ACFW Blog

by Kathy Fuller

The annual American Christian Fiction Writer’s Conference is set for September 17-20 in Denver, Colorado. While that may seem a ways away, its really around the corner, so if you’re planning to attend, you should register and book your flight ASAP. For those of you on the fence, especially historical romance novelists, allow me to shove you off that fence by giving you five reasons to attend the conference.

1) Historical novels are on the rise again. When I first started writing nearly ten years ago, contemporaries and chick-lit were all the rage. Most editors weren’t interested in looking at historicals, unless they were set in the prairie between 1850 and 1890, and even then an unknown author would have a tough time selling a manuscript. But as with many things in the publishing biz, tastes are cyclical, and there’s renewed interest in historicals from different time periods and countries–Biblical, Regency, Victorian, Georgian, and the ever popular Americana.

2) Networking, networking, networking! Regardless of the genre you write in, the ACFW conference provides countless opportunities to rub elbows with published authors, agents, and editors who freely give their insight into what’s selling and what publishing houses are looking for. It’s the best way to find out the most inside of inside information.

3) Mentoring and Critiquing. Attendees have the opportunity to sign up for one-on-one critique sessions with a multipublished author. Several of these authors have published historical romance and are open to giving their feedback and expertise in the genre.

4) Late Night Chats. These are totally awesome. Editors and agents will be holding late night chats Thursday and Friday where they’ll be giving the straight scoop about the business, what houses are looking for, and what they’re looking for in particular. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask burning questions, such as “Are you looking for historical romance set in Byzantium?” The one drawback is that you can only attend one chat a night (so many editors/agents, so little time), but you can get with a group of your friends and divide and conquer, then meet later over a latte and share what you learned.

5) You’ll be sorry you missed it. I can say this with surety–I had planned to attend the conference, and had even registered for it, but ended up having to cancel. But I’m definitely going next year–I refuse to miss out on the fun again!

For more information about the ACFW conference, visit the ACFW conference section on the website.

Kathleen Fuller is a novelist and freelance writer. She is the author of over ten novels, including the upcoming Hearts of Middlefield Series for Thomas Nelson. To find out more about Kathleen and her books, please visit her website:
www.kathleenfuller.com
www.kathleenfuller.blogspot.com
www.amishhearts.com
Regency Romance
A Daring Return (Avalon): August, 2009
Amish Fiction
An Amish Christmas (Thomas Nelson): August, 2009
A Man of His Word (Thomas Nelson): September, 2009

Many know that I’m a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). It’s the premier Christian fiction organization, and I owe a great deal of thanks to the members for helping me get published. Every year, they hold a national conference, and this year it’s just about in my back yard. Denver, Colorado is only about an hour away. That means around 500 writers, authors, editors, agents and other industry professionals will be coming to the great state of Colorado to teach, learn, pitch, listen to queries, network, meet each other and have a grand time.

To help promote the conference and get folks excited about all that’s going to happen, a lot of members have offered to post on our blogs and spread the word.

Since the ACFW Conference in 2003 is where I first pitched my novel that received a contract in 2006, and since I’ve received requests from all others to whom I pitched, that’s the topic of my post today. For anyone who is attending ACFW (or any other conference), here are some tips I hope will prove helpful to you:

1. Before you make your appointment, study the needs of the publishing house or agency and what they are looking to publish or represent. Present yourself as a well-informed professional who has done your homework. The worst mistake is to sit down and pitch something only to have their eyes glaze over because your story isn’t what they are looking to find.

2. Remember that any editor or agent is looking forward to meeting you. They wouldn’t be at the conference if they didn’t want to hear about new stories and discover new talent. You just might be the reason they’re there.

3. Practice your pitch with someone who will be honest with you. They can give you valuable feedback on what to cut or change or even give you the extra encouragement you need to feel confident.

4. Dress appropriately. Appearance counts just as much as what you say. The old adage proves true. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Appear professional.

5. Be confident. Sweaty palms or a case of nerves is normal. But you have to believe in yourself and your work before you can convince someone else to buy it. So, be proud of your writing.

6. Start off the meeting with an icebreaker or small-talk. Perhaps mention someone else who recommended this meeting, or why you chose to meet with this person. Oftentimes, the editor or agent will set you at ease and start it off themselves. If not, have something casual ready.

7. Choose your words wisely. Keep your pitch to 25 words or less. This is often also called the “elevator pitch” or what you’d say if you were riding the elevator with your dream editor/agent. You want to catch their attention right away and don’t want to take the entire 15 minutes to get to the main point.

8. Know the main conflict of your story and highlight it when you pitch. Be ready with more details when asked to elaborate.

9. If there is anything unique about your main characters or your story, work that into your pitch. Editors and agents hear hundreds during conference season. You want to make yours stand out.

10. Study the editor or agent as you talk. They might be looking for what you have to offer, but you want to make sure this person is the “right” person for you. Prepare some general interview questions for them instead of waiting for them to direct the entire meeting.

11. Be mindful of the time. When your 15 minutes comes to a close, wrap it up. Don’t keep the next appointment waiting or the editor/agent from getting to the next aspect of the conference.

12. Conclude in style. Thank them for their time and ask for a business card if they are open to you submitting to them. Offer a handshake and a smile, and confirm a request to submit if it was offered, or reaffirm a referral if it was given.

These tips only brush the surface, but I hope they give you a starting point to help guide you as you prepare for whatever meetings you have. The faculty who are selected to be on staff at the ACFW Conference are top-notch. Many of them have remarked about the quality of the manuscripts or ideas they’ve received each year. And each year, they return, knowing they’re going to find the cream of the crop.

You just might be the one person the editor or agent has come to that conference to meet. Be confident, relaxed, proud. Most importantly, be yourself. You might end up with a successful story to tell!

http://www.amberstockton.com/blogAmber Stockton – Author (www.amberstockton.com)

BIO

Tiffany Amber Stockton is an author and freelance web site designer who lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart, in beautiful Colorado. They celebrated the birth of their first child in April and have a vivacious Border Collie/Flat-Haired Retriever mix named Roxie. She has sold six books to Barbour Publishing with more on the horizon. Other credits include writing articles for various publications, five short stories with Romancing the Christian Heart, and contributions to the books: 101 Ways to Romance Your Marriage and Grit for the Oyster. Read more about her at her web site: www.amberstockton.com.

Available Now:
Copper and Candles, April 2009 (HP #843)

Society teas and garden parties, shopping, gossip—

Life as a young lady of means may be fun, but Felicity wants to do more. Unfortunately, she finds that her position and wealth can sometimes hinder her efforts to help those around her in need. Thus, when a charity case falls ill and cannot work, Felicity determines to go to work as a commoner in Detroit’s dangerous factory district.

Relationships become complicated, however, and she soon finds herself falling in love with a worker from the copper refinery next door. She knows her family would never accept him as a suitor, but what’s a girl to do? What she doesn’t know is that Brandt has his own secrets and hides his identity just as carefully as she. Brandt and Felicity soon discover that deception—no matter how noble its intent—demands a price that even they, with all their resources, may not be able to pay.

Can they survive the storm when truth is revealed?

by Dana Mentink

I’m a shy person by nature. People who know me might not suspect it, but I need to really work at being outgoing. As I tell my husband, being charming is exhausting!

I’ve been to three ACFW conferences and the first one I was petrified. I stuck to mostly lurking and such. If it weren’t for the kindness of the Barbour folks, I probably wouldn’t have said boo to anyone.

The second conference in Minnesota last year was a great time. Yes, I still had to force myself to be charming, but I had the joy of meeting with my Barbour people again and having a face to face with my also charming agent. (He doesn’t seem to have to work nearly as I do to maintain a sparkling personality!) At each conference I’ve learned boat loads and come home fired up about writing. So here are my top three tips for navigating those conference waters.

1. Find someone who is alone and ask them where they’re from and what they write. Bingo! You’ve made a connection. Now make arrangements to sit with them at lunch. Having a built in lunch partner is such a comfort.

2. Go to morning worship. I know, I know, it’s early, but it will really jump start your spirit and remind you that writing doesn’t have to be a solitary endeavor.

3. Don’t be afraid to make an appointment with an agent/editor simply to ask questions about the business or ask what they are looking for. It doesn’t always have to be a high pressure, you’ve-gotta-present-a-killer-pitch-or-else deal. I have found the editors/agents to be very warm, encouraging people if you aren’t trying to beat them over the head with an idea!

Now go forth and dive in! You’ll be glad you did!

Dana Mentink writes cozy mysteries for Barbour and suspense for Harlequin’s Steeple Hill. Her newest book is California Capers, a three in one mystery from Barbour. You’ll find her next Love Inspired Suspense novel in bookstores in September.

Visit her website at www.danamentink.com.

By Michelle Shocklee

I am naturally shy. I would rather eat worms than talk to people I don’t know. Does that surprise you? Most people would not describe me as shy. A little on the quiet side maybe, but not shy. It’s true though. It goes against my grain to be outgoing and talkative. I’d rather sit in a dark corner and watch the world go by than be out in the spotlight, especially in a large gathering like a writers’ conference.

You too, eh?

So you ask, How have I overcome my shy personality to get to the point of being able to talk to just about anyone, even…GASP!… editors and agents?

First of all, you have to come to the real conclusion that being shy is a waste of time. Truly! Think of how many lost opportunities you’ve had because you were too shy to speak to someone or take part in an activity. I know I can think of plenty.

And what was my big fear?

Being laughed at. Making a mistake. Saying something stupid. All real fears to be sure, but is the worry of making a misstep really worth missing so much life?

Absolutely not!

So, is there hope for a shy person?

Absolutely!

Once you fully appreciate how unproductive–and possibly unfulfilled–you are as a shy person, you can do something about it! And you can do it in time for conference where you will most likely need to talk to editors, agents and fellow writers if you’re going to have a productive and fun conference experience. And trust me, you want to have a fun and productive conference experience! That’s the whole reason you’re going!

Here are some simple tips that I have actually done when preparing to meet new people:

1. Smile! Shy people are notoriously too serious when facing new people and new situations. When we don’t smile we come off as being mad or snobbish, neither of which is usually true. So…SMILE!! A warm smile is a great conversation starter. It is almost always followed by “Hi.”

2. Practice on the grocery store clerk or mailman or stranger at church. Take a deep breath and plunge in! Use cliche conversation starters like, “Wow, it’s hot today, isn’t it?” or something common. Do this every single day! You will be surprised how easy it becomes to talk to strangers.

3. If you plan to pitch a book idea at conference, write down what you are going to say. Then…rehearse, rehearse, rehearse in front of the mirror! Go into the bathroom, close the door (if you have family that might walk in) and…SMILE!…then say, “Hi, my name is so-and-so. It’s so nice to meet you.” Now, you don’t want to memorize your schpeel, but get it down so that you don’t freeze up with nerves. Relax. The person you are talking to will not bite. They will not get up and run away. They will not laugh…unless you want them to because you told a joke. Hey, shy people know jokes, too!

4. Keep in mind that some editors, agents and fellow writers are just as shy as you are! We shy people are not alone, especially at writers’ conferences! Look around for folks who have that “deer in the headlight” expression on their faces. They’ll appreciate a warm smile and a friendly hello and it will give you a little confidence boost knowing you helped a kindred spirit.

5. Pray! Before each agent/editor meeting or each meal where conversation with strangers is a given, pray and ask God to give you courage, peace and joy. Meeting new people doesn’t have to be an unpleasant, scary thing. In fact, it can truly be a blessing!

The ACFW conference is NOT the place to let your shyness win! You will be surrounded by fellow believers and fellow writers, all with the same goal as you: To write for God. Come ready to make new friends and meet new faces you’ll see in heaven someday!

See you in Denver this September! I’ll be the one with the big ol’ smile!

Visit my Blog at: michelleshocklee.blogspot.com

by Megan DiMaria

I can’t wait for the ACFW conference to come to my hometown and to welcome all my friends to one of the best locations on earth.

In the next few weeks I’ll post some dining options to suit most tastes and budgets. Are you familiar with yelp.com? It’s a great site for reviews. You might want to go online to check out some of the choices that I’ll list.

We’ll discuss restaurants you can walk to as well as those a quick light rail ride away. The light rail is about a five minute walk from the hotel, and the fare is $2 each way/$1 each way for seniors. The fare box takes quarters or bills but returns change in dollar coins only.

Most of the meals are included in the conference fee, but Friday night’s dinner is a fun break to get out and investigate what’s around with new friends and old. There are also some great, close restaurants you can visit if you want to get away for breakfast or lunch.

Price range is a relative indication of cost. Some restaurants did not list prices online.

$ = Inexpensive

$$ = Moderate

$$$ = Pricey

$$$$ = Ultra High-End

The Lift, $$ located inside the Marriott, serves all-American cuisine (burgers, sandwiches, steaks, pasta, etc.). $10 – $20. They don’t have a website but the Marriott promises to email me a menu that I will share with you.

There are several restaurants within walking distance from the Marriott Tech. The hotel address is 4900 S. Syracuse St., Denver, Colorado 80237. Feel free to Google directions from the hotel the restaurants so that you’ll have some context to where they are located and how to get there.

By the way, it’s always easy to tell which direction you’re heading in when you’re in Denver. If the mountains are in front of you, you’re heading west. If they’re on your left, you’re going north.

Darcy’s Bistro & Pub is about .03 miles if you don’t mind walking through parking lots to get there. Basically, it’s due east of the hotel. Darcy’s combines traditional Irish fare, such as corned beef and cabbage, with great steaks and fresh seafood, delicious tapas (Spanish small plates), salads and sandwiches. Reviews.

Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant $$ is about .02 miles down the road from the hotel on the same street, located at 5050 S. Syracuse Street. There’s no website, but here’s the reviews on yelp.com.

Paradise Bakery $ is .01 miles south on Syracuse Street. They’re a great option for breakfast, lunch, or an early dinner. They stop serving soup, salad, and sandwiches at 3:00, and are bakery only from 3:00 to 4:00.

If you’re willing to walk ½ mile, there’s a strip mall at 8000 E. Belleview Ave. with several dining choices. From the hotel, walk south on S. Syracuse St. to Belleview. Cross Belleview and turn left (right). Continue walking about .02 miles and the strip mall’s on your right.

The Original Pancake House $$ is open seven days a week with limited hours: 6a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s very, very good is you’re looking for breakfast food.

Bara Sushi $$$ The reviews on yelp rave about the bento box which is a lunch box with a little of this and a little of that. The biggest raves? The bento box is $10! Unfortunately their website looks like a work in progress, and the menu/prices are not listed.

Il Forniao $$-$$$ serves delicious Italian food. Their menu is online, and depending what you get (share a pizza?) the price varies.

Chipotle $ is a Colorado company known for gourmet burritos and tacos (no kidding!). The helpings are so large that you might want to share a meal with someone.

Erbert & Gerbert’s Subs and Clubs $ serves sandwiches, soups, sides, and desserts.

Santoro’s Pizzeria $ (303) 770-7428, is on 8101 E Belleview Avenue about .07 of a mile from the hotel. Walk south to Belleview and turn left. It is on the left side of the road about .01 mile off Belleview on a private lane.

The next dining post will discuss restaurant options south at Park Meadows. Some may call it a shopping mall, but they refer to themselves as a retail resort.

Bio:

Megan DiMaria is an author and speaker who enjoys cheering on other writers in their pursuits and encouraging women to embrace life’s demands and delights.

She is an active member of ACFW and several other writers groups and is the author of two women’s fiction novels, Searching for Spice and Out of Her Hands.

A prisoner of hope,
Megan DiMaria

Out of Her Hands, Tyndale House, October 2008
Searching for Spice, Tyndale House, April 2008

Read my Denver Writing Examiner articles

www.megandimaria.com

www.megandimaria.blogspot.com