When people learn that I’m an
author, they often ask how I got
started writing. I can relate to their curiosity. I know many people
who care about the Academy Awards and various music awards. While
that’s all well and good, I’ve always been intrigued by writers and
publishing.
Now that I’m an author, I find
the industry even more fascinating.
But how do you get started in
this crazy field?
My best answer is to surround
yourself with other people who are
chasing the same dream and are at different spots on the journey. For
me, that came through American
Christian Fiction Writers.
I firmly believe that I would not be published had I not joined ACFW in
May 2005 and taken advantage of all the benefits the organization
offers. And I know I am not alone among Christian authors.
The best way I know to meet
editors and agents is to attend the ACFW
national conference. This year it will be held September 18–21 in
Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the Sheraton Bloomington.
The agenda is jam-packed with an
amazing lineup of speakers and
presenters. Angela Hunt is the keynote speaker. Deb Raney, Tamera
Alexander, James Scott Bell, Gail Martin, John Olson, Mark Mynheir, and
Kathy Mackel are teaching continuing education sessions. And then more
than forty workshops will be taught by agents, editors, and a great
lineup of published authors. There truly is something for everybody, no
matter whether you’ve decided to dip you toe into the writing pool or
you’ve already gotten a dozen or more published books under your belt.
Saturday afternoon we will hold
a book signing at the Mall of
America. Yep, the Mall of America. We are very excited about this and
anticipate approximately 100 authors will participate. It should be a
wonderful chance to meet your favorite authors—all in one location!
And Saturday evening, we’ll hold
our capstone event: the Awards
Banquet. After eating a fabulous meal, we’ll learn the winners of the
Genesis Award (for unpublished authors), Book of the Year winners (for
published authors), Agent of the Year, Editor of the Year, and Mentor
of the Year. This event has become the highlight of the conference.
So if you’re considering writing
or have a manuscript in progress or
are ready to shop, then come be a part of ACFW. We want to help you
pursue your dream.
And hopefully, we’ll get to meet
in Minneapolis!
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