2013 ACFW Conference (Part 2)

Looking like Christmas in September with agent-mate Sarah Forgrave

This was the third year I attended the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) conference. I think every year outdoes the last. (Check out Wednesday’s post where I shared highlights and photos of the 2013 ACFW conference in Indianapolis.)

Other than the long drive from my neck of the woods to the great state of Indiana (and the exhausted state my body seemed to function in over the course of five days), the conference was another knock-out. I loved it!

Christian fiction writers from all over the United States and beyond converged upon the Hyatt Regency in Indy to talk writing, learn craft, take workshops, meet with editors, agents, and publishing professionals, as well as hook up with old friends and new.

And as usual, the praise and worship time was Holy Spirit-anointed. Rachel Hauck and her praise band took us to the Throne and prepared us for the day. Mistress of ceremonies Brandilyn Collins pumped us up, too, with her trademark charm, wit, and encouragement as we shared mealtimes, fellowship, and moments of truth. Both of these ladies, as well as so many other folks, wear myriad hats at conference and we’re blessed by their service and dedication.

In between the many workshops and breakout sessions at conference, we writers managed to squeeze in some additional fun!

Don’t mind us… Just a few writer-gals blowing silly kisses!

As you can see, the hotel’s Starbucks got quite the workout! (And some of us brought cookies, candy, and other chocolatey goodies to share!)

For four days, it’s like time stopped as we writers entered our own little world to soak up all the knowledge our brains could hold.

Writing workshops and continuing education classes were held throughout the day, with many of them going well into the evening. The prayer room was always open for those who needed some quiet time, and there were lots of cozy niches with tables and chairs set up for those who wanted to visit, practice pitches, write, or take a load off.

The one thing I did miss this year was the bookstore. Because of space constraints we weren’t able to have one, but I understand there was an online bookstore available for those who wanted to browse and order their favorite books that way. (I also took advantage of the wonderful freebie table which included some great authors’ books, bookmarks, and keepsake odds and ends.)

Our keynote address was given by the fabulous Robin Jones Gunn who was just as lovely and gracious in person as I knew she would be.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as Robin held the conferees spellbound by her personal testimony of how God had used her in a way she’d not planned, dreamed, or expected. The capper of the conference (for me) was when Robin autographed one of my daughter’s Christy Miller books and recorded a personal message I could take home to her. Talk about a God-divine appointment! (And guess what?! Robin is a Books and Such client, as well, so we were able to visit a bit longer at our conference agency get-together. I appreciated her warmth and generosity so much!)

Keynote speaker, prolific author, God’s gal, and all-around super sweet Robin Jones Gunn!

At our Books and Such agency get-together, we were pampered and treated to the most delicious breakfast. Omelets made to order, fresh fruit, yogurt, sausage, tasty little cheeses, and lots of delectable goodies were had by all! (Thank you, Books and Such agents! We appreciate you and we’re so blessed to have you in our corner!)

I had someone snap a photo of a few of the fiction clients my own wonderful agent, Mary G. Keeley, represents. (We had full stomachs at this point–thus the bright smiles!) Sorry the photo’s a little blurry, but thought you might enjoy.

Cynthia Herron, Sarah Forgrave, Michelle Lim, Gabrielle Meyer, Becky Melby, and Anita Mae Draper with our lovely agent, Mary G. Keeley, in the middle.

I came away from the ACFW conference happily wrung out. Again, I learned so much and wished in a way it could have lasted longer. (Time ticks by pretty quickly at these conferences because of so much going on.)

While I struggled with a migraine much of the conference, God blessed me beyond measure.

The writing life is not for the fainthearted. It’s a wearisome path sometimes, filled with long hours and times of discouragement.

Though the path is different for everyone–one thing remains a constant. We’re all striving to live out our publishing dream while keeping Christ front and center. He’s what makes the journey worth it. And it’s knowing this that causes me to press on.

If you’re a fiction writer and you love Jesus and want to glorify Him through your writing, I hope you’ll consider joining ACFW. And I hope I’ll see you in St. Louis at the 2014 conference next year!

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If you attended the ACFW conference this year, what was your favorite part?

How are you choosing to live out your dreams?

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Have a super weekend!

Blessings Always,