In Wednesday’s post, I gave a brief synopsis of my overall ACFW conference impressions. Today I wanted to focus a bit more on something that’s less talked about, but something that (if truth be told) is always on our minds as we attend these types of writing events.
Competition. The mere word can conjure myriad emotions. When we’re placed in a situation (particularly a large-scale writing conference) where there are hundreds of other people vying for a similar piece of the pie, egos, perceptions, and self-absorption can sometimes rear their ugly heads. Self-importance and manuevering may hijack our thoughts. If we’re not careful, we can lose sight of Christ’s vision for us and focus more on an agenda than His purpose for our lives.
I am so proud to say that I saw none of this–no ugly displays, no backbiting, and no inflated “It’s all about me” moments. From the multi-published, bestselling authors to the newly published to the writers still navigating the publishing waters, everyone I encountered at the ACFW conference was friendly, helpful, supportive, encouraging, and Christ-like.
I witnessed first-hand those multi-pubbed authors praying over those of us who had the nervous jitters. I saw high profile authors stop in their tracks and place their arms around those who needed encouragement. And I was completely amazed when those same authors would pause for several moments so their adoring fans and fellow writers could snap a few photos of the ones they so admired. This was Christian love actively demonstrated.
I was so relieved! By nature, I’m just not a competitve person. If anything, I like to challenge myself to aspire to greater things. I never, ever want to succeed at anyone else’s expense. I don’t take pleasure in others’ faux pas. It saddens me when I see someone anguishing over a mistake that I could have very easily made, too.
I am so humbled to be at the point I’m at while hiking the publishing path. (Notice I didn’t say walking–because friends, it is sometimes an uphill climb.)
I’m confident in my abilities. I’m great at weaving a story. I know a great deal about writing. At the same time, I realize God has blessed me with these gifts, and I am to use these talents to first serve Him, and second, to serve others.
The reality is: there are only so many publishing spots available during a calendar year. Writers are vying for those very spots along with more established authors. To succeed in snagging one of those coveted (in a Christian sense) spots, I believe these are key:
- Strike “mediocre” from your vocabulary. Make your words shine. Make your story stellar.
- If you’re further along on the publishing path, take time for others just like someone took time for you. No, it doesn’t mean you have to let others monopolize all of your time. But show consideration, kindness, and offer your knowledge. Agents/editors sense a receptive heart.
- Be genuine. Don’t try to be who you’re not. There’s only one you, and you are “fearfully and wonderfully made.”
- Ask God to bless your efforts. Pray over the words He gives you. Avail yourself to His direction. If one door closes with a particular agent/editor know that God has a different (a better) plan in store for you.
- Know that when it’s your time, God will cause every obstacle to crumble/tumble/fall by the wayside. Doubt and discouragement will give way to confidence because your time is appointed. You have arrived!
Understand that writing is still a competitive field in the sense that our work must be the best it can be. It’s how we approach our craft and the professionalism we attach to it that will turn a so-so manuscript into a story ready for publication.
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Have you ever been in a situation where competition ruled the day? Can you share?
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Please return Monday when I’ll be talking about *kissing* and *romance* (in Christian fiction).
Comments 16
Confession – I’m such a competitive person! But more when it comes to
a great game of Hearts, Spades, or Canasta. My husband (who is also
fiercely competitive) and I have had many marriage building moments
thanks to our competitive natures. I remember playing a game of
scrabble with him when we were engaged. I recommend not playing
this game with my husband. His vocabulary is out of this world. I was
at least a hundred points behind when I couldn’t take it any more. I
wanted to quit, but Jason said, “No wait, I just want to break 300 points.”
It was all I could do to contain myself. After he achieved his 300 point
status, the tiles may or may not have been sent flying in various
directions. 🙂
I’m happy to say that we both have come a long way in the six and a
half years we’ve been married. We play Scrabble and Canasta (the
one I always win) with caution, and if we’re out at someone’s house
playing a board game or cards, we have a rule we are always on the
same team. Thankfully, this competitiveness is limited to recreational
activities. I so agree with you on being gracious in one’s professional
arena (not that we shouldn’t be gracious in recreational times too).
Thanks for the great post, Cynthia. I’m so glad you had such a great
experience at the conference! 🙂
Author
Ahhh, competition in the gaming arena, huh, Tanya? My fave card game is Uno, and I rarely ever win at it. I just feel so badly to slam those “Draw four cards” on another player.
It’s official. You’re a saint. 🙂 Unfortunately when I play Uno, I
feel satisfaction, not regret, when playing a draw four card. 🙂
I enjoyed your post, Cynthia. Like you, I basked in the outpouring of love and support at the conference. The atmosphere pulsed with encouragement and affirmation.
I paused when I read your final point, though. I have received my first publishing contract, but I don’t feel like I’ve “arrived.” I’m still very much in process, eager to learn and grow. And doubts? I battle them daily. Being contracted hasn’t changed that. I’m still the same person I was before I inked that memorable document, although I’m finding out what it’s like to live with publisher deadlines now. =)
Author
I think “arriving” means different things to people–I was speaking more from a “getting our foot in the door” as another step toward success. Of course there may still be times of self-doubt depending upon which milestones we approach next on our publishing path. That’s so normal, I believe. And you’re right, Keli, learning and growing are key. 🙂
We work in a very competive field. I love the way you pull all of the points together in the end. So important.
Looking forward to Mondays post.
Author
Thank you, Loree. I can’t wait to share some very important tips from a recent workshop.
Cynthia, at my first ACFW conference (Denver 09), I was so scared I was shaking when I went in to my first pitch appointment. Camy Tang and Cheryl Wyatt prayed over me before I went in. When I came out, they seemed SO excited that I’d been asked for a full manuscript by their editor. That was the moment I understood what’s different about ACFW. They could rejoice with me without showing concern that I might steal a spot from one of them. (No need to worry–that manuscript did not sell!)
Author
And look at you now, Valerie! No doubt that the Lord has led you every step of the way.
And I was completely amazed at how multi-pubbed authors took the newly-pubbed and pre-pubbed authors under their wings and prayed for them, loved on them, and celebrated their conference victories. Absolutely incredible!
It sounds like a great conference, Cynthia. Acknowledgement of Christ as the head makes for a very different experience, doesn’t it? Anticipating that Monday post! 😉
Author
This conference was almost indescribable, Patti, and yes, I do believe that a Christian-oriented writing conference makes all the difference.
Monday I’ll be sharing some tips I learned from a recent workshop regarding love/romance/marriage/kissing (when writing Christian fiction).
So interested and excited to hear about your experience at the conference! I can picture it! Can’t wait to read Monday’s post. Keep ’em coming!!! : )
Author
So glad you have enjoyed the posts this week, Natalie. My heart’s desire is to be an encourager.
Cynthia, I’m so thankful to experience 2011’s ACFW through your eyes. It’s been an encouragement and a blessing to read your posts, and Kelli’s posts, about the different classes offered and the camaraderie.
I admit to having a touch of the “green-eyed monster” while scrolling through conference pictures on FB, but this post made me cry at how awesome the Body of Christ truly is. Our greatest success comes from pleasing out Savior’s heart by lifting each other up.
I’m praying that I can join you all next year in Dallas. Lord willing… 🙂
“Our Savior’s heart” 🙂
Author
Sweet Kerry, I’m glad my words blessed you. Some day I’ll share my entire story, but let me just add a word of encouragement…You are a fantastic writer! You are transparent and have a servant’s heart. You’re a masterpiece in the making and God is preparing you for something grand in Dallas next year. Our yearnings are for a season, and then suddenly, it’s our time. Write out your goal(s) on index cards/sticky notes and place them around your computer or work area. Every day pray over those goals–for God’s will to be revealed AND for your desires to mesh with what He desires for you.