By now you are either
wound up by the hype of conference preparation or praying for a last minute
miracle that would allow you to attend. Even those who’ve decided long ago that this
was not a conference year may be experiencing closet wishes. I know I am.
I’m
not going to expound on how to put a one sheet together or practice elevator
pitches. There are plenty of resources for those. Instead, I want to suggest
you go to conference with specific goals. I don’t mean “to get published”. Sure, that’s the destination, but looking to
the specifics will affect your ETA at that goal.
1. Evaluate
where you are. Are you at the beginning of the journey? One characteristic of
the beginner is to worry about needs that are beyond their current position. If you’re unpublished, creating a network of
friends, recognizing established faces, learning your craft is critical. Focus on those
things. If you’re published and have an
online presence, finding critique partners or getting to know personally those
on your on-line critique groups, talking with agents and publishers moves to
the forefront.
2. Think through what you require. You may see the big picture and believe you need to know it all
now, but truthfully, you can’t take it all in. Focus on
what you need right now. Think about a survivor show or Ninja warriors where contestants climb a wall or swing themselves over some goop. They focus on searching out the next hand hold. That’s what you need to do. Rather
than trying to convince everyone you are ready, humble yourself to say, “This
is where I’m weak. I need this information.” I think this is an important time
to listen to those next to you at meal times and do a little learning outside
the classroom. Other people’s experiences are invaluable.
3. Arrange
your priorities. As you listen to others, your idea of what you need may shift. True, writing is a lonely one-man task, but it will pay to remember that the
publishing community is made up of people. This is the perfect time to put “be sociable”
at the top of the list. You don’t need to be an extrovert to make use of conference to practice friendly exchanges. If speaking to strangers scares you out of
your mind, at least take the time to speak to your teachers. Tell them you
appreciate their class. Mention one thing they taught that has helped you. Think of it as a challenge or as a necessary
accomplishment to receive a high grade, whatever works for you.
ACFW conference is a fantastic
event. It will hold many opportunities for you. Most of them will not be what
you expect. So, watch for the opportunities God brings your way. He’s the
Creator, and I can guarantee that he has created something special for you if
you will open your hands to receive it.
God bless each of you and may this
year’s conference be one you will remember always.
Mary Allen lives in the Midwest. She was La Porte
County Poet Laureate from 2010-2011 and took third in this year's competition. She serves as Arts in the Park Poetry Chair. Mary can be found on The Barn Door.net, has published numerous articles, and has two real-life inspirational stories in "Kernels of Hope" by Majesty House. She has released a book of poetry, "Journey to Christmas", about thoughts and feelings of those involved in the first Christmas.
I so wish I could make this year. But, I know I will make next year AND the year after, since it's so close!
ReplyDeleteThanks for including the advice about being sociable--and not just to people who can offer contracts. Some years ago I attended a conference where one woman barely noticed fellow conferees. Most of her attention was for agents and editors. But when she overheard me mention that I had once worked five years as a book editor, she suddenly became all warm and sunny toward me. Both funny and sad.
ReplyDeleteMary,
ReplyDeleteThanks for a helpful article. I'm one who won't be there this year but hope to next year.
I like the sociable part as well with the conferences I've been to.
Have a blessed day.
Jeff
Darren, I, like you, am looking forward to next year. It seems light-years away, but will feel as if I was transported there in an instant.
ReplyDeleteRick, I've seen people like that too, one who even interrupted and then monopolized a conversation I was having with an agent. Are we being too gracious to think they were introverts who were pushing themselves to be outgoing and weren't doing it well?
Jeff, I'm glad it was helpful. More and more I think social contacts are of primary importance. (Not something I'm good at.)
I've got to add this, but you know why you rarely see musicians wear glasses? Because to make it in the music business, they need contacts. Okay, maybe I didn't need to share that.
ReplyDeleteJeff
hahaha. O-k-a-y.
ReplyDelete