Lists. Heartburn. Unfinished laundry. Random papers everywhere. Weight gain from chocolate. No, it isn't the week before Christmas. It's even better! It's time for ACFW's annual conference!
Why do I get so wound up? I have no idea. It's ridiculous!
Maybe I'm nervy due to my life being in a busy phase. I'm afraid I'll forget something important. I don't envy my hubby for the weekend he has ahead! We are definitely a divide-and-conquer couple.
Pitching my novel also contributes to the tension. The fact I have trouble sleeping when overexcited has me a little frayed too. And, as much as I caution myself don't butt into conversations, don't accost the author you're dying to meet, don't act like a moron...I know--deep down know--I will butt into conversations, accost the author(s) I'm dying to meet, and yes, I'll act like a moron.
One thing I'm not stressed about? The ride there. I really enjoy driving by myself. I get to indulge in a large coffee with triple cream, quadruple sugar, and no one is there to judge me. The radio? All mine. I can sing at the top of my lungs or let my mind wander. Good times!
I'm taking a week off of blogging, but I'll be back next Wednesday with a full update.
What stresses you out most about a conference or business trip?
Have a wonderful week!!
Showing posts with label writing conferences. Show all posts
Showing posts with label writing conferences. Show all posts
Monday, September 9, 2013
Monday, September 10, 2012
WSG 22: Crazy Conference Emotions
Writer's Survival Guide 22: Crazy Conference Emotions
Next week, I'm attending ACFW's annual conference for the very first time! The last few years, I've watched my friends and fellow writers prepare and head to this gathering of Christian fiction writers, and my heart clenched a bit at being left behind. So, when my husband and I decided this year was my year to attend, I expected to be over-the-moon excited.
But...I felt the exact opposite.
Yeah, you can call me crazy, but my first reaction flew to worry. I worried if we'd be able to afford it. I worried the expense would force my family, yet again, to sacrifice for my writing career.
Then I got over the worry, and I learned some of my dear friends wouldn't be attending. I got a little sad. What's a conference without my critique partners? I just want to give them a big old hug, you know?
This summer my exercising habits slipped. So a new emotion hopped on board. Yeah, vanity. Did I really want people's first impression of me to be of me at my highest non-pregnancy weight? Of course not!
Hey, I know this is whiny. I get it. I don't like it either.
The last few weeks brought even more emotions. Fear at making a bad--or forgettable--impression on editors.
But all that changed.
So what happened?
I'll tell you exactly what happened. I was in the TJMaxx dressing room, trying on a dress I later described to Miss Jessica Patch as one of Mrs. Roper's cast-offs (from Three's Company), and I wanted to give up. On everything.
I couldn't find a dress for the gala. I couldn't expect editors to love my work. I couldn't lose even one pound before conference. And I couldn't believe how depressed I felt.
But, as I headed to Kohl's and gagged in the mirror at a Daisy Fuentes dress that looked fabulous on Daisy in the picture but hideous on me, I realized (and I believe this is God's grace shining through His Holy Spirit), I could find a dress for the gala. I could expect editors to love my work. I could lose one measly pound before conference. And I couldn't believe how blessed I am.
Look, conferences should be wonderful. They should leave us breathless with excitement. They should be a time for us to catch up and connect with friends and publishing professionals.
But it's normal to be jittery. It's normal to feel a full range of emotions, especially if you're like me, and have been doing this a long time. I've been through rejections, and I know nothing is a sure thing. Not a perfect pitch appointment. Not even a polished, terrific manuscript. So many things are beyond our control.
It's okay to be scared, vain, sad, worried--as long as it doesn't stop us from reaching for our dreams.
By the way, I still do not have a dress for the gala. We'll see if I can come up with something this week!
Are you going to the ACFW conference? I would LOVE to meet up with you! Let me know in the comments or send me an e-mail and I'll be sure to keep an eye out when I get there!
Have you been to a writing conference? What kinds of emotions did you deal with?
Have a terrific Monday!
Next week, I'm attending ACFW's annual conference for the very first time! The last few years, I've watched my friends and fellow writers prepare and head to this gathering of Christian fiction writers, and my heart clenched a bit at being left behind. So, when my husband and I decided this year was my year to attend, I expected to be over-the-moon excited.
But...I felt the exact opposite.
Yeah, you can call me crazy, but my first reaction flew to worry. I worried if we'd be able to afford it. I worried the expense would force my family, yet again, to sacrifice for my writing career.
Then I got over the worry, and I learned some of my dear friends wouldn't be attending. I got a little sad. What's a conference without my critique partners? I just want to give them a big old hug, you know?
This summer my exercising habits slipped. So a new emotion hopped on board. Yeah, vanity. Did I really want people's first impression of me to be of me at my highest non-pregnancy weight? Of course not!
Hey, I know this is whiny. I get it. I don't like it either.
The last few weeks brought even more emotions. Fear at making a bad--or forgettable--impression on editors.
But all that changed.
So what happened?
I'll tell you exactly what happened. I was in the TJMaxx dressing room, trying on a dress I later described to Miss Jessica Patch as one of Mrs. Roper's cast-offs (from Three's Company), and I wanted to give up. On everything.
I couldn't find a dress for the gala. I couldn't expect editors to love my work. I couldn't lose even one pound before conference. And I couldn't believe how depressed I felt.
But, as I headed to Kohl's and gagged in the mirror at a Daisy Fuentes dress that looked fabulous on Daisy in the picture but hideous on me, I realized (and I believe this is God's grace shining through His Holy Spirit), I could find a dress for the gala. I could expect editors to love my work. I could lose one measly pound before conference. And I couldn't believe how blessed I am.
Look, conferences should be wonderful. They should leave us breathless with excitement. They should be a time for us to catch up and connect with friends and publishing professionals.
But it's normal to be jittery. It's normal to feel a full range of emotions, especially if you're like me, and have been doing this a long time. I've been through rejections, and I know nothing is a sure thing. Not a perfect pitch appointment. Not even a polished, terrific manuscript. So many things are beyond our control.
It's okay to be scared, vain, sad, worried--as long as it doesn't stop us from reaching for our dreams.
By the way, I still do not have a dress for the gala. We'll see if I can come up with something this week!
Are you going to the ACFW conference? I would LOVE to meet up with you! Let me know in the comments or send me an e-mail and I'll be sure to keep an eye out when I get there!
Have you been to a writing conference? What kinds of emotions did you deal with?
Have a terrific Monday!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Conferences: What Can You Offer?
Many of my friends are traveling to St. Louis for the annual American Christian Fiction Writers conference. I think it's safe to say many are beyond excited at the chance to meet friends, rub elbows with industry publishers, take workshops from esteemed authors, and hopefully pitch their books.
Emotions are high during these times. We're nervous--what if I don't have anyone to sit with at lunch? We're hopeful--maybe my dream agent will request my book. We're afraid we're forgetting something--did I remember my business cards, my business casual (whatever that means!) outfits, and my toothbrush? And we can't help but wonder if this trip will change our lives.
I will not be attending the ACFW conference this year, but many of my friends will. First, I'm praying you all have a safe trip and that the Lord blesses you deeply. Do not worry if you aren't super excited every minute. Our feelings can't take non-stop giddiness. It's normal to have periods of tiredness and confusion. But also, please take a minute to consider the following.
What can you bring to the conference?
No, I don't mean for you to bring an outfit, nail polish, or cool writing gadget. I mean, what do you have to offer to others? How can you give of yourself during these days?
We all have gifts to share with the world. After my first conference, I learned my motivations had been focused on me--how I could make a good impression during my pitches, what information I could glean from the workshops, and how could I get another helping of that fabulous dessert??--but I walked away with an even better output. God used me to meet His needs.
I love meeting and talking to other writers. Introducing myself to strangers comes naturally to me. If I see someone with that helpless, lost, "I don't know anyone" stare, I have no problem merging them into the group I'm hanging out with. This is not something I am bragging about--it's just a trait God blessed me with.
Long after the conference, I realized I had never been there to promote myself and my book. I had been there to spread the writerly spirit, the support we all desperately need. Again, I can't take the credit. I'm just thankful God had His own plans for me.
So remember that, yes, you're there to promote yourself, to meet your friends, to pitch to agents and editors, maybe to sell your published books, but you're also there for another reason, one only you and God know.
Let your light shine.
What's your best conference tip?
Have an amazing Monday!
Emotions are high during these times. We're nervous--what if I don't have anyone to sit with at lunch? We're hopeful--maybe my dream agent will request my book. We're afraid we're forgetting something--did I remember my business cards, my business casual (whatever that means!) outfits, and my toothbrush? And we can't help but wonder if this trip will change our lives.
I will not be attending the ACFW conference this year, but many of my friends will. First, I'm praying you all have a safe trip and that the Lord blesses you deeply. Do not worry if you aren't super excited every minute. Our feelings can't take non-stop giddiness. It's normal to have periods of tiredness and confusion. But also, please take a minute to consider the following.
What can you bring to the conference?
No, I don't mean for you to bring an outfit, nail polish, or cool writing gadget. I mean, what do you have to offer to others? How can you give of yourself during these days?
We all have gifts to share with the world. After my first conference, I learned my motivations had been focused on me--how I could make a good impression during my pitches, what information I could glean from the workshops, and how could I get another helping of that fabulous dessert??--but I walked away with an even better output. God used me to meet His needs.
I love meeting and talking to other writers. Introducing myself to strangers comes naturally to me. If I see someone with that helpless, lost, "I don't know anyone" stare, I have no problem merging them into the group I'm hanging out with. This is not something I am bragging about--it's just a trait God blessed me with.
Long after the conference, I realized I had never been there to promote myself and my book. I had been there to spread the writerly spirit, the support we all desperately need. Again, I can't take the credit. I'm just thankful God had His own plans for me.
So remember that, yes, you're there to promote yourself, to meet your friends, to pitch to agents and editors, maybe to sell your published books, but you're also there for another reason, one only you and God know.
Let your light shine.
***
Okay, the big day has arrived--the winner of a copy of Jody Hedlund's magnificent book, The Doctor's Lady, is... Julie Lippo!! Congratulations, Julie! My daughter originally picked Michelle Fayard as the winner, but when I e-mailed her with the news, she graciously urged me to pick another winner. Apparantly she couldn't wait and already has a copy! Wasn't that generous of her to pass the book on to someone else? If you get a chance, stop by her lovely blog, Bird's Eye View. And thank you, thank you to everyone who entered!
***
I finally broke down and published an author page on Facebook. Some of you have received invitations on Facebook to "Like" it. Thank you, in advance, for supporting me! Facebook is a fun place to mingle, so expect random observations about my day, my latest blog posts, and pictures (mostly of my mini-dachshund Sophie--that dog cracks me up!). There is a permanent link to "Like" my author page in the sidebar of this blog, or simply head to http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJillKemerer. Thanks again!What's your best conference tip?
Have an amazing Monday!
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