Forty-nine Days and Counting!

But then, you probably knew that, didn't you?

I had no idea I would be this silly. As soon as registration opened, I paid my $$$, chose the sessions that best fit my needs, and selected my appointment choices.

Okay, it's confession time. I did considerable praying, seeking the Lord's will, ahead of that registration announcement. Five-hundred dollars plus is a lot of cash for a gal who has been kicked in the seat of the pants by this wretched economy. Was I making a wise decision? Would I glorify God and exhibit Spirit-led stewardship by attending the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference 2010? I balanced those questions against others. When would this important, respected conference ever be in my back yard again? Hadn't God provided the funds through an unexpected storytelling gig? Wouldn't it be amazing to gather with like-minded brother and sister scribes to worship the Lord Who gifted us in the first place? How could one ever describe the sheer joy of sitting down with agents and editors who also are believers? "Go!" urged my family. "Go!" adjured fellow writers. "Go!" sang my own heart. So, Lord willing, I will be there.

Now the challenge is to keep from looking and acting like the newbie I am. First step toward that goal was to join the "FirstTimeOrient" ACFW course loop. Thanks to the leadership, I have learned so much, but have so much yet to learn, so I'll reread many of the posts. I cannot use enough superlatives to describe Cara Putman and the others who have contributed to the course lessons.

I think I have a fairly good start toward conference preparation. Business cards from Vista Print arrived a few days ago. One manuscript is complete. Another is about half done. My one-sheets are still warm from the printer. The elevator pitches are written, though they may undergo a bit more tweaking before September 17 gets here. I'm reviewing editor and agent websites and bios, taking notes along the way.

And I'm doing the single most important thing one can do to prepare for such an event. I am praying, asking our sovereign Lord to lead us all and give us His wisdom. He is the Word and Author of all that is good. It is He Who is our ultimate Agent and Business Manager. May He annoint our appointments--scheduled and spontaneous, our fellowship, and our sessions, as well as our worship times. His will be done in all things.

If you are not able to attend in person, will you please attend in prayer?

If you plan to be there in Indy, what are you specifically praying for? What are your personal goals for this conference? What are you doing to prepare? Please respond by leaving a comment. Thank you in advance.