While I know our next newsletter will give you the
full report on ACFW Indiana’s August meeting, I want to share one take-away
with you.
Relationships.
Our wonderful panel of Cara Putman, Sarah
Forgrave, and Michele Israel Harper touched on the word “relationship” off and
on throughout the energetic back-and-forth between members and guest speakers
for over two hours. Apparently, no one wanted to go home!
1. Relationships
between the writer and the readers.
One definition of success as an author is: “If we
have touched one life, our efforts
are worth it.”
“Touched.” That’s
relationship. Maybe the reader sends a note of appreciation. Wonderful! Encouragement
for the writer! Or, we may never connect personally, but our words deeply affected
the reader.
2. Relationship
between the writer and the agent/editor.
“Mine the passion.”
That’s where the relationship starts—in the first
interview or query. Even earlier. Writers can always send out a feeler to a prospective
agent/editor if they expect to meet with them one-on-one at a conference. When
we put our hearts into describing our work, the agent or editor can tell, and
it gives them goosebumps.
“Have fun with
pitching.”
Consider every pitch session as a practice run.
That attitude will help the writer de-stress, and once they’re relaxed, the agent/editor can
get a sense of who he or she is as a person. They will find connection. And that’s relationship.
Once a writer has a contract, either with a
publisher or an agent, the business relationship
begins. The spark that brought both sides together needs to build. The agent
will be diligent to promote the author’s work. The writer will make sure to
follow through with deadlines. The publisher will provide the necessary
expertise in creating and directing a marketing plan. Each successful
communication strengthens the ties among professionals.
3. Relationships
between writers.
Meetings like ours on August 11th drive the point home.
Old friends reconnect. New friendships are forged. Writers learn from other
writers. Established authors share their expertise with budding authors. The energy in the room can
power the electrical grid in three states!
4. Relationship
between writer and God.
God called you to write. Right? The relationship
between God and you—His child—is vital. He has the long-term perspective. He
knows your writing road. He knows the detours and the rest stops and the final
destination of your manuscript. Trust Him. That’s
relationship.
Linda Sammaritan writes realistic fiction, mostly for kids
ages ten to fourteen. She is currently working on a middle grade trilogy, World Without Sound, based on her own
experiences growing up with a deaf sister.
Linda had always figured she’d teach middle-graders until
school authorities presented her with a retirement wheelchair at the overripe
age of eighty-five. However, God changed those plans when He gave her a growing
passion for writing fiction. In May of 2016, she blew goodbye kisses to her students
and dedicated her work hours to learning the craft. She still visits the school
and teaches creative writing workshops.
