What to expect from a Christian Writers Conference?

[Zanzibar]

Hi ya'll,

I stumbled on this site and am so happy! I've been wanting to find something like this for some time. I have a question. I have completed my first novel. (It is currently being published online.) Now I am about to attend my first Christian Writers Conference. The one I plan to attend is put on by ACW. I don't know what to expect. I've searched the web but have found relatively few articles that clue me in to what I need to do. I assume I should take some proposals etc. I wonder if any of ya'll could give me some advice? I don't know what publishers will be in attendance, although the brochure I got said to expect some. Usually when I send out a proposal I try to write it specifically with the house I'm targeting in mind. Obviously, I can't do that if I don't know which publishers are going to attend. Any thoughts you all have would greatly be appreciated.

I think I have the jitters. I havn't been this nervous since I took my last driving test. OK, so the driving test was worse - alot worse! Stilllllll....

Thanks for taking the time to respond to me.

Lynnette.

[ladypreacher]

Lynnette,

Welcome! I'm pretty new around here myself but have found myself amongst some pretty nice people!

For the conference the best advise I can give is what I've read. I read my Writer's magazine from cover to cover. Wish I could say that about my Pentecostal Evangel... Anyway, I've read from speakers and attendees (is that really a word? I must admit, I'm tired) anyway, both sides of the conference say this: Be Prepared. Have samples of your work and don't be afraid to tote along a completed manuscript or two, as you never know who Providence may send your way. I strongly believe in Divine Appointments. More than that, go expecting. Expect God to move mightily in your midst and He will!!!

As far as your proposal goes, do as you would for a publishing house if it had many different editorial outlets... Just keep focused on what you're wanting to sell and keep in mind that whoever will be there will have a lot of common interests.

I could envy you for the opportunities I see you walking through as you reach for your dreams, but it's not scriptural... So instead, I wish you much success and God's blessings!

[cawheat]

Our prayer swill be with you! You'll do fine -- prepare well and your work will speak for itself! Open your heart and let the Spirit guide you!

[ladypreacher]

Lynnette,

One thing that I had read about conferences dawned on me once I layed down and considered the day.

Summarize each project. Keep it short and to the point and commit it to memory.

When asked about my novel, An Angel of Mercy, if it comes up in a conversation, I will tell the asker, "It's Christian Fiction. I've gotten out my shovel and I'm digging up the Church. I'm not mad at it, there's just a lot of things going on that just aren't right. I don't guess there's anyone that I won't offend in it somewhere..."

That gives me a solid, yet short answer for anyone who's asking.

A lot of times people start to automatically share different things that bother them and as I'm never negative against the Body of Christ, of which I am proud to be a part of, as we are the Family of God, it's been a great opportunity to minister God's love and forgiveness. Have a great day. Hope I've been helpful.

[Zanzibar]

Thanks for responding guys. I just keep reminding myself, "In God's timing. In God's timing. In God's timing." And praying that the Lord will help me be patient and know what He would have me to write. I'll keep pressing on.

Here's a question for all of you: What is the most interesting/exciting/horrible/embarassing thing that ever happened to you at a writer's conference?

Lynnette