ACFW Blog

Going to the ACFW Conference in Indianapolis?

I’ve been to many large writing conferences and have worked freelance for agents and editors, but I still remember my first meal time at an editor’s table.You wonder if you forgot everything your mama taught you about eating with “important” people. Is this napkin for me or the person beside me? What if I splat ketchup all over Chip MacGregor’s kilt!
Many times a first time conference attendee is baffled when it comes to the lunch and dinner times at editors’ and agents’ tables, or at least a little intimidated, especially if you are an introvert. If you are Colleen-Coble-type, then you can go back to writing and miss this post. (Of course, she’s now eating onions, so who knows? Maybe you need this, anyway.)

At the ACFW conference during lunch and dinner, you will be given the option of sitting at a table with an agent or editor OF YOUR CHOICE. (First come, first serve. Their names will be on cards in the center of the table.) Yes, you will be able to give a short blurb about what you write (wait for it–they’ll ask.) Yes, it will be noisy,and there will be others at your table who also are interested in the host of the table. The agent or editor may be distracted by any number of things. There will be announcements and wonderful things going on with Brandilyn Collins, the MC, too.She may be giving away books or causing you to snort out your tea (try to avoid the direction of the agent/editor.)

Here are a few tips when you get to the table. Don’t be nervous, eat the really good food. Just be prepared. If you pray before, God can grant you peace and assurance. Really!

1.Often breakfast is reserved for faculty to have a break from conferees. Please respect the parameters given at the conference.It’s ok to say hi if your eyes meet, just don’t stop at the table or sit down or for that matter,or even slow down. (Break the eye contact as soon as you can–wave to that new person you have yet to meet.)

2. Don’t wear fragrances, but do smell pleasant. I don’t know how you accomplish this, nor do I want to know.

3.Have your business cards available without fumbling for them for others at your table. You’ll also want to chat with those at your table because these people can become your good friends.(And really, you just never know how they will be bridges for you.) Ask the person beside you about her writing. Chances are, you’ll relax while listening to her. And this is hard when you are nervous or an auditory learner, but try to practice true communication/listening, and not just rehearsing what you’ll say to the editor/agent in your mind while the other person talks. Who knows? You may get a chance to practice with the person beside you. But you also may miss an opportunity to get to know the really cool person next to you.

4. Have your business card (no papers) with you to give to the editor/agent at your table, if the opportunity arises. Jot briefly your book title and a line on the back of the card (and genre.) Make sure you have address/phone/email on that card. If you are uncomfortable having that info for just anyone, have the full contact info ones for only the editor/agents or good friends.

5. Have your 30 second pitch(they will probably ask you) and do not hog the table talk time with the agent/editor. Answer questions, but do speak with others at your table, too. Sometimes it is difficult to hear if you are across the table, too, so be aware and be willing to help others at your table to communicate. Think of always being gracious.

6. It may just be sooo important to contact that editor/agent because you’ve spent so much money for this conference, but I’ve seen rudeness occur when people will “save” chairs at a table, and even rushing to take the chair ahead of someone else. This isn’t junior high. Be polite and trust that there will be God-incidences happening. Some editors and agents have noticed if you’re chair-grabbing and they have good memories (at times.)

7. You never know who “works”for/influences the agent/editor. Be nice to everyone! (You’ll be happier if you are, too. It’s fun. Try it. It will confuse some people.) I’ve introduced myself to someone at a conference, and the person said, “Are you anyone? Oh. You’re nobody. Ok. Bye.” Yes, I’m Nobody, but I do remember names as they cross my desk….

8. No matter how friendly you have become with an agent or editor, be courteous and respect her/him. I saw a whole table “tease” an editor about something this editor “seemed” to be comfortable about, but behind the scenes this person went back to the room to fume/be hurt–and let organizers know about it. Be sensitive. Don’t tease or talk about volatile/sensitive issues. Try to put yourself in that person’s shoes.

9. There will also be author tables. Don’t be disappointed if you get at an author’s table. They are “scouts” for publishers and have agents, too. They’re also wonderful mentors, and have much to share.

10. Do be aware that the conference is jam-packed and an overload for everyone. Presenters, editors, agents, authors may need a minute to collect thoughts or just need nourishment. Give the host a chance to sit down (do save a chair for the host!) eat a little and maybe even sample the dessert. Each one has an individual personality and will try to lead the table in his own way. He may want to know what you’ve been reading, what book impacted you this year, or even ask you what you think about green tea! (Yes, I was asked by an editor about that.) I even found an editor once who had attended Taylor University in Upland, Indiana and I ended up not sending her a manuscript, but a tee shirt from Ivanhoe’s. (That was fun.)

10-B. Oh, one more thing–lose 5 pounds before you go as food at these things are usually great and you will WANT to eat! (Not to mention the chocolate parties.)

I have found that the ACFW conference has the nicest, most helpful people. One special time was when someone stopped me from being a deer in the headlights as she quickly prayed for me on the way to her own appointment. Don’t sit in your room and order room service–get out and be with others who are just as passionate as you are at the meals. When you go into the “cafeteria,” even if you are the new kid in school, you’ll find a place and it will be the right place, the right time.

You can learn more about Crystal Miller at her blog.

Why have a critique partner?

DEB:

• At the point when we most need to be objective, we are too close to our own story to read it as an unbiased reader, let alone evaluate it critically. Tammy is able to offer perspective that I’ve potentially lost, being so close to my own work. We’re able to see not only technical glitches in each other’s work but also story strengths and weaknesses, and ways to potentially deepen the layers of the story and characters.

• We bring only one opinion or viewpoint to the reading of our own work—and it’s obviously very biased. A critique partner can view our work from a different point of view since they’ve likely had a different upbringing, different life experiences, and therefore have a much different “filter” through which to read your work. (For example, I live in a small town and Tammy lives in a larger city. Amazing what different perspectives that affords us!)

• Since Tammy isn’t so close to my story, she often comes up with ideas or plot directions I never would have dreamed of.

• Almost any two people working together bring two sets of strengths to the table, and offset each other’s weaknesses.

• It makes a solitary occupation so much more fun! Working with Tammy provides that human touch a career in writing is often missing. With the wonder of technology, we’re only a click or call away.

• When one of us is down, we can build each other up! Tammy and I are tough on each other, but we also try to be each other’s biggest fan.

• It’s so much easier to see “mistakes/room for growth” in someone else’s writing. We learn from critiquing each other’s manuscripts, and then can apply those principles to our own writing.

• Brainstorming! With today’s technology, critique partners don’t have to be next-door neighbors or even live in the same state. With applications such as SKYPE (skype.com) and iChat (for Macs), you can “video brainstorm” any time, day or night. And it’s free! Plus, if you use something like Google Talk, you’ll have a “text copy” of all those ideas for future reference.

When is a critique group more appropriate than a one-on-one critique partner? <>

DEB:

• When you’re first starting out and still learning the basics of writing, it’s good to have input from multiple writers because, chances are, you have a lot of basics you’re still needing to learn. Having multiple critique partners can also help you find your voice as a writer. When Tammy was in a critique group early on, she would watch for similarities in critiques from her writing partners. Would three of the four writers make the same comment about a certain character or plot point? Or would it only be one writer making that particular comment? That helped her to develop confidence in her own voice while still weighing the counsel of others.

• When you desire quick response/input from more than one person about a particular aspect of your work. Life sometimes gets in the way of responding as quickly to tasks as we’d like. Same for writing partners, especially if you’re both on deadlines. The chances of having someone available to read your work in a timely manner are much greater if you’re part of a group.

• When you haven’t found that right critique partner yet (and you’re in God’s “waiting room”). Often, your critique group is where you’ll find a critique partner and—once the time is right, or the group grows to the point of needing to form another branch—you can “offshoot” from the original group and form that more personal critique relationship.

• So that you can learn how to critique. There are many styles of critiquing. Again, it’s not just about pointing out what’s wrong, but about “equipping” another writer to be the best writer possible. Writers often have their specific areas of expertise as well—be it a strength in characterization, dialogue, plot, creating believable story worlds—so being part of a group can expose you to a wider variety of writer strengths, and therefore, opportunities to learn.

Pointers for finding a critique partner:

TAMMY & DEB:

• First and foremost, pray about who God might pair you with.

• Seek someone whose strengths make up for your weaknesses, and vice versa.

• Ask God to keep your heart teachable.

• Attend local or national conferences.

• Be open to critiquing others’ work. (You never know what will come from that offer to help out.)

Whether you’re already in a writing critique group or a writing critique one-on-one partnership, or you’re still looking for that right group or person, the goal is to keep improving your writing skills and honing your craft. None of us ever ceases needing to learn, needing to grow. We want to give God our best, and as King David said in II Samuel 24:24, “I will not offer as a sacrifice to the Lord my God a burnt offering [or in our case, our writing] that costs me nothing.”

So be willing to pay the price, hone your craft, and give God your best. And keep your eyes open to the possibility of a critique partner to share the “cost” along the way.

Tamera Alexander is the best-selling author of Rekindled, Revealed and Remembered, the critically acclaimed Fountain Creek Chronicles historical series with Bethany House Publishers. Tamera’s deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose have earned her devoted readers—and multiple industry awards. Her newest novel, Within My Heart, releases in September.

DEBORAH RANEY is at work on her nineteenth novel. Her books have won the RITA Award, HOLT Medallion, National Readers’ Choice Award, Silver Angel, and have twice been Christy Award finalists. Her first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the highly acclaimed World Wide Pictures film of the same title. Her newest series, the Hanover Falls Novels, is from Howard/Simon & Schuster. She and her husband, Ken Raney, have four children and enjoy small- town life in Kansas.

Tamera Alexander & Deborah Raney

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

Proverbs 27:17
<> Tamera Alexander and Deborah Raney have been critique partners for more than six years––ever since they met at a writer’s conference and Tammy volunteered to critique Deb’s manuscript for Playing by Heart.

While not all critique partners become friends, friendship has been a natural outgrowth of Deb and Tammy’s working relationship. Over the course of critiquing almost a dozen manuscripts between them, they have learned much about what to look for in a critique partner, what works, what doesn’t, how to handle conflict and competition, and how to “agree to disagree” with grace.

Writing can be a lonely pursuit and it’s easy to become so close to your own work that you can no longer be objective. A writing critique partner can provide encouragement, a new perspective, growth in the craft of writing, and a kick in the pants when necessary.

Here, in a discussion taken from their article in A Novel Idea, Deb and Tammy share just a few of the things they’ve gleaned through their working partnership:

Where and how do I find a critique partner?

TAMMY:

• One-on-one partnerships often develop naturally out of larger critique groups; so join a group with an eye to eventually working with one other writer as a critique partner.

• Connect with someone you meet at a writer’s conference. That’s where I met Deb and we just clicked as friends before we ever became writing critique partners.

• Connect with someone from a local writer’s club or group.

• Ask a non-writing friend or relative who is well read to critique your manuscript. Perhaps barter babysitting or cooking or housecleaning in exchange for those services. A non-writer who loves to read your genre can be an invaluable source for clarity and pacing of story.

• If feasible, consider paying a professional editor for a critique. An organization of which Deb and I are both members is American Christian Fiction Writers, and there are numerous well-qualified editors within the ACFW membership, as well as critique group opportunities.

• Sign up for a paid critique at a local or national writer’s conference you’re attending. Worth every penny! ACFW’s conference is one of the best around!

• As a last resort (and it’s a good idea anyway even if you have a critique partner because you need to keep your skills sharpened) become your own critique partner. Read books on self-editing, such as:

o Revision & Self-Editing, James Scott Bell, Writer’s Digest Books

o Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Renni Browne & Dave King, HarperCollins

• Take advantage of online opportunities to post your work for critique. If someone likes your work, or sees potential in it, they may be interested in partnering with you.

• Offer to critique for a published author. I took a risk and asked Deb if she’d be willing for me to read for her. I knew it was a long shot, and I’m certainly not suggesting you start contacting novelists at random, asking to critique their work. But if you’ve established a relationship with a published author at a conference or online, it might be a possibility, and it’s a great way to learn. And then once I was published, Deb was willing to critique my work in exchange.

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Jul 28, 2010
3 Perfect Hours in Indy <http://rebeccademarino.blogspot.com/2010/07/3-perfect-hours-in-indy.html>
For those interested in attending this year’s the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Conference in Indianapolis, ACFW has scheduled some free time on Saturday night. Many of the publishing houses will host dinners for their authors that evening, but for those of you that might like to sample what the beautiful city of Indianapolis has to offer, I offer you these 3 perfect hours in Indy.

Your evening begins promptly at 5:00 pm as your elegant, horse-drawn carriage awaits you at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The Yellow Rose Carriage Tours http://www.indycarriage.com/ have been providing memorable tours of Indy since 1983 and can accommodate 4 to 6 people. At $120.00 (includes gratuity) for the one hour ride, it would range from $30.00 pp for four to $20.00 pp for six. Tonight your Shire or Clydesdale will take you on a one hour tour, including Monument Circle, University Park, the War Memorial and Lockerbie Square.Your driver will drop you off in time for a quick bite at Yat’s, a favorite of the locals, on Massachusetts Avenue. Known for it’s authentic Cajun food, be sure to be hungry or order the half portions. Their jambalaya is an Indy favorite! http://www.yatscajuncreole.com/ Be sure to come hungry or order a half-plate! (Full portion $5.75, half portion $4.50)

From Yat’s continue your night on the town with an eight minute cab ride (Yellow Cab, $20.00) to Fountain Square where you will want to rent a lane at Duckpin Bowling. Best to call ahead to make a reservation as this is a favorite stop for those in the know! Each lane will accommodate up to six. Rental is $30.00 for an hour of bowling and shoes are provided free. www.fountainsquareindy.com/bowling/pricing.asp <http://www.fountainsquareindy.com/bowling/pricing.asp>

After Duckpin, you can enjoy the half hour stroll back to the Hyatt, or better yet, splurge on the twenty minute taxi ride to the Flying Cupcake, Indianapolis’s yummiest stop for dessert! A shared Pretty In Pink or Zucchini Bikini Buster jumbo cupcake ($3.50) is sure to please your group while you watch them being baked! http://www.theflyingcupcakebakery.com/

If you choose the stroll back to your hotel, top off your evening literally on top: The Eagles Nest, revolving restaurant, is located at the top of the Hyatt Regency. Try their scrumptious cheesecake or creme brulee. The impressive view of Indianapolis’s skyline is not to be missed before you turn in for the night!

Additonal activities to be found in Indianapolis you might not want to miss (be sure to check closing times as many close by 5 or 6 pm):

ice skating downtown….
http://www.iwsa.org/public.html

indianapolis arts garden (indoors above the streets)…
http://www.indyarts.org/organizations.aspx?id=82

arts and entertainment category at yelp…
http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=indianap&ns=1&find_loc=indianapolis%2C+in#cflt=arts&find_desc=&sortby=category

here’s a link to the canal and what it has to offer— pedal boats, gondola rides, segway tours, etc…
http://www.discovercanal.com/userctl.cfm?PageContentTypeID=1&PageContentID=8

And check out Indy’s Irish festival going on at Military Park downtown

the South Bend Chocolate Company has a cafe location on Monument Circle and offers chocolates, sandwiches, hot chocolate

Enjoy!!

And Dad&Me?  Dad is improving everyday. His courage knows no bounds and his strength is amazing. God is taking care of us. I am so thankful to Him. More about Dad&Me next time…

Rebecca DeMarino
Writing yesterday’s stories for today’s hopes and tomorrow’s dreams!
www.rebeccademarino.blogspot.com <http://www.rebeccademarino.blogspot.com>
www.rebeccademarino.com <http://www.rebeccademarino.com>

The American Christian Fiction Writer’s conference is coming up in Indianapolis this year, from September 17-20. With the advent of such an amazing conference, there can be a lot of anxiety–especially as you wait your turn to pitch to an agent or editor! So read on for anxiety-reduction techniques to use while either attending the conference or not.

I selected a few techniques that can be done at any time or place.

Square Breathing

You can do this technique standing or sitting, although I prefer clients to sit. If you were in my office, I’d say close your eyes, but if people are milling about, just leave them open. The instructions are simple:

a) Slowly count to 3 as you take a deep breath in through your nose
b) Hold your breath for 3 counts
c) Let the breath out through your mouth for 3 counts
d) Hold for 3 counts
e) Repeat a few times/as needed

You can increase the count to 4 if this suits your lung capacity better.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is bringing yourself into the present moment. It’s making yourself relax and become aware of your breath, thoughts, feelings, surroundings and sensations. You give your self-critical, controlling mind a rest and accept the moment with peace and non-resistance. (Yes, sounds a little new-agey, but it works and you won’t need to go to church afterward to repent.)

Since anxiety lives in the body as chronic tension, just breathing can help undo that tension, which restores balance to the body and mind. It’s hard to remember your breath, so setting aside time to do so amidst the hustle and bustle of conference will help you relax. (Breath is key!)

a) Sit as relaxed and still as possible
b) Don’t try to control your thoughts – just observe your breath and other sensations/sounds. Don’t engage your thoughts, just let them come and go
c) Focus on breathing or heart beat or the rise/fall of your belly/chest

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)

PMR is when you tense and relax various muscle groups in your body in a progression. You hold the tension for about 10 seconds and then relax, noticing the difference between relaxed and tense. You usually work bottom to top, right to left.

a) Right foot, calf, thigh, entire leg
b) Left foot, calf, thigh, entire leg
c) Right hand, forearm, bicep, entire arm
d) Left hand, forearm, bicep, entire arm
e) Buttocks
f) Abdomen
g) Chest (fill and hold lungs)
h) Shoulders
i) Neck
j) Face (stretch out forehead and cheeks by exaggeratedly mouthing the vowel sounds – you might want some privacy for this part, or leave it out)

While you’re waiting for the Carol Awards or Genesis Awards to be revealed, or waiting in line to see the agent or editor of your dreams, use one or all of these techniques to bring you back to a more relaxed state of mind. Remember, God is master of your anxiety.

Hope to see many of you at the conference this year!!

Jeannie Campbell, LMFT
the character therapist