The View from an ACFW Conference First Time Attendee’s Seat
Today’s post
should be about a craft subject, but I returned from the ACFW Conference Monday
September 16th, and I’m filled with excitement. Instead of sharing a
craft I’d like to tell you how God “knit” this journey together.
I've never been to a conference and the idea of attending
one of the largest . . . Well, needless to say was scary.
With faith, I filled out the registration. I chose the
continuing education class and workshops I’d like to attend. I checked my four
choices for agent appointments and my four choices for editor appointments,
praying before, during, and after
I began to prepare. Spending hours researching the editors
and agents I selected. What did they expect to see during an appointment? Should
I take a One Sheet, the first chapter of my work in progress, the first three chapters, a proposal letter, or synopsis? Remember, we don't know whom we’ll see until we
get to the conference. Oh, Lord what did I get myself into?
The enemy pecked away at my thoughts, “You’re wasting your
time, you’re taking precious resources from your family” and on and on. You
name it, I let it rear its ugly head in my thoughts. A pastor we had used to
call it “stinkin’ thinkin’” (said with an exceptionally strong Mississippi
accent).
Then, I took comfort in the fact He has overcome and will overcome.
I started to pray for leading and peace. I wanted to know my writing was His will
not mine. Seek Him first.
The day to leave home for the ACFW Conference arrived. I had
done everything I knew to prepare for this trip. My husband reluctantly dropped
me at the airport. I sat in a row of fellow flyers and prayed, and in God’s phenomenal
fashion – He arranged I bump into my middle son’s mother in law . . . at
Orlando International Airport, what are the chances. Only God, and only because
this woman is a prayer warrior. Ok, God. I see You.
After safely arriving and a good night sleep, Thursday morning I decide to go
get a coffee at the coffee IV shop in the lobby, and wouldn’t you know “Pumpkin
Spice Latte” is available! Give God the glory for everything, right?! Anyway,
back to the conference. As soon I stepped in line two ladies introduced
themselves as ACFW attenders.
My first contacts. We sat in the lobby and talked. “What do
you write? What’s your pitch? How long have you been writing? Are you
published?” The conversation flowed. Then, another author joined us and two
more. Suddenly I was going to lunch with ladies who were strangers twenty
minutes before, but now shared a kindred spirit.
After lunch, registration opened, and the wonderful
volunteers for ACFW did an excellent job and kept the lines moving. When I
opened my registration packet I put my name tag together stuck my “First Time
Attendee” ribbon on, took a deep breath, smiled at a nice lady next to me and –
oh, she had her appointment schedule out. I’d forgotten about my appointments. You
know that feeling when your stomach lurches into your chest? Well, that’s what
I felt. I was sure not only would the editors and agents mock me out of the
room, but they would spread the word I couldn't even write my name and address . . .
But more on appointments later.
Early Bird was awesome. I highly recommend it and especially
to first time attendees. I met a Genesis Finalist. Her humbleness was
inspiring.
Friday was the official start of the conference. It began
with a Pumpkin Spice Latte and First-Time Attendees Orientation. This is a Q.
& A. time for those of us who have no idea what we’re doing. Again, all
questions were answered with grace and wisdom. I thought, this wasn't so bad, maybe even fun! Until I remembered the
appointments.
We moved to the “big” room, and Brandilyn Collins eloquently
welcomed us, Rachel Hauck led us in a Holy Spirit filled worship, and Robin
Jones Gunn delivered the Keynote Address. Robin is beautiful inside and out.
The Lord oozes from her and gets all over everyone! She was inspiring, and because
of her teaching, I began to pray for God’s reassurance that I’m following His
will and writing to His glory. I recognize His dreams are better than mine, and
I may not be here to meet the agent or editor of my dreams.
Saturday morning we gather for breakfast and worship,
then
attendees dispersed to conference events. My first appointment was at 9:30 am. I gripped my little packet of information, as I waited in a horde of attenders who had appointments with other agents, mentors, editors, or publicists. The dedicated
volunteer stood – and announced, “9:30 appointments . . . go on back”.
Um, okay, I’ll just be super gracious and let everyone else
go first. I find the right room. There were six small round tables against the
walls, each with two chairs. I locate one with the name I’m looking for, and
it’s empty. What do I do? Should I ask? Should I leave? Then a lovely lady
turns and holds out her hand. Wait, where’s her growl? Horns? Long talons? I shake
her hand and introduce myself. We sit and talk, and she’s fantastic. Our
fifteen minutes pass by in a flash. I almost skip out the door and down the
hall flinging One Sheets and business cards as I go.
Oh, God. I see you!
The remaining time flew by, the classes and workshops were outstanding,
the appointments were fulfilling, and the Gala was beautiful.
God came through
loud and clear.
Do I think you have to attend a conference to get your
answers? No.
But I know you’ll be blessed if you do.
