Nerves and Jitters and fears... Oh my!

So at this time next week, I'll be in Denver, soaking in my first ACFW conference. Over on the ACFW loop, current discussions include favorite - and nightmarish - memories from conferences past. I have to say, they've been fun to read. Some have been downright hilarious and make me even more excited to get there and make my own favorite conference memories.

But others (the nightmarish ones), although a hoot, if I dwell on them too long, start stressing me out! Tripping over stuff, spilling coffee on your shirt right before an editor meeting, falling off benches, lost luggage, getting lost yourself, an editor's eyes glazing over during your pitch, yada yada. Just a confirmation that there are lots of things that could potentially go wrong.

However...

I have decided that when things go wrong, not only is it a wonderful opportunity to laugh at ourselves (probably not so much at the time, but later), it could also be that God will teach us something in the process. No, I don't think God makes the bad stuff happen, but keeping us humble and dependant on Him is something He enjoys. And, hey. If He gets a few chuckles out of it, all the better! Hopefully when we take a step back from our humiliation and distress, we'll realize the world really didn't come to an end and have a laugh at our own expense, too.

But let's be real. As much as I want to say I'm totally calm about attending my very first ACFW conference, I can't lie. I'm nervous! So here's the deal. I'm going to post a list of things I'm nervous about and you guys can help me out by offering me a Bible verse about those things. I'd post the verses myself, but I have to leave in twenty minutes. Plus, I'd love to hear what verses you come up with.

I will then print the list to take with me to Denver.

Oh - If you don't have a verse, but want to offer an encouraging word on any of my fears, I'll take it.

So here is the list. And thanks in advance for your help. :-)

Things I'm nervous about:

1. Traveling alone (I'm very sheltered. LoL)
2. Getting lost
3. Forgetting something I "needed"
4. Meeting my favorite authors (will I be too star-struck to speak?)
5. Constantly smiling and laughing while chatting with a group of people and realizing later that something black is stuck in my teeth.
6. Spilling food or drink on myself
7. Spilling food or drink on someone else
8. Tripping
9. Falling
10. Stumbling over my words at an editor or agent appointment
11. Forgetting what my book is about.
12. Calling someone by the wrong name
13. Winning my category in the Genesis contest
14. Placing last in the Genesis contest
15. Altitude sickness (it is the mile high city, you know)
16. No interest in my work
17. Being too self-conscious and nervous to hear what the Holy Spirit is speaking to my heart.

So any words of encouragement or Bible verses that come to mind? I'd appreciate hearing them!

Don't forget to leave a comment on my Monday and Wednesday post. You could WIN a copy of Deborah Vogts and Maureen Lang's latest novels! The winners will be announced next week.

Hope you all have a blessed weekend!

A Fabulous FaithWriters Announcement!

As many of us know, the FaithWriters conference that took place a few weeks ago was fabulous! The teaching, the fellowship, the fun...I could go on and on.

But there was one thing about the conference that stunk. Wanna know what it was?

The fact that we had to wait a whole TWO years before the next one.

Yep...PEEEEWW! That stunk!

Well, I am thrilled to say the stench has disappeared, leaving a lovely floraly fragrance in its place (or a rugged, musky one for the guys). Because it was just announced that we will NOT have to wait two years for the next conference. In less than 12 months from now, the next FaithWriters conference will be taking place.

Is that exciting, or what?

More great teaching and the opportunity to hone our writing skills, more fellowship with other Christian writers and more FUN!

Stay tuned for more information...

In the meantime, start saving those pennies and be sure to SAVE THE DATE! Mark your calendars for August 13 and 14, 2010. Looking forward to seeing you all again next year!

Writer's Conferences

So I have the nicest dad ever. No really, stop arguing. I do.

A few months ago, he told me that if I finaled in the Genesis Contest again this year, he would pay my way to the ACFW conference.

I got to work on my manuscripts and entered two - to give me a better chance. The opportunity to attend this awesome conference and get to meet my favorite authors, learn a TON about my craft, PITCH to editors and agents, not to mention go to gorgeous DENVER, CO ... it all depended on whether or not I finaled.

Oh, the pressure!

But ... lo and behold, it happened. And my dad, true to his word, is paying my way.

Needless to say, I am ecstatic. And I've already registered. So now, come September, it's Denver or bust!

I have to admit, besides being ecstatic, I am also a little anxious. I have a lot of work to do in the next few months - making travel arrangements, researching the agents and editors that will be there, and preparing my manuscripts and proposals. Oh, and losing a few pounds would be nice, too.

Because writer's conferences are so instrumental in furthering writing careers and getting new writers one step closer to publication, I have put together a list of some upcoming writer's conferences you may want to consider. Hope you get a chance to attend at least one.

And I wish everyone had a dad as cool as mine.

THANKS, DAD! YOU ROCK!


American Christian Fiction Writers - Denver, CO (September 2009)

Romance Writers of America - Washington, D.C. (July 2009)

FaithWriters - Livonia/Detroit, MI (August, 2009)

Maranatha (Write with Purpose) - Muskegon, MI (September 2009)

Write to Publish - Wheaton, IL (June, 2009)

Glorieta Christian Writers Conference - Near Santa Fe, NM (October, 2009)

Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference - Philadelphia, PA (August, 2009)

Writing for the Soul - Denver, CO (February, 2010)

Oregon Christian Writers Summer Coaching Conference - Canby, OR (July, 2009)

St. David's Christian Writing Conference - Grove City, PA (June, 2009)

Kentucky Christian Writers Conference - Elizabeth Town, KY (June, 2009)

Southern Christian Writers Conference - Tuscaloosa, AL (June, 2009)

Festival of Faith & Writing - April, 2010 (Grand Rapids, MI)

It's my Chocolate Party and I'll Cry if I want to...

I'm eating my chocolate.

Alone.

Sigh...

So I really, really, really wanted to attend the American Christian Fiction Writers conference this year. Which, I must mention, is happening right now, even as I type. My reason for wanting to go isn't limited to the fact that it's being held near the biggest mall in America and I could use a new handbag or two. I seriously would give my right shoulder to be in Minneapolis right now. And suffering from major tendonitis in my right shoulder has nothing to do with it.

If rubbing shoulders (my left one) with my favorite authors, attending great writing workshops, and the possibility of pitching to major publishing house editors isn't reason enough, I would have loved to finally meet face-to-face with those who have encouraged me, critiqued the yuckiness out of my manuscripts and inserted so many smileys and "loved this!" comments in the margins.

And then there's the famous chocolate party, hosted by Michelle Sutton...

Oh. One more reason I wish I was there: to attend the Awards Ceremony tomorrow night. Yes, my manuscript is in the running for an award in the Chick Lit category. I will honestly say that I totally don't expect to win. Which is why I wish I was there. If I thought, for one second that I AM going to win, I wouldn't want to go. The thought of having to make a speech - even a brief 30-second speech - is enough to send me rocking in the corner. And I'm thinking that branding myself as a corner-rocker wouldn't leave such a good impression on those editors and agents.

But I am so very honored to be nominated. And as cheesy and cliche' and totally fake as that sounds, it's the honest truth. The fact that my work is recognized at all, let alone in the prestigious Genesis contest, is truly humbling for me. And if I come in 5th place, I will be satisfied. Just not quite AS satisfied as if I come in, say... not last.

Anyway, I will be waiting for the news tomorrow night. I'm sure someone will post the results somewhere...Facebook, ShoutLife, in a personal email.... (hint).

God has blessed me in ways I never would have imagined even two years ago. Joining ACFW and meeting such beautiful people who happen to be fabulous writers, has been one of my biggest blessings. And, like I said, to be included in a list of ACFW finalists is beyond my wildest dreams.

So to all of my friends and all of those I desperately hope to meet in person one day, I hope you're having a marvelous time and making lots of new friends and getting lots of manuscript requests!

And, of course, I hope you're eating pounds of chocolate.

Maybe next year, I can join you so I won't have to eat by myself.