soaring with eagles in no time.

My first novel did get an editor request at the conference and it was possibly the quickest rejection I ever received. The bottom line was that, while I had some skills, I had no idea how to put them to work to write a novel, so my season of waiting began. And while waiting implies a certain passive attitude, I’m convinced Isaiah didn’t mean that at all. They shall run and they shall walk indicates we are to be engaged in the work, gaining strength and wisdom as we wait.

In 2004, I wrote a new story—one that grabbed hold and wouldn’t let me go. When I finished, I began querying agents and received over thirty rejections. I started new projects and continued reading craft books, putting new concepts to work, but all the while, the story of my heart sort of floated in the background.

Then in 2006, I learned about ACFW. I registered right away and applied for a paid critique at their annual conference. I’m still stunned at the encouragement I received. Over the next six months, I had a freelance editor look at the manuscript, did a complete rewrite, and entered the Genesis contest in 2007. No one was more surprised (or delighted) than me when I won my category. Over the next several months I waited to hear from those who had requested my proposal, and in April of 2008, signed with an amazing agent. Seven months later, the manuscript sold to FaithWords (Hachette Book Group).

Can you see the turning point in this story?

In 2006, I learned about ACFW. There are other key words in that paragraph: Paid critique. Genesis contest. Requested proposals. Agent. Sold!!

My path to publication exists because of ACFW. There are other paths, to be sure, but ACFW is dedicated to the world of Christian fiction and those who write it. The things I mentioned are only a fraction of the opportunities offered at an ACFW conference. For you it might be the worship that speaks to you and takes your career in a new direction. Or a workshop. Networking. Finding a critique partner. Meeting God in the prayer room. I don’t know what God has in store for you, but I would encourage you to come to ACFW and spread your wings. Take advantage of networking opportunities. Volunteer for one of the many available spots. Come with an expectant heart. That’s what I did five conferences ago. Now, for the first time, I’m among the “published” authors – NINE years after I began this journey toward publication.

Perseverance counts. So does learning the craft. You may grow weary and feel faint, but don’t lose heart. Join the ACFW conference in Indianapolis in September. It’s a lot more fun to run toward your goal with others. Hope to see you there.

Author Bio:
A two-time ACFW Genesis winner, Carla Stewart is a Guideposts Writers Workshop alumna and has been published in Guideposts, Angels on Earth, and several regional magazines and anthologies. Her debut novel, Chasing Lilacs, released in June 2010 with FaithWords. Carla enjoys a good cup of coffee, weekend getaways with her husband, and the antics of their six grandchildren.

New Release Information

Chasing Lilacs
Publisher: FaithWords (Hachette Book Group)
Pub Date: June 17, 2010
Available wherever books are sold
Amazon.com
christianbook.com
Barnesandnoble.com

About the Book:

Debut author Carla Stewart tugs heartstrings in this powerful novel about a girl searching for the truth about her mother’s love.

It’s the summer of 1958, and life in the small Texas community of Graham Camp should be simple and carefree. But not for Sammie Tucker. She has plenty of questions about her mother’s “nerve” problems, shock treatments, and whether her mother loves her.

When tragedy strikes, Sammie’s life careens out of control and she must choose who to trust with her deepest fears: her best friend who has an opinion about everything, the mysterious boy from California whose own troubles plague him, or her round-faced neighbor with gentle advice and strong shoulders to cry on.

Trusting is one thing, but accepting the truth may be the hardest thing Sammie has ever done.

• This is Carla Stewart’s first published novel. She won first place in the 2007 American Christian Fiction Writers’ Genesis contest for CHASING LILACS.
• This brilliant novel is written in the same vein as Sue Monk Kidd’s beloved novel The Secret Life of Bees (Penguin, 8/08).
• Carla’s articles have appeared in Guideposts, Angels on Earth, Saddle Baron: Magazine of the West, and Blood and Thunder: Musings on the Art of Medicine. Her story “A Nod in the Right Direction” appeared in the 2007 Shades of Tulsa anthology.
• Carla maintains a website (www.carlastewart.com) and blog (www.carlastewart.blogspot.com) and is on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ChasingLilacs

Book Cover Endorsements:
“A remarkable debut novel. Carla Stewart cleverly captures the stark simplicity of a young girl’s voice with all the masterful qualities of powerful prose. Unforgettable.”
—Susan Meissner, author of The Shape of Mercy

“CHASING LILACS is the kind of coming of age story that sticks to you beyond the last page. Unforgettable characters, surprising plot twists, and a setting so southern you’ll fall in love with Texas. Carla Stewart is a new talent to watch!”
—Mary E. DeMuth, author of Daisy Chain and A Slow Burn

Ah, September – one of my favourite times of the year. Huh? Yes, I know it’s only July 2nd because we celebrated Canada Day yesterday and it’s just 2 days before the U.S. Fourth of July festivities. But, still… September is the premiere social event of the season. To this Canadian gal, anyway.

I’ve only been an ACFW member since 2007 and was thrilled to discover my first conference would be in Minneapolis – a simple 2 day drive from our prairie farm in southeast Saskatchewan. And, I was familiar with the area having lived several hours north of the twin cities for years, albeit across the border.

Many of you don’t know this, but I’m basically a very shy person and don’t like walking into a room filled with strangers. But, thanks to the internet, I was going to my first conference to meet eFriends.

Actually, it was Danica Favorite, as host of the eHarlequin Steeple Hill (SH) forum, and the Love Inspired authors and wannabes, who first introduced me to the ACFW. Margaret Daley, a regular on the SH boards, has such an affinity for the ACFW and ‘challenged’ people. She took me under her wing at that first conference and didn’t seem to mind me tagging along.

Another smart thing I did was hang out at Seekerville. I can’t even remember how I found it initially, but I believe Squirrel aka Cheryl Wyatt had something to do with it. What an amazing place to gather for friendship, eFood and craft knowledge. The Seekers extended a personal invitation for me to sit with them in the lounge each evening during conference. Me. To have people waving at me as I walked into that semi-dark lounge was a biggie. Some of my fondest memories of Minneapolis were conversations with that group.

Mind you, it was hard to concentrate on what they were saying when there was a guy in a kilt teaching a Scottish jig behind me. (Waving to Mr. Chip.)

Six hundred voices singing The Revelation Song moved me then and still, to this day. Enthralled with the song, I urged my teen daughter to learn it and teach it to our fifty-member country church congregation. Although she now attends Bible College, The Revelation Song is a staple at our worship services. Reverent. Inspiring. Awesome. Our little building shakes with our a cappella rendition of the final chorus. Thank you, Rachel and the conference worship team.

I always buy the conference workshop CDs. Transferred to my iPod, they provide many hours of craft instruction while I’m driving across the prairies. I need to drive an hour, dodging gophers all the way, just to reach McDonald’s. The drive isn’t as lonely when I hear familiar voices on my radio. If I’ve attended the workshop, the voice takes me back to being there. But, there are so many workshops, and the tapes enable me to hear the ones I’ve missed.

An added bonus to the conference CDs is that I’m not obligated to attend the actual workshop. Not that I don’t want to, but I can take the time to comfort a friend if needed, before or after an editor/agent appointment, and know I’m not missing out.

I encountered several ‘God thing’ moments while in Denver last year. The most public was the morning I was slated for a workshop but didn’t want to attend. Ludicrous, right? With a couple hours before my agent appointment and restless energy to expend, I wandered the near-empty lobby thinking about it. Where was I supposed to be?

It sounds inane, but that’s what was running through my mind. I remembered the Prayer Room and strode through the atrium with purpose. As I saw the sign and neared the door, however, my feet lagged. I suffered one of those visceral reactions—which I can never accurately describe—when you get all sweaty and feel squirmy and just know something isn’t right. I couldn’t go in. I wandered back to the lobby, feeling like I’d lost fifty pages of my work-in-progress due to a computer crash. I ended up at the conference registration desk and asked if the lovely lady-in-charge-whom-I-can’t-remember-her-name (LicwIcrhn) if she needed a volunteer. I’ll never forget the look on her face. Surprise? Shock? Let’s just say I wished I hadn’t spoken. I mean, the hallways were empty, everyone was in ‘class’, volunteers were working in the bookstore, and the 2 people at the registration desk could easily handle any latecomers. What was left to do? LlicwIcrhn (see above) gave me this look and said she had the perfect job for me. I said I’d take it. She spoke into her handheld radio and said she was sending a volunteer. Then, she directed me to the ballroom. As soon as I walked in, a lady at the back started waving her arms. Turns out 3 publishers sent about 1500 books for free distribution and it was decided by the higher-ups to tie a string around them – 2 to a pack. A Time consuming task. The two ladies in the process of the book-tying event were so thankful for my willing hands. Yup, a God thing. The workshop didn’t miss me. And, and I didn’t miss the workshop since I bought the conference CDs. In 2009, I drove through the open spaces of Montana and wild Wyoming to reach Denver. The prairie states captivated me and I wanted to stop and explore. However, the conference tugged me south. Forget shyness. I knew friends awaited. Sure, I agonized over the editor/agent appts, but friends awaited. Friends like my Inky sisters of the Inkwell Inspirations group blog who would meet for the first time. Photo: The Inkies Friends like prayer warriors, Julie Lessman and Cheryl Wyatt, who stop and pray with you whether you’re in a crowded bathroom or an empty hallway.

Friends like mentor, Margaret Daley who hold your hand over a glass of soda in a dark lounge and encourage you to write for the CBA vice ABA market.  Friends like critique partner, Gwen Stewart who use red ink to keep your writing honest, while filling your head with visions of book contracts and dreams. I’m flying to Indy this September. Will you be there?

This is one of my two blog posts I’ll be sharing as part of the ACFW Blog Tour promoting the upcoming national conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, in September this year.

So many of those who know me know I am not one to be a wallflower at any social event. Even if I don’t know a soul, I will find someone who is willing to hold a conversation with me. Most folks view me as someone who has “never met a stranger.” And it’s true…for the most part.

There are times when I willingly blend into the background, but there are other times when I make an entrance and can’t help but stand out. I supposed it’s part of my personality, but I generally command attention without putting forth much effort. Some folks are just wired that way.

Since 2002, I have attended every annual conference held by ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). That first year in Kansas City, we only had 100 members in attendance…and that included the faculty! So, needless to say, it was a rather cozy bunch. Still, to this day I can look back at that conference and recount several meetings of fellow writers I now consider close friends or mentors.

This was the year I met Tracie Peterson for the first time face-to-face after years of emailing and writing. From being a bookstore buddy with Tamera Alexander , to manning the registration table with Jennifer Johnson, or laughing with Linda Windsor when Jennifer admitted how to Linda how Linda’s books “affected” her. And who can forget the tale of the “Kissing Bandit” with Kaye Dacus or Brandilyn Collins telling us to be careful, because “there are normals about.”

In Houston, there was the stalking of Deborah Raney (whose first book was made into a film) with Cindy Woodsmall (now a NYT bestelling author) and discovering Brandilyn Collins’ serial killer from Eyes of Elisha was present in living, breathing form in our main meeting hall. That year also began the identity confusion with Allison Wilson, which still occurs to this day, even though neither one of us look anything like the other. We still have a lot of fun with it though.

Next came Denver in 2004 where I first worked with Jeanne Leach and Connie Stevens , helping run the conference bookstore. This was also the conference where I met the man who is now my husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton . And of course, this year, I pitched my first novel to Jim Peterson, eventually landing a contract in 2006. He and his wife, Tracie, remain mentors and great friends.

Then, there was Nashville, where many matchmaking mamas decided to intervene in my relationship with Stuart, believing we were perfect for each other. Ane Mulligan and Lena Nelson Dooley are two who come to mind, although I know there are many more.

Dallas followed for 2 years, and this is where I met another Tiffany. Tiffany Colter , that is. She has since gone on to work with Chip MacGregor , James Rubart , and Susan May Warren on the Masters Seminar series. She also does author coaching, and we both write for the ACFW AFictionado e-zine . We both go by “Tiff” and people confuse us all the time. We have a lot of fun redirecting folks, and sometimes even taking credit for each other’s accomplishments.

2008 was in Minneapolis and 2009 was in Denver. Each year, I meet someone new, and each year, the friendships I’ve established become that much more dear to me. Because of the conferences, I met most of my clients for web design , many of whom have become friends as well. At the conferences is where so much fun, laughter, memories, and good times happen. I can’t even begin to recount everyone the conferences have brought into my life, and who are still in my life today, but those I’ve shared above are just the dusting the surface.

These friends have moved from mere writing acquaintances, to friends and prayer partners, and even babysitters, helping me when I’ve needed them to be there in a pinch or lend a hand.

So, if you’re wondering about the aspects of the conference aside from writing instruction, consider that God might want you to attend so He can use the conference as a means of bringing you together with someone who will become a best friend. If you don’t attend, you might miss out on the blessing of a friendship you won’t discover…unless you attend.

Thanks, ACFW, for providing the platform where I have been able to meet many treasured friends.

You can learn more about Amber Stockton and her books here.