Juggling Family & Writers Conferences

by Lisa Jordan, @lisajordan

Autumn is my favorite season because September and October bring several special dates to mind—my wedding anniversary, the birthdays of my two boys and the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) Conference.

I’ve been attending ACFW since 2005, which is the first year I met Susie May and knew she was someone I wanted to help mentor me through this crazy writing journey.

That initial conference was everything I dreamed and even more. I formed friendships, realized I had a ton of things to learn about the writing industry and leaned into the knowledge God called me to be a writer.

Attending conferences are not required to get your books published, but they allow you to build relationships with other writers and industry professionals, which is one of the essentials for a writer’s career. Investing in a conference means investing in educating yourself as to what industry professionals are looking for as they read hundreds of proposals that come across their desks or fill their inboxes.

However, the months and weeks leading up to the conference can be challenging especially if you’re a parent, working inside or outside the home. When I made plans to attend my first conference, I needed to take time off from my day job and find care for our two boys, who were ages 14 and 11 at that time because my husband worked second shift at the time. We needed someone who could be available for our boys after school and help with their extra-curricular activities.

One more juggling act for writers wearing many hats.

For us, our primary responsibility was to find care for the boys. They stayed with friends who had kids close in ages to our boys, and they lived within walking distance to both boys’ schools. I felt confident leaving them with responsible adults because I knew they’d receive great care.

In order to help our friends take on the additional responsibilities of our boys’ activities, I used a weekly calendar and wrote out all of their after school activities and homework projects that needed to be completed while I was gone. I made sure my boys understood their responsibilities in seeing these things to completion. I wrote out checks for lunches, school pictures and made sure they had clean clothes for school and practices.

I reviewed everything with Hubby, the boys and the family who would be caring for them for those days. I made a few casseroles ahead of time that could be frozen, and I gave them to my friend’s family to help with evening meals. Even if they decided not to serve them for dinner, she had an extra meal on hand for some other time when cooking time was tight. Plus by adding two extra boys to their family of 5, I wanted to make it as easy as possible for her.

Once my boys’ needs were taken care of, I focused on preparing for the writers conference. I studied the ACFW conference information on the website, ordered business cards, prepared my one-sheet for pitching and communicated with my upcoming roommate. I packed my suitcase and printed boarding passes for one of the greatest adventures of my life.

Having peace of mind about things on the home front allowed me to keep my focus where it needed to be while sitting in workshops, meeting with editors, chatting with agents and getting to know other writers. I called my boys each night and talked about their days, making sure they were ready for the next day.

Once I returned home from conference and after passing out hugs, I made notes about what worked that year and what needed to be improved for the next year’s conference. Yes, I was already planning ahead because I needed that time to budget the money and have the days marked off my work schedule.
If you desire to attend a writer’s conference, but wonder how you can leave your family, don’t despair. With a bit of planning and asking family or friends to help out, you can work everything out in order to attend your favorite conference.

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Trying to balance kids and a conference? @lisajordan shares how she managed it on @NovelRocket #writing http://bit.ly/2xgTbCa

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Lakeside Romance

A Recipe for Romance Sarah Sullivan will do whatever it takes to make her summer youth program permanent. But when she's tasked to teach the teens basic kitchen skills, her hope goes up in flames. Not knowing the first thing about cooking, Sarah needs help. Smelling the delicious aromas coming from her neighbor's apartment one night, she thinks she's found her answer. Alec Seaver might know his way around pots and pans, but the lone-wolf widower doesn't want anything to do with the free-spirited beauty next door. But after he becomes Sarah's reluctant partner, Alec realizes that she might just be the key ingredient missing from his life.

 

Heart, home, and faith have always been important to Lisa Jordan, so writing stories with those elements come naturally. Represented by Rachelle Gardner, Lisa is an award-winning author for Love Inspired, writing contemporary Christian romances that promise hope and happily ever after. She is the Operations Manager for Novel.Academy, powered by My Book Therapy. Happily married to her own real-life hero for almost thirty years, Lisa and her husband have two grown sons. When she isn't writing, Lisa enjoys family time, kayaking, good books, and playing in her craft room with friends. Visit her at lisajordanbooks.com.

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Deadline! Friend or Foe?

Posted by Michelle Griep                 Guest Post by Rita Kroon

“Are you ready?” “Is it finished yet?” “Don’t forget! The deadline is coming up fast.”

The term ‘deadline’ can strike dread, even fear, in a writer’s soul. Her heart beats fast. His palms sweat. She’d rather go fishing with leeches. He gasps for air.

Or, a writer may meet the challenge with anticipation – like meeting a close friend for lunch. She puts on her favorite sweater. He washes his car. She checks her watch. He splashes on aftershave.

Deadline – dreaded like April 15th tax time or anticipated like a birthday celebration? Are you motivated or do you procrastinate? It is like the Biblical character, Joshua, who came face to face with an angel with sword drawn. Joshua asked, “Are you friend or foe?” The angel replied, “I am a commander in the Lord’s army.”

Do you remember the children’s story “Poky Little Puppy?” The adult version is called “Procrastinating Little Author.”

There were five little authors who went to a writers’ conference – through the traffic and to the airport they traveled. When they got inside the big, big room, they counted themselves, one, two, three, four. One little author was not there. Where in the world is that procrastinating little author, they wondered.

While the four little authors met other writers and started a network, the procrastinating little author strolled by store windows gazing at all the lovely merchandise. The four little authors returned to their hotel so happy. It was like eating rice pudding for dessert.

By the time the procrastinating little author arrived at the conference, everyone had gone.

The next day, the five little authors went to the conference. When they got inside they counted themselves, one, two, three, four. One little author was not there. Where in the world is that procrastinating little author, they wondered.

While the four little authors met agents and publishers with their manuscripts in hand, the procrastinating little author stared at a beautiful bracelet. When I get my book published, I will buy that bracelet, she thought. The four little authors returned to their hotel so happy. It was like eating chocolate custard for dessert.

By the time the procrastinating little author arrived at the conference, the lights were turned off.

The next day, the five little authors went to the conference. When they got inside they counted themselves, one, two, three, four. One little author was not there. Where in the world is that procrastinating little author, they wondered.

While the four little authors signed contracts, the procrastinating little author looked for an outfit to wear with the bracelet she would buy. The four little authors returned to their hotel, delighted. It was like eating strawberry shortcake for dessert.

By the time the procrastinating little author arrived at the conference, the door was locked, and she had to return to the hotel with nothing in her hand.

To some, deadlines are a necessary evil. A deadline can be your worst enemy, but, if you look at it like a favorite friend who has your best interests at heart, you will learn to meet each deadline with anticipation and a smile in order to git R done.

The reward of meeting a deadline is better than rice pudding, greater than chocolate custard, and surpasses strawberry shortcake. It is feeling the satisfaction of getting a job done well. Or, maybe even a signed contract!

So, which is it for you? Friend or foe?

Author Rita Kroon

Meet Rita Kroon

Rita Kroon was born in Minneapolis, but raised in St. Paul, MN. She is an author, blogger, speaker, and women’s Bible study leader. Kroon has written wildlife magazine articles, children’s short stories, devotionals, poetry, and a humorous newspaper column “Rita Raps it Up.” Her books include:
· Letters from the Past (historical Christian fiction)
· You Have Cancer —a Journey Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death (her personal story of faith during her battle with cancer)
· Praying the Scriptures (a collection of prayers based on Scripture)
· Womanhood—Becoming a Woman of Virtue (two-in-one Bible study—in-depth and condensed)
· 40 Days in the Wilderness (devotional)
· 40 Days of God’s Assurance (devotional)
· 40 Days of Encouragement (devotional)
· Kiss Your Mommy Goodbye (Christian novel)

Available at AMAZON

Kiss Your Mommy Goodbye

Mike DiSanto and his wife, Lisa, are sinking in quicksand—unwilling and unable to reach out to one another, powerless to reverse the inevitable. Their four-year marriage ends in a courtroom, with full custody of their two-year old daughter, Maddy, awarded to Lisa. Mike is devastated, but Lisa stands tall like a princess, though she lost her kingdom.

In his desperate quest to provide love and stability as a part-time father to Maddy, Mike does the unthinkable. His actions net far more disastrous and heart-wrenching results than he could have ever imagined. He took a risk and lost, and the very one he tried to protect would suffer the repercussions of his poor decisions.

In this riveting tale based on true events, a man learns that every choice has consequences as he struggles to reconcile and rebuild broken relationships with those he loves. It is a story of hope for forgiveness, healing, and peace with God and one another.

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Overcoming the Fear Factor: Finding the Right Agent by DiAnn Mills

By DiAnn Mills

Overcoming the Fear Factor: Finding the Right Agent

Your story is in final form. In your opinion, it’s the best you’ve ever written, and you’re filled with confidence. The suggestions, edits, and marketing plan are in place. Your proposal reads like an NYT writer.

But you don’t have an agent.

An agent? Can't be that scary.

My agent, Janet K. Grant of Books and Such Literary Agency, says this about an agent. “Writers write books. Publishers publish them. But publishers have a big sea of writers to draw from, and someone needs to serve as your swim instructor, telling you who are the sharks and who are the dolphins, and helping you to determine which you want to swim with. That someone is your agent.” I don’t know about you, but swimming with sharks is not my idea of a career builder.

Sometimes agents terrify us. We think they are the one factor that will get us published, when the truth is a quality manuscript is your best advocate. 

 So what does an agent do for a writer?

Stand up! Sit down! Write! Write! Write!

1. Submit your writing project to the proper editor.
2. Follow-up with editors.
3. Negotiate a contract. This is where your agent is worth his/her weight in gold. We writers are creative and usually not comfortable in talking contract terms.
4. Update you with industry trends and changes.
5. Interpret and communicate royalty statements.
6. Be your best cheerleader for the life of your partnership.
7. Advise you in every facet of your writing career.

Your job is to submit a polished manuscript, properly edited, and in the requested format of the agent. Even if you’ve met the agent, make sure you have the correct spelling and address of the person.

And if you’re rejected, consider it redirection. Do your best to find out why the agent declined representation and make changes before submitting again.

Keep perfecting your craft.

Never stop learning.

Never give up on yourself.

Where do you find an agent? Listings are in The Writer’s Market Guide or The Christian Writer’s Market Guide. There you find their submission guidelines and what they are looking for. Stick to them. Sometimes a recommendation from another writer is helpful. But the best way to meet a potential agent is face-to-face. Attending conferences and workshops where agents are present puts you in the spotlight. Polish your pitch, practice, and present it to a perspective agent. It doesn’t end with a single meeting.

Where do I sign up for the T-shirt?

Tips for Finding the Right Agent
1.The right agent is highly recommended by writers and publishers.
2. The right agent is well respected in the industry.
3. The right agent represents your genre.
4. The right agent conducts career counseling and makes recommendations, sometimes tough ones.
5. The right agent reads every word of your manuscript.
6. The right agent is an amazing editor.
7. The right agent must love, not like, your manuscript.
8. The right agent attends major writing conferences and often leads workshops.
9. The right agent submits timely reports on the status of your manuscripts.
10. The right agent is a partner in your writing career, a prayer warrior,  an asset to your life.

Now what’s stopping you? 

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She currently has more than sixty books published. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. 
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; the 2014 president of the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope, & Love chapter; and a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and International Thriller Writers.  She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is also a craftsman mentor for the Jerry B. Jenkins
Christian Writers Guild. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas. Visit her website at www.diannmills.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/DiAnnMills
Twitter - @DiAnnMills
Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/DiAnnMills 
Goodreads - www.goodreads.com/DiAnnMills

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It Came From Under The Stall: How Not To Impress Editors, Agents and Other Writing Professionals

by Thomas Smith

Gather ‘round children, I’m going to tell you a little story.

Once upon a time there was a very nice agent. She devoted a good bit of her time to attending conferences in order to help fledgling writers and scout potential new talent. After one particularly long day of teaching workshops, sitting on panels, taking fifteen-minute appointments and generally “doing the agent thing,” nature called. As she settled in for the first private moment she'd had to herself all day, she heard a voice from the next stall.

“I sure am glad I finally found you. Your appointment list was full, and I've got this novel I want you to take a look at.” Not two seconds later, a large manila envelope came skidding across the tile and came to rest on her brand new Franco Sarto slingback.

Sad but True

This tale would be hilarious if it wasn't true. Unfortunately, there are agents reading this column right now shaking their heads and reliving a similar moment from their own past. And while such a "marketing ploy" is sure to make an impression, it's probably not the impression you are hoping for.

It's not uncommon for writers to make the leap from friendly conference attendee to goggle-eyed lunatic at the mention of the words agent or acquisitions editor. From outlandish claims about their writing projects (“This will be the next Left Behind”) to downright bribery (Yes, there have been $5, $10, and $20 bills clipped to query letters ... and no, they weren't mine), there is something about an encounter with an editor or agent that brings the oddball gene out of its dormant state in even the most level headed people.

Equally frightening are the writers who run headlong into reality and don't know how to deal with it. These are the folks who meet an editor or agent for the first time and expect a line edit and an in-depth discussion about the manuscript they brought with them or they come in with a piece of uncommonly bad writing and find out (though generally in a kind way) that their masterpiece may need a little more work. Such an encounter has been known to make said writer a little cranky. Sometimes cranky enough to tell the offending writing professional exactly what they can do with their red pen. 

And while such an attitude certainly makes a lasting impression, it is probably not the one you want to make. Publishing is a small universe, and if you tick off an editor at one publishing house, and he/she moves to another house, you now have a bad reputation at TWO houses.

God Told Me…

Also, be warned: A one-on-one meeting is not the only way to breach the boundaries of good agent/editor etiquette. A less than well-placed query letter or proposal can do the same thing. Take for example a classic letter that opens something like this:

“Dear editor, God told me to write this story and He also said I should send it to you and you should publish it...” OK, with a show of hands, how many of you out there have a similar letter in your files? Um-hum, I thought so.

There is a response to this letter floating around out there, and I imagine there are many people who wish they had used it. The editor, having seen the story from God letter one too many times, evidentially said:

“Dear Writer: While I thank you for thinking of our publishing company we will not be able to use your story. Since God wrote the best selling book of all time, I can only assume He can spell better than what was evident in you manuscript...”

Now let’s have a show of hands from those of you who have ever written such a letter. (Wait, you there in the green socks … get that hand up). Not many, but a few.

The Road to Professionalism
So ... how does the average writer get in an editor or agent's good graces? It's not as difficult as you may think.

First, be respectful. Remember the magic words, please and thank you. And don’t forget the advice given by every card-carrying mother on the planet: mind your manners.

Don't call editors and agents by their first name unless invited to do so. For example, “Mr. Laube, may I speak with you for a minute or two about the project I'm working on?” will probably make a more favorable impression than, “Hey Stevie-Boy, hang on a minute and take a look at this proposal while I go get some lunch.” 

Here's another tip: Don’t carry a full book-length manuscript with you to your meeting. Most agents and editors don’t want to have to carry a stack of manuscripts with them on the plane. If they are interested in your project, they ask you to mail or e-mail the manuscript to them.A proposal and first three chapters is sufficient.

In short, act like a professional, even if you aren't one ... yet.

When communicating via mail or e-mail, keep the letterhead simple, professional, and as error-free as possible. No garish colors of fancy fonts.

When dealing with these nice folks in person, bring a clean, well-edited manuscript, proposal, one-sheet, or whatever is requested. Make sure it is formatted properly and meets their criteria (number of pages, etc.).

Think about what you want to say even before you arrive at the conference, or before you write that query letter. Have a clear image of the heart of your story in mind before you actually make the pitch. Then practice your pitch. A lot. Doing otherwise could very well scuttle your project in a matter of seconds. A seasoned editor or agent will know in less than a minute how much thought you have put into your idea.

When dealing with writing professionals, having a polite, professional bearing can carry you a long way. Accept criticism graciously, and always thank the other person for her/his time.If an agent or editor sees the potential in you and your work (you are, after all, a package deal), they will work with you to make the project the best it can be, and to help you become the best writer you can be.

You see, bad writing can be fixed, but a bad first impression is much harder to overcome.

NR: To be entered in a drawing for a copy of SOMETHING STIRS, leave a comment. U.S. residents only, please. The winner will be announced on Novel Rocket's Facebook page tomorrow. Be sure to like us there! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Novel-Rocket/129877663761335?ref=hl

Thomas Smith is an award winning writer, newspaper reporter, TV news producer, playwright and essayist. His supernatural suspense novel, Something Stirs, is available at a bookstore near you. In addition to writing he enjoys teaching classes for beginning writers at conferences and local writers’ groups. He has been a joke writer for Joan Rivers and his comedy material has been performed on The Tonight Show. Currently in his fifth decade of service, he is considerably younger than most people his age. Find Thomas onTwitter and Facebook

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The Glow?

Recently, I attended the American Christian Fiction Writers annual conference in St. Louis, Missouri. I always come away from these gatherings with renewed creativity and an appreciation for just how tough this business is.

But I also come away with a glow.

If you’ve been to a writer’s conference, you probably understand. If not, and if you consider yourself a writer, you need to get to a conference and experience it.

I—intentionally—did not pitch a project in St. Louis. This freed me to relax and simply enjoy the moment. When I did, I realized a few things:

• I like the company of writers, editors, and agents. In an informal lobby gathering one night we had a laugh-fest—as creatives, yes, but also as people.
• You can inhale creativity. I had more new ideas—for my novel, my job, my church—in those few days than I had in the previous three months. Not all are gems, but I think some of them are.
• You can be alone in a room with hundreds of people. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing because you’re really in the world of your novel and everyone there understands.

Now I’m back home, back at work, back in my everyday world—and I’m enjoying the residual glow. From this point through February 2012, I’m stepping onto the other side of the conference experience.

In my work as editor-in-chief at the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild, I get to help plan and execute our conference, Writing for the Soul. This is my second year. Last year I was a wide-eyed schoolboy conference planner (some would say a deer-in-the-headlights conference planner, and I won’t contest that).

This year, I’m just as excited, but I have a better understanding of the work that goes into pulling off a conference. And I’m wondering something: Other than put on the best conference possible, what can we do to help our conferees experience “the glow”—at the conference and after they return home? How do you keep the glow glowing?

Michael Ehret is the Editor-in-Chief for the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild. He has written for newspapers and other print and online outlets. He edited several nonfiction books, was the senior editor for a faith-based financial services and insurance organization, and is the editor of Afictionado, the ezine for American Christian Fiction Writers.

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Equipped or Called?

An aspiring writer emailed me for help in getting her novel published. I asked if she had a critique group. She told me, "No. God called me to write this story, so it doesn't need any critiquing."

Why do we do that to ourselves? Jesus called the disciples, too, but He didn't tell them to go out and preach right away. For three long years, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, He taught them. They were clumsy at first but learned how to do what they'd been called to do.

I believe talent is a gift from God. But it comes with some assembly required. I may have been called to write, but I had to learn the craft and how to do it well.

The day my husband told me to quit trying to find a new job and write a book, I thought the man had lost his marbles. Me? Write a whole book? Sure, I'd written and published a bunch of plays, but those were all dialogue. I knew nothing about writing a novel. But he insisted I could. So,

I sat down and listed my skills—what I did know:

• I took a creative writing class in high school.

• I acted in community theatre (that just made me an amateur actor)

• I'm a whiz at making props (give me a glue gun and some duct tape and I can make anything!)

• I'd been a lobbyist (that only meant I could talk, and that was no surprise)

• I'd been a hairdresser (did John the Baptist ever use one?)

I looked at my pitiful credentials and asked God, "Whatever are you thinking?" The only thing on that list that I could see as useful was the creative writing class. Too bad I didn't remember anything about it. However, I'd always heard that God equipped the called. I just wish someone had told me sooner how to find the equipment room.

After some anguished and angst filled prayers, I sat my behind in a chair at the computer and started writing. I joined an online critique group and took advantage of every conference and workshop I could. I learned, I wrote and edited and rewrote. I progressed from those first desperate prayers to honing my craft into something readable. Whodda thunk it?

My talent is the gift of storytelling. It's a talent I was born with. Of course, back in my childhood, the principal of my elementary school called it lying. I called it creative embellishment. But my love of telling stories never died. And once I began to write, I found what I'd been created to do.

A church drama-director friend of mine, the late Betty Hamm, said, "Drama brings life to our stories. Drama brings Christ's stories to our eyes. Drama uses our senses and draws us in, and when we least expect it, touches, teaches and transforms us."

It's true. People let down their guard when they think they're being entertained. A well-written novel is pure entertainment just like drama, and within its pages, we can weave life-changing truths.

It's our job to constantly strive to improve our craft. Just because that young writer was called doesn't mean her work is ready. It takes most authors an average of four novels in their computer before they publish.

So, join a critique group, go to conferences, get a mentor, and hone your craft. After all, God deserves our best, right? So write on!

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