The ACFW Conference is next weekend - Sept 17-19

As a writer, you probably spend a lot of time sitting at your desk, banging out words, pondering your story. You do some research online, write out a chapter, do some revising. Sure, you spend some time emailing friends to try and see what else everyone is up to, but for the most part the things you do as a writer are done alone. Writing is a solitary job. Every successful writer I know spends a lot of time along with their thoughts, sitting at a computer, creating worlds and conversations in their head. 

If you're a novelist, that's exactly why you need to think about coming to the ACFW conference next weekend in Indianapolis. Because all of those solitary writers out there also feel a need to meet with other people who love books and words. A writing conference is a chance to connect, to learn, to network, to hear about opportunities, to see old friends, and to make new ones. Let me suggest five benefits to attending the annual ACFW conference...

First, it's a chance to LEARN. Just take a look at some of the workshops being taught at this year's conference -- information on creating strong proposals, on developing better characters, on using humor, on writing to specific niche audiences (there's even a workshop on "how to write Amish"!). There are a couple dozen workshops you can attend, and most are taught by bestselling novelists or experienced industry professionals (for example, I think the concept of listening to the editorial team from Thomas Nelson talk through what an editorial meeting is like sounds tremendously valuable). 

Second, it's a chance to POLISH. The conference offers continuing sessions, where you'll be able to get more in-depth on a topic. Multi-bestselling author Tracie Peterson is there to talk about crafting novels. Famed writing instructor Dr. Dennis Hensley will be talking about symbolism and structure. Bestselling novelists Susan May Warren & Rachel Hauck of My Book Therapy (which has some of the BEST material on creating good fiction) will be helping you craft better scenes. Jim Rubart, a 20-year marketing veteran, is offering his experience to help you know how to market your books. And there are a bunch of other in-depth tracks you can take. 

Third, it's a chance to NETWORK. You'll see hundreds of other writers there -- people who love books and words as much as you do, and who want to explore how to get better at what they do. There will be editors there, representing a wide variety of publishing houses. You'll be able to set up one-on-one appointments, just to talk with them about your manuscript. There's also a chance to talk with several agents -- in fact, a writing conference like this is one of the few place you can go and connect with literary agents. Between sessions, at meals, during the social times, and in the hallways you'll be surrounded by industry professionals. Make sure to use those opportunities to meet people and get to know other writers. 

Fourth, it's a chance to CONNECT with friends. You'll see some people you know, and be introduced to some folks you've read but never met. There will be an opportunity to link up with a critique group, or to simply meet other writers from your area. When I was a young writer, I went to a conference and introduced myself to people. I made friends that helped me get connected with the local writing scene, and that led to my first paid book-writing gig. 

Fifth, it's a chance to REFLECT. There will be time to think, time to sing, time to talk, and time to laugh. Part of the value of being away at a conference is that it forces you to get out of your normal routine -- so you can use that to think through what you'd like to be writing, and how you'd like to approach it. You can join a small group for a quiet night of discussion, or you can grab friends and sit laughing in the lobby until all hours of the night. 

I'm a huge fan of the ACFW conference -- in fact, I'm on record as saying it's the most practical conference for Christian writers to attend. I'll be there again, meeting with authors and wearing my kilt and appreciating friends and trying to think of something to say in a one-on-one appointment that doesn't sound trite and shallow. Make sure to say hello. 

Comments

[Karen Robbins]

I'll be there too and am truly looking forward to it. I'll add that you shouldn't feel awkward about attending if you don't know many people yet. That was me at my first ACFW conference but everyone made me feel welcome and I was never without a friend for meals. Among conferences, this is a gem.

[Teri Dawn Smith]

See you there! I agree about Susie and Rachel's teaching material. The My Book Therapy retreats this year were fabulous.

[Sharon A Lavy]

My friend Rosanna took me kicking and screaming to my first ACFW Conference. How was it different than any other conference. I had been to three already that year. Some that I thought were awesome and close to where I live. Why go all the way to Texas?

I would have declined, if Husband hadn't insisted. "If she wants you to go with her I think you should."

As a writer, ACFW is the best thing that ever happened to me.

The prayer room alone is awesome. At that conference I accepted my desire to write as God given.

Who knows, perhaps I am learning something to be used in the future life with God, rather than the here and now. But whatever God has in mind for my writing I want to embrace it, not be embarrassed to admit I am a writer.

ACFW helped me do that.

[Richard Mabry]

Chip, I'll see you there and will be sure to say "hello," unless I can think of something that's not quite so trite and shallow.
Seriously, I echo your enthusiastic endorsement of the ACFW meeting.

[Regina Merrick]

From time to time, amidst regular workday "stuff," I feel the excitement begin to bubble up. A week from today I'll be there. I'll be registered for my first writing conference, and I'll have met friends that I've only seen in print or talked to on the phone. If I do nothing more than sing in the choir and giggle with my friends, God will bless. Honestly, I'm working on just being available to do whatever God wants me to do! And I WILL say "hello!"

[Cindy Thomson]

I agree 100%. I'm looking forward to it. For anyone worried that they won't know anyone there, never fear. You will make lots of friends even if you try not to!

[Jodie]

Oh my goodness! I forgot the kilt will be making an appearance!

Looking forward to the conference. Can't believe we're in the final countdown.

[Tina F.]

ACFW puts on a fantastic conference. Don't worry about not knowing anyone there. The first year I went, I was nervous and tried to be invisible. It was just impossible because of all the friendly people. The workshops are great and it's an opportunity to gain wisdom from top industry professionals, but the networking is what will lift your spirit and build lasting friendships. There is nothing like having a friend who understands what it's like to be a writer. This will be my first year to miss in a long time. :-(

[Edwina Cowgill]

This will be my first ACFW Conference and I'm so excited!

Looking forward to meeting you, Chip!

[Laura Droege]

This does sound like a fabulous conference. But is it geared toward writers that write in the CBA, or would a Christian writer focusing on the ABA benefit from attending as well?

[Jess]

I REAALLLYYY wish I could! Indianapolis is just a few hours away, so I could get there - but as much as I've tried to finagle our finances, we just can't afford the conference fees. To everyone who is going: have a great time! And Chip, afterward I'll look forward to reading your blog posts about it. :)

[Monika]

I'm looking forward to going in 2011...after I've been able to save the money for the conference fees and housing and transportation to get there. Phew! I went to Write to Publish in Wheaton back in 2003 and loved it. (It was much cheaper, too.) I had just written my first book, went to my first conference, talked to my first editor, and got my first contract. (Unfortunately for me, the contract fell through...but at least I got to keep the advance!)

So I look forward to being at this year's conference vicariously through the many bloggers who will attend!

[Susan Meissner]

It really is the best conference for novelists writing from a Christian world view. I am teaching two workshops and am looking forward so much to reconnecting with friends I sometimes only get to see at conference time. If you aren't going this year, start saving a few bucks a month to come to next year's in St. Louis. Think of it as CEUs and not money you will never see again. It's the best investment you can make in you - the writer.

[Lauren Sylvan]

I'd love to go, just for the writerly company. But alas, ACFW falls right across the X-org conference in Toulouse (THE conference for those who write x-servers, or so the DH says). I debated long and hard -- Indianapolis - France and Spain - Indianapolis - France and Spain -- Until the LORD told me to please my husband, so it's Europe.

Plus, Europe's on the dh's company.

I'll think about what I'm missing stateside while I'm wading through all that history. ;D

[Heather Sunseri]

I'm extremely excited for the conference next week for all the reasons you list, but especially to meet some of the wonderful people I've gotten to know in blogosphere and twitterville.

BTW, Chip, my husband (a huge Duck fan) is off to the OR vs. TN game this weekend. I'm a HUGE UK fan, so I'm pretty excited for OR to win this one.

Hope I get a chance to say hello at the conference. I will definitely be looking for the kilt.

[Rachel Hauck]

And there's singing.....!

:) Rachel

Go Buckeyes!