In light of meeting with so many fabulous writers at the recent ACFW conference, I feel led to give special thanks not only to my clients but to every writer endeavoring to make a difference in Christian publishing.
Thank you for:
- giving agents, editors, and publishers, books that allow us to have the best jobs in the world.
- writing complete novels on spec.
- creating your best proposals.
- listening to counsel and working with us whether or not you agree with our advice.
- trusting us with your words.
- wanting to further God’s kingdom.
- sacrificing family time.
- loving readers.
- walking with the Lord.
And so much more! Christian publishing would not exist with you! Thank you.
Your turn:
What would you like to say to your fellow writers?
You Gotta Know the Territory
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brethren dwell together in unity” . Having friends who understand the struggles, and encourage one another through the trials is priceless. Only another writer can relate to the unique landscape we tread.
John, what you have said here is SO true. Even my beloved wife, though she is supportive, believes in me, encourages me … even she does not really understand the landscape we tread.
Exactly! And to be fair, we can’t fully understand their trials unless we work directly with them, either. But we can listen!
My husband read all of my books when I was writing. He got lots of brownie points for that. And I still bake him literal brownies, too!
The Christian writing community is so out of place in our Me-first, me-best society. I did not know this until this weekend.
As a first timer at ACFW, I knew no one and wondered whether I should have spent the money and time away. It was well worth it!
I learned that every fear, insecurity and joy I feel as a writer is common. The community was/is so welcoming. I had total strangers praying for me during agent appointments and encouraging me in not just my career but my faith as well! I now see that mine does not have to be a lonely journey. I am so thankful to my fellow writers!
Amen! My husband attended the gala with me and though he’s a lifelong Christian and pastor’s son, his heart was nevertheless warmed by the spirit there.
Yay Janine!! You go girl 🙂
It was so wonderful to meet you, too! As well as so many amazing writers. Exchanging business cards with so many new friends made my day at the conference.
Wonderful to meet you, too! I just placed an order for new business cards!
I encourage writers to keep pressing in, listen to the advice of your agents, and be willing to accept a wise critique. We become better writers when we realize our writing can always be improved.
You are a great example of a person who takes her own advice, Loretta!
What a thoughtful post Tamela! I was a first timer at BRMCWC this year. I was and continue to be blown away by the family this exists within the Christian writing community. To my fellow writers I say thank you for accepting, encouraging, and welcoming me. To our leaders I say thank you for your leadership and counsel. I feel honored to be in this amazing group.
As do I!
I am honored to read your posts, Callie.
>> “What would you like to say to your fellow writers?”
I am in awe of the skill with which so many of you weave your words together to communicate your message. I read your work and am both inspired, and terrified, asking myself, “Do I really belong here? Who am I trying to fool?”
I suspect several of us feel this way, Damon. I certainly have! Even Moses asked, “Who am I?” But you know what miracles God worked in and through him…. 🙂
The ones who ask the question are some of the most deserving!
I am so thankful for the many writing friends I have met through the years. Two women inspired me at a Professionalism in Writing Conference in Tulsa back in the 1990’s. I was just beginning to think about publication when Francine Rivers and Karen Ball encouraged me to plan, prepare, and pray about everything I write.
No where else, except in the Christian writing community, can we find the competition not to be competition but a group of co-workers whose goal is to spread the light of God’s love through writing.
The first post by John sums it up so well.
I think the Kingdom purpose helps so much here, Martha. When one of us wins, it’s a Kingdom victory! Who can ask for more?
Thanks to you for helping get me where I am today.
I’d just like to say thanks, for being a support through ays that are getting harder.
Praying for you as always, Andrew.
As yet another first-timer to the ACFW Conference, I have to express my appreciation to all those established pros who go beyond the call of duty. They could stick to writing their best-sellers, but instead, they take extra time and energy to teach and mentor others. That’s priceless to those of us who are just beginning to find our way through the process to publication. Conferences don’t happen spontaneously.
My experience at ACFW was amazing right from day one, and I wholeheartedly agree with John’s sentiment — some things about this journey are only understood by other writers.
Thank you for sharing, Diane. Since I work with many popular authors, I can attest that their schedules hardly leave room to eat and sleep, much less mentor. But they do! I’m so glad ACFW and other organizations formally recognize mentors such as Lynette Eason, among others.
My mouth waters reading about ACFW in the comments above. The fact that Christian writers share freely, seemingly in both nonfiction and fiction, attests to how wonderful this community is. Thank you, Tamela. Thank you, fellow writers. Praise God.
Praise God, indeed!
A hearty “Amen” to what everyone has said already. It’s an amazing community. Also, to my fellow writers: Don’t give up. Take a break, get perspective, find a mentor, try something new….but never give up!
Great advice!
What a beautiful post! My word to Christian authors is “Do not give up! If you feel like God has given you a word to share, keep going. Not every “word” from Him is meant to be published, but you can trust that His purposes will be accomplished, one way or the other, and in His good time.”
Thank you, especially, for thoughtfully including the authors who write complete novels on spec. As someone who spent fourteen years from idea to first children’s novel publication, I appreciate that! What a blessing to now see God’s work being done–I work in a public elementary school library and get to see Muslim, Buddhist, and un-churched children checking out my Christian novel on a daily basis. To God be the glory!
What a great testimony! Thank you for sharing your story. I pray many more children — and the adults who love them — will see and be blessed by your work!
Listen to your readers. Yesterday I had my daughter, a ferocious reader, look over an article before I submitted it. While talking over her comments, she admitted she’s not a writer. But I reminded her that she’s a reader and that’s the kind of critique I needed.
That’s a great suggestion and one I heartily endorse!
Thank you, Fellow Writers. (agents, editors, and publishers as may be)
You are the best traveling companions I can imagine. You encourage me when I want to give up, which can occasionally feel a bit like a cattle prod. You bless me with honest appraisals of my work that keep me in gear. Most of all, you share your expertise with those whom you could choose to treat as dangerous competition.
May the Lord bless you all along the way He’s laid out for you.
Love this, Sandra!
I loved being able to cheer others on as they pitched. We started out as strangers but were united by our common goals. We could have played the jealousy game but it was more fun just to encourage others as they did the same for me.
So true! We are so blessed to not have to be in competition with each other. Unlike one’s favorite mascara, readers read more than one book. They can read, enjoy, and be inspired by the God-given differing approaches in your book and mine and Joe’s and Billy’s and Jenny’s and…:)
So true — my heart has never been gladdened by jealousy, but friendship is priceless.
Kelly and Melissa, you ladies helped me find humor in the stress! But Melissa, we will have to agree to disagree. It is wise to have two mascaras: one waterproof and one regular. That way, when an editor tells you to cut your manuscript in half and get rid of all your plot points, you don’t end up looking like a raccoon.
I normally don’t respond, but this has been on my heart recently:
When we, as Christians, write, our words need to reflect the big, bold, beautiful God we serve by being innovative and artful. Like the Sistine Chapel, our art needs to be beautiful every day for the next pilgrim who may discover it. When I see our community of artists get stuck using the same catch phrases and buzzwords, it does not reflect well on a community of God-followers. It just looks lazy and sounds uncomfortably over-used. We are artists! We follow God! Let’s use our art to honor God and create new phrases that capture the minds and hearts of readers in innovative ways!
Of course we should hold ourselves to the highest standards! I’m amazed by the quality of many of the proposals I receive!
I came away from the conference overwhelmed with everyone I met and everything I learned! It was beyond my expectations! I didn’t expect to meet so many people who genuinely cared about me as a person! Everyone was so giving of their time, ideas and support! Thank you to everyone!
Amen!
Your posts are so encouraging. I did not participate in the conference this year but your comments certainly make a person hungry for that kind of support.
Thank you! I know the Lord will open doors for you!
These posts make me “homesick” for people I’ve never met and a place I’ve only been once, two years ago–a Christian writers’ conference. While learning from experts and pitching to agents and publishers are important components, the support, encouragement, and kindred-spirited-ness are valuable take-homes, too. Obviously, it’s time to begin planning ahead to attend one next year!
Hope to see you there!
Encouraging Post…!! We too thank our writers for their support and contribution. Get to know more about our authors here : http://kingdompublishers.co.uk/authors/
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