A is for ACFW

IS FOR...

Welcome to my first installment of my A 2 Z 4 U and Me! What a fun meme this is! Thanks to Patty Wysong and Joanne Sher for giving me the idea and allowing me to steal it.

Throughout the year, on Wednesdays, we'll be going through the alphabet, one post at a time. We'll start today with A, and every other week (or so), we'll move on to the next letter. The objective is to blog about something that begins with the featured letter. It could be something you're dealing with in your life at the moment, it might be a general post containing several words that start with that letter. Fun, right?

The best part is, YOU can play along. Create your own blog post centering around the featured letter, then leave a link to your blog, using the MISTER LINKY tool below. I can't wait to see what word(s) you come up with for each letter.

I had no trouble coming up with my word for my first A2Z4UandMe post. It's one that has been instrumental in my journey as a writer - more specifically, an author. It is ACFW. Which stands for AMERICAN CHRISTIAN FICTION WRITERS.

When I joined ACFW way back in 2007, I had no idea the impact it would have on my life. And I certainly didn't know how many wonderful friends I would meet. Friends who would provide valuable feedback, helpful advice, tips and tools of the trade, encouragement, support, and prayer.

Crit buds Catherine West & Jenness Walker

ACFW offers so many benefits to its members. Just a few of the features are: organized critique groups, monthly online writing courses, a novel word-count tracking loop, local chapter groups, helpful information on agents and editors (many of whom are also members), and rubbing shoulders with some of my favorite authors.

And then there is the fabulous annual writer's conference. I have attended two ACFW conferences so far - one in Denver and one in St. Louis. I can honestly say that both were experiences I will cherish for the rest of my life. The teaching, the worship, the glamorous awards gala, connecting the friends...priceless!

My other favorite ACFW feature is the Genesis Contest. As a three-time finalist and one-time semi-finalist, I can't sing enough praises for this prestigious contest for unpublished authors. Mind over Madi took 2nd place in its category in 2008. To now be able to hold the finished product in my hands is a dream come true. I am no longer eligible for the Genesis because I am now published, and as thrilled as I am about that, a part of me will miss entering!

Speaking of, this is the perfect time to mention ACFW, because the 2012 Genesis contest has just opened for entries! For more information, visit the official Contest Page.

Whether you are published or unpublished, if you write fiction (or want to), become a member of ACFW. I personally promise you will not regret it.

So there's my A word - and a well-deserved plug for ACFW. This organization really has blessed my socks off. A special shout-out to all of my Awesome and Amazing ACFW friends and fellow Authors!

Your turn! Join me by blogging about an A-Word this week, then leave the link via Mister Linky so I can check it out. Thanks for playing along!