Susie’s son Pete had his first football practice yesterday. He’s only been waiting 7 months, working out nearly every day, lifting weights, running, watching football, analyzing plays. If there was ever a kid who had football in his blood, it’s her 13 year old. Next year he’ll be eligible for the High School team and then the fun really begins.
Until then, he has big dreams of impressing his coach. “I did well today,” he said when Suz picked him up from school. “I’m not as fast out of the snap as I want to be, but I make up for it with speed.” She could see his wheels turning, trying to figure this out in his mind. “Except, if I go too fast, the coach will put me in at half-back, and I really want to be full back.”
“Why do you—“
“Because the full back gets to plow the way and TACKLE.”
Oh, question answered.
Susie tried to find some wise mom advise. “Maybe God just made you to be a half-back, son. He made you fast. You might have to embrace that.”
He thought for a moment, then added, “Well, I guess if I can’t be full back, I’ll just have to ask God to make me the best half-back I can be.”
Wise words from a 13 year old. “I wonder, sometimes,” Suz said, “if I’m so busy looking at what I am NOT, what I don’t have, that I miss the opportunity to be the best I can be where I am.”
What a great image to contemplate. Paul tells us to not compare ourselves to others, says we are unwise (stupid) if we do.
Every year, we attend the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Annual Conference. Aside from seeing friends and learning, we also get to teach classes, and sometimes pitch ideas to editors. We love it. But it can be overwhelming. Knowing what to say to editors and agents hoping that they’ll see the spark you do in your story.
The fact, is, we’re all on a journey – in our writing, in our spiritual life…and maybe we’ll get chosen by the coach to play our dream position – Full back. Or maybe well have to embrace a different position.
We thought we’d take a pit stop and share some insights for having a great conference:
1. Prepare yourself emotionally for the highs and lows of a conference by spending time in the Word before the event.
Suz reads a lot of Psalms before conferences, just to remind me that God is on my side regardless of the situation. (not saying that editors are Philistines or anything…)
Rachel prays for God to be her agent, editor and promoter. She reminds herself of the verse in Luke where Jesus says, “Don’t sit at the head of the table. What if they ask you to leave? Sit at the end, and wait to be invited up.”
2. Bring your A game – that is, know your story, your pitch and polish it to the best you can. However….
3. Be alert for learning opportunities. Attend editor and agent panels, and listen. Go to classes, talk to your fellow authors and find out what they did to ramp up their writing, what books they read, what blogs they follow (hopefully My Book Therapy!) What groups to belong to. Take lots of notes.
4. BUT – don’t barricade yourself in your room trying to analyze or revamp your writing or pitch. It’ll be sloppy and haphazard. Take notes, go home and THINK about how what you learned applies to your story. Then, rework it.
5. Listen to the editor or agent’s feedback. And then realize, also, that everyone has an opinion. Not every book will fit every editor or line, and know from the place they’re talking from when gauging their advice. Obviously, a Love Inspired editor isn’t going to be interested in your Fantasy Fiction proposal….(even tho they might give you good feedback).
Don’t try the over confident approach: “Hey, have I go the book you’ve been dying to read.” Doesn’t work. Pitch your story humbly then ask if they have any input or advise.
Rachel did this once with her editor Ami McConnell before she became her editor. She asked, “What kind of redneck chick book are you looking for?”
Ami said, “I’ll know when I see it.”
Rachel needed to do her homework, but she also realized Ami didn’t have a preconceived idea. She knew good writing and a good story when she saw it.
Also, don’t do the American Idol thing. “What, Simon, you don’t know what you’re talking about. I sing great.”
No, actually you don’t. Simon does know what he’s talking about BUT he isn’t always right.
Same with editors and agents. They DO know what they’re talking about, but everyone of them has turned down a future published novel. Nevertheless, take into account the feedback they give you. Incorporate it if you can.
6. MEET OTHER AUTHORS. Networking is huge. You never know when a door will open…but here’s a key that Suz and Rachel live by. Don’t look at others at opportunities to help you on your path – look at others as an opportunity God has given you to encourage and bless others on theirs. Then any friendships you make will always be based on authenticity, and not some sort of professional goal.
7. Put your best self forward – bring not only your writing A game to the conference, but your PERSONAL A game…dress for success, be professional, talk professionally, and remember that who you are is as much a selling point as what you write.
We love conferences, and we can’t wait to see the VOICES at the ACFW Conference! We’re shaping up to have a fun Pizza Party – we’re having to switch rooms as our venue grows…BUT, registration closes on MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14th, so if you want to attend, don’t forget to sign up!
AND, if you’re a VOICE – stop by the Susan May Warren or Rachel Hauck sections of the bookstore and pick up your FREE “I Hear Voices” pin! Let’s find each other!