Everyone knows that a guy who is awarded Book of the year, Writer of the year, best book, best novel, Christy finalist and TWO Christy awards really ought to do some serious introspection and decide if they even have what it takes to be a writer.

Thanks, Randy. I guess a couple dozen years from now if I reach a fraction of what you’ve accomplished as a writer and am still filled with self-doubt, I’ll know what I’m feeling is Normal.

Anyway, self-promotion is my least-favorite thing about a career in writing. I don’t know how I will ever manage it. But I will try hard to believe that when the time comes, God will give me the grace to do it.

Tim

(I’m new here, but I just want to say, this blog has been incredibly helpful to me. Thank you for taking the time to put it together.)

I wish there were someway I could approach an agent in behalf of a friend’s manuscript, and also sub out pitching MY work to someone else.

I used to decorate cakes. When my daughter’s started helping I went all over town showing the pictures of the cakes they decorated. When it was just me doing the decorating– forgetaboutit.

WOW. That’s what my writing partner and I have been talking about for months. Writing rules, protocol, etc. what the heck? Write a great story and don’t worry too much about all the rules that stifle your voice.

Don’t know if that will work for me, but I’m willing to try.

I’d like everyone’s opinion before I do something that could be really stupid. I’m writing middle grade fantasy. I’m under consideration by a major publishing house. I’m on faculty for a conference next month. I’m considering wearing my fairy wings the entire time.

What do you think?

For years I got few compliments at home, and about my writing? — forget it. So, I decided to start complimenting myself when I felt I had done something well. “Way to go, Sylvia!” I’d say. “You did it right this time.” These days I feel much more confident, and as we age (boy, do I HATE that word!)we become less hard on ourselves. (I’m getting pretty close to 70. TOO close!)

Remember that as a first-timer your focus should be on learning, not selling your book. Not that I don’t encourage you to meet with editors and even submit your manuscript. But if you go expecting to walk away with an agent or ten editors fighting over your book you’ll be very disappointed. Leave you expectations at home and go expecting to learn all you can about the publishing world, meet other writers, get to know some editors and get creatively recharged.

I tell people that the reason why I enjoyed my first writer’s conference so much is because I was too clueless back then to have overblown expectations. In the opening session several nice faculty members encouraged us to feel free to pray and cry with them when we got discouraged. Discouraged? Why should I be discouraged? I was having a blast! My one fear had not come true–that everyone would know I was clueless and treat like the dork that I felt like. Five minutes at the conference put that to rest. I sent a short story for critique and Christine Tangvald marked it up with stickers and smiley faces, along with some tips for improvement, and told me to show it to a specific magazine editor. I did! I actually spoke to one of those scary editor people! She couldn’t use that particular story but encouraged me to send others and I’ve been writing for that magazine ever since (actually, they did buy an improved version of that story a year later). So my expectations were surpassed because I didn’t have any.

Year 2, however, I knew enough to expect more from myself. I felt like I should know what I was doing, have a plan and go for it. I knew just enough to be my own worst enemy. But again, I learned and listened and soaked everything in and, at the end of the conference, when the keynote speaker encouraged those of us who truly felt called to write to make a commitment to God to obey, I went forword and prayed with Ethel Herr–my lifetime mentor, friend, prayer warrior and extra mom/buddy.

Writing involves a lot of learning and networking. So enjoy the process of doing that. I can honestly saw that I’m glad I didn’t learn it all overnight and work my first conference like a pro. For one, I wouldn’t have any friends because everyone would be so annoyed and intimidated by how confident I was compared to how they felt.

Just enjoy your first conference Tim! Take advantage of perks like the critique service. Be friendly even if you’re shy (I’m shy by nature but love people so I guess that’s a good mix). Be yourself. Soak it all in and you’ll do great.

Oh, and if you attend Mount Hermon sign up for the Buddy System (it’s first timer’s to THAT conference not just conferences in general).

I hope this helps.

Jeanette

It’s a lot of fun, the people are super-supportive, and it really is a great way to overcome your fear and build self-confidence. Once you’ve spoken in front of 20-30 or even more people, just 1 or 2 should be a cinch! Sure, it’s not quite the same skill set, but I’ve found the confidence translates very well.

Seriously, just give it a try! Most clubs will let you attend a few meetings as a guest to see if you’d like it.

What differences should I expect from that environment as opposed to a Christian conference? I don’t have any particular expectations but if someone could chime in with their thoughts, it would be helpful.

I was probably expecting more what you will find at the secular conference–complete focus on writing. More competitive, focused on success in the field.

What I took away from my conference, in adition to some fantastic classes on writing, was a deep spiritual focus on God’s calling in my life and how to best use it. There is a fellowship there among all attendees that I don’t think you’d find at a secular conference.

I can’t say enough good things about the conference I went to and if I had the choice between secular or Christian, I’d definately choose another Christian conference.

That said, expect to have a wonderful time soaking in all the knowledge and tips from the experts! You’ll come away with either the feeling that you’re “Not quite there yet”, or an awed thankfulness that you really “get it” and are ready to proceed to the next step.

Best wishes!

I’m glad that all us social nerds can stick together! Oh wait! Positive! Think positive! Socially challenged individuals. There that’s better.

Oh! And yes, Meredith, I do have children. Two, a boy and a girl. I loved your Writer’s Conference Survival Guide. And I can totally relate with you because I was sick and pregnant with my first child at my first writer’s conference too. Oh the things we endure! But it was worth it.
Thanks again you two!
In Christ,
Melissa