 Ten days ago I returned exhausted from three whirlwind days of our regional SCBWI Conference. Wow. I couldn't take it all in -- there was so much to absorb! There were workshops and keynote addresses by seasoned authors, a bookstore to shop to our wallet's delight, and of course, a county fair to top all county fairs. Topics from how to garner invites for author visits to social media marketing and what to look for in an agent. And the customary craft courses on voice, editing and character. If you've been to a writer's conference, you know how daunting it can be. So what are the 5 things to remember? Let me outline them simply here: 1. BE COMFORTABLE Wear comfortable shoes and clothing (with a sweater or jacket to ward off a chill in case the rooms are freezing). Bring snacks, a method to take notes, and a tote, small suitcase or large purse to hold all the conference goodies and handouts. 2. BE WILLING If you live in the area, (but even if you don't) volunteer to help set up registration, drive speakers to and from the airport, or attend to the needs of the host for a workshop. I offered to pick up a well-known author after her flight, and ended up having a friendly and insightful conversation. I realized she has some of the same issues as we debut authors do! 3. BE FRIENDLY Network with attendees, authors, agents and editors. Sit with them at a meal, chat in the lounge, or catch them at the end of a workshop. They are humans like you and me. No need to be intimidated! If you don't try, you'll never feel comfortable around them. And don't underestimate the importance of conversing with fellow writers, even if they haven't published yet. We all have valuable things to share. Bring business cards to pass out, and be sure to follow them on social media. Who knows where that will lead! 4. BE REALISTIC Don't expect to land an agent or sign a contract at your very first conference. Yes, it has happened, but chances are slim. It doesn't mean you or the conference was a failure. It does mean you have accumulated tips and tricks for your writer's journey that will eventually lead to a contract. Put into practice all the things you are learning, and move forward. Good news may be around the next corner, whether that is next month or next year! 5.BE DILIGENT Remember those notes you took? Hopefully, while in the workshops, you highlighted or circled the items you needed to work on first. Maybe it's editing your latest manuscript, or submitting to that awesome agent you talked with -- just make sure you've perused their wishlist before submitting. Get to work immediately on those tasks. As I write this, I'm reminding myself I have not followed through on my own advice. Believe me, I will miss out if I don't move ahead. Don't be like me!  This is the first time I've attended a conference as a debut author. So I was honored to see my little MG historical fiction nestled among the great kid lit authors of the Midwest. Well, maybe a bit intimidating, too. And although I sold only one, I discovered another author had sold none. So, I didn't worry. We all need to begin somewhere. And I am firmly traveling down the path of marketing, writing and submitting. Here I am below, ready to sign the one book purchased. But no one showed up. No worries, because two-thirds of the attendee authors didn't show, and the few that sat at their assigned place faithfully and waited, had no books to sign. But, we took photos of each other, then exchanged and signed our books. Win-win. Just not in the usual sense.    Can you think of other points to remember when attending a writer's conference? Which conferences have helped you the most on your writer's journey? Tell me in the comments below. . . Speaking of debut authors -- The Heart Changer has 12 reviews right now. Can you help me reach 20? If you have read my story, please give me an honest review on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and/or Bookbub. You can copy and paste the same review to all the online sites. Easy-peasy!
I'd sure appreciate it!
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 What exactly is a reader soulmate? That was the question poised to us in Colleen Riordan’s Wild Ink Marketing beta course. To put it simply, it's that person who will fall in love with your book. Or purchase it for a child, grandchild, local library or classroom.
Colleen challenged us to answer three questions our reader soulmate would ask if she were perusing the shelves in a bookstore, and happened to lay eyes on our book: 1. Does this book contain the types of characters, plots and themes I enjoy? (Is it my favorite genre?) 2. Can I afford this right now? (Will it be worth my time and money?) 3. Do I need this? (Can I walk out of the store without it, or must it become my next read? I attempted to answer those questions in my video - take a listen! 
Our path up to the ledge in Derbyshire, England, where Jane Eyre (Ruth Wilson) collapsed and sobbed in the 2008 version of the film.
I love a good writing prompt. But sometimes, I fight them. Mostly because the memories of my past have faded far too fast. So, I began to use the prompts to remind myself of my adventurous childhood. In fact, it was when my almost-one-hundred-year-old mother passed away in 2008, I began my writer’s journey.
 I remember standing in line outside the aluminum-framed glass doors of Midwestern Christian Academy, waiting to walk through the hallowed halls and into my 7th grade year. The day was cool and crisp. The leaves were turning shades of gold, orange and brilliant burgundy. There was a freshness in the air that mirrored my own musings. I loved new beginnings. My meticulously sharpened pencils and just purchased outfit and supplies readied me to begin this new educational chapter in my life. All was right with the world. My world. No mistakes or ugliness to cloud the day. I had the chance to begin again. With schoolwork, friends and attitude.  Have you ever assumed writers use their gift of words effortlessly? Are you a writer who is discouraged, or maybe in a rut? I want to challenge you to join Julie Hedlund and a host of picture book writers to make 2019 your best creative year yet. Click this link and c’mon over and join us — there’s still a couple of days left: http://www.juliehedlund.com/12days
 It took all the strength we could muster to stand up straight against the wind as we walked along the Portuguese shore; Cape Roca - the farthest point west jutting out into the Atlantic. One never really understands the fierce elements that has made this ocean a menace for centuries until you’ve battled it.
That’s perseverance. It’s different from endurance. Which is why I chose the former as my word for 2019.  “Words mean things” reminds my husband, when I’ve not clearly explained something, or use the wrong words in my conveyance of a concept. Since I’m an author, I know just how powerful words can be. And surprisingly, so are mere letters.
How many times do we let our minds wander, for no good purpose? Unfortunately, it commonly occurs while we are listening to a sermon. Or a lecture. Times when we need to be paying attention. Last Sunday, I was guilty of that very habit. But it lead me to a treasure to ponder. My mind went from wandering to pondering. And then, it ended in wonder. A perfect state to be caught in during the Christmas Season. From wandering to wondering. The letter “O” made all the difference. . .  I don’t know about you, but I have too much stuff — on the inside and outside. In my house. On my schedule. Swirling about in my head. I'm a Minimalist wanna be.
When I stopped in World Market the other day, I was bombarded with colors, shapes, scents and clutter. A good kind of clutter, but clutter none the less. Materialism at its best. Since my debut MG historical fiction, "The Heart Changer" releases in Spring of 2019, I'm capturing photos of hearts. This one above from the Market is an example.  In 2012, I was inspired to write, “Christmas Musings” as I pondered the reason for this season. Each cast of characters, each scene of the account tells a story of its own. So, since Christmas is traditionally about gifts, who were the first gift givers? Here’s a peek into their journey. . .
 Revisionist History is troubling for an author like me. How so? My passion is to make Scripture and history come alive for my readers. And I truly believe those who don’t learn from the past, are bound to make the same mistakes in the future. And I am a truth teller. And a lover of history. And most frustrating of all . . .
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Good News!My MG Biblical fiction "The Heart Changer" debuts Spring of 2019 with Ambassador International. Archives
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