Some ACFW Notes...

There has been a ton of buzz in the media about the just-completed American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) conference. It was big (more than 600 writers, about 700 people attending), it was fun (Susan May Warren teaching a line dance to 100 people at her pizza party stands out), and it has become influential (lots of media there -- I had interviews with a national magazine and a large newspaper). A few things that stood out for me:

-As noted yesterday, Sandra Bishop of MacGregor Literary won "Agent of the Year." Congrats, SB! Well deserved. 

-Jenny B Jones, an author we represent, won two "Book of the Year" Awards, in both the "Contemporary Romance" (for her novel Just Between You and Me) and the "Young Adult" categories (for I'm So Sure). 

-Other authors we represent who were finalists in various categories included Vickie McDonough (a two-time finalist in the "Historical" category, plus a finalist in the "Short Contemporary" category), Joyce Magnin (in the "Long Contemporary" category for her fabulous book The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow), Susan Meissner (one of the great novelists in CBA today, for White Picket Fences),  Mindy Starns Clark (for Under the Cajun Moon), Darlene Franklin (for A String of Murders), Janice Thompson (also a two-time finalist, for Pushing Up Daisies as well as Love Finds You in Poetry, Texas), Rachel Hauck's Sweet By and By in the "Women's Fiction" category, Lynette Sowell (for All That Glitters), and Jill Williamson (for By Darkness Hid - which we didn't represent at the time, but Jill is now represented by Amanda Luedeke). So a great night for our authors. 

-By the way, the Book of the Year Award is now The Carol Award, named for longtime Bethany House fiction director Carol Johnson, who had significant influence on the direction and growth of Christian fiction over the past 25 years. In a very touching moment, Carol was awarded the ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award by Jeanette Oke -- one of the authors who helped propel Christian fiction into the spotlight. Ms Oke has had serious health issues in recent years, and it was good to see her up and looking well. 

-Curtis Riskey, the new Executive Director of CBA, was kind enough to come into my marketing workshop and chat for a while about the partnership authors have with retailers. He was encouraging and on point, and everyone came away feeling better about the future of CBA retailers.

-People have asked me for highlights, but it's tough for me to say because I don't have time to attend a lot of the sessions -- my schedule is filled with author and editor meetings. I heard a lot of folks say they enjoyed the general session speaker, novelist Tim Downs. I had a great time team-teaching the fiction marketing seminar with my good buddy Jim Rubart (who also played guitar in the band). There was apparently a sale on asparagus in the midwest, so we got to have fresh asparagus spears every meal (including, um, breakfast). The hotel and accommodations were great. Lots of friends to visit with late at night. And the banquet, while way too long at three-and-a-half hours, was interesting and fun. (I was relieved when Amanda announced she had decided against borrowing Lady Gaga's meat dress for the banquet.) 

-If you're interested, there is a great article in Publishers Weekly on the ACFW conference here:

http://blogs.publishersweekly.com/blogs/beyondherbook/?p=2207&utm_source=Pub

-And, as long as we're talking fiction, let me share a fascinating fact coming on the heels of the biggest ACFW conference ever: according to a new study from the ECPA, Christian readers bought almost as many novels as they did Bibles last year. Here’s a link to the story:

http://www.christianretailing.com/index.php/newsletter/latest-etailing/21992-fiction-nearly-rivals-bible-purchases

-Three other quick things on today's menu... 

First, the Southwest Christian Writers Studio is coming up October 18-22 in New Mexico. The lineup of talent and topics sounds really good, so if all this talk of the ACFW conference has you motivated, you may want to look into this one. You can check it out here: http://altongansky.typepad.com/swcws/

Second, I'm teaching a one-day workshop in Richmond, VA, on Saturday, Nov 6. It's called "The Perfect Book Proposal," and is sponsored by the local ACFW group and the Virginia RWA. You can get more details from Tiffany Colter at tiffcolter@gmail.com. 

Third, marketing guru Rob Eager sent me details about his upcoming one-day workshop, also on Saturday, November 6th, in Atlanta. It's called “How to Sell Books Like WildFire,” and provides advanced-level book marketing instruction that’s applicable to authors at all levels. Space is limited to the first 10 authors who register. For a small investment, you will learn how to:

·         Build a distinctive brand that sets their books apart from the crowd.

·         Learn to boost book sales by driving readers to bookstores and websites.

·         Get more exposure via media interviews and speaking engagements.

·         Connect with influential leaders who can spread word of mouth.

·         Learn what really works with social media to promote a book.

·         Develop a personalized marketing plan that focuses on the author’s strengths.

·         Make new friendships with fellow authors who provide ongoing support and share best practices.

For registration and information, please visit:  http://www.startawildfire.com/authorworkshop.html

As I said, there's a lot going on. Now get back to your writing! 

Comments

[Richard Mabry]

Chip, I second the good things you heard about Tim Downs' two talks, which were both entertaining and challenging.
Wish I could have stayed for the Sunday evening banquet, if for no other reason than to see you in your kilt. Will we see that picture here, or do I have to troll Facebook to find one?
Congrats on the success of authors you represent. Most folks probably don't realize the role of agents in forwarding the careers of writers. And congratulations to Sandra for her award.

[Heather Sunseri]

I'm really sorry I didn't get a picture of you in your kilt, but you were celebrating and having a good time, and I didn't want to come across as stalkerish.

I, too, enjoyed Tim Downs' messages. I also got something out of every workshop I attended. I thought it was a wonderful confernece. I think the only thing I would change, besides the asparagus for breakfast - TWICE! - would be the hours in the day to fit everything in. I think we need more than twenty-four. I've already chatted with God about this, but he said, "No." I'll keep working on it.

It was nice to meet you, Chip. And congrats to Sandra, Jenny B. Jonnes, and the the other authors you represent who were honored.

[Teri Dawn Smith]

I saw you really swinging on the YouTube clip of the line dancing! Susie gets an A triple plus for her enthusiasm! Publisher Weekly said she snagged the most memorable moment. Such fun.

[Cara Putman]

Thanks for being part of the conference and leading the continuing ed session. I heard good things about you and Jim from attendees. Good to know Curtis dropped in, too.

[Courtney Walsh]

I knew there was a reason I skipped breakfast...

Really enjoyed the marketing sessions. You guys had some great insights and had me thinking out of the box. I love when that happens. Thanks for taking the time to do that... it's much appreciated.

[Karen Robbins]

Yes, Tim Downs was great! And after meeting Sandra, I can see how she earned her award. Congrats to you for hiring her. Wish I could have seen everyone win their awards at the banquet--I saw the legendary kilt at the last conference I attended.

And the asparagus? I was thankful there wasn't a zucchini sale!

[Sharon A Lavy]

I am disappointed in myself that I did not take more pictures. I even had husband's wonderful camera with me.

But then again God led me to some wonderful writers who have become--I hope--lifelong friends.

[Leah Morgan]

I overheard chatter by the appointment desk that you and Jim make a fine teaching team and that James Scott Bell taught an eternally long session but was so incredibly good there was no dozing off. Also heard that you tell a great story about some accident you were involved in.

I thought Tim Downs delivered a great story to make an even better point, but honestly, what I'll relive? The great one liners you coughed up during the agent panel and the hilarious responses from winners of the Carol Award. I know, stuff that was insubstantial - call me deep, but it's always going to be that thing that makes me laugh that I'll most appreciate.

[Ane Mulligan]

It was a great conference and next year promises to be even better, which has become traditional for aCFW. :) I can think of a few other highlights which shall remain among friends. LOL

I didn't get to any classes other than the EB, with Jim Bell. But I did get to work with the CHristian Retailers people. Exciting things for ACFW, but I'm looking forward to next year, when I can sit in classes again. THanks, Chip, for a newsy post.

[Katie Ganshert]

Ah, yes, the asparagus. That was so bizarre! I only caught the tail end of your talk during Sunday's breakfast (up too late at the bar...not very holy of me), but what I heard was great. Hoping the whole thing will be on the conference tapes.

[Rob Eagar]

Hi Chip,

Thanks for mentioning my upcoming workshop for authors, "How to Sell Books Like WildFire," on Saturday, Nov. 6th in Atlanta.

I'd like to offer a 10% discount to any of your blog readers who would like to attend. Just have them mention your name when they email or call me to register (1-800-267-2045 or Rob@StartaWildFire.com)

Thanks,

[David A. Bedford]

Thank you for filling us in on all the latest.

Please visit my blog and leave a comment. Thanks!

[Keiki Hendrix]

Great resources in this article for those of us who could not attend this year.