Last week I talked about the need to see the writing journey as an investment. And since this is the time to gear up for the writer's conference season, I decided to share one of my favorite conference stories. Some of you have heard it, but many of you haven't. Either way, I hope it will encourage you to take the leap and register for an upcoming conference.
I sold my first article over grits and bacon at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. I arrived early for breakfast and claimed my spot at Jesse Florea's table. As an editor at Focus on the Family, Jesse was sure to see that my article, Catch Your Child in the Act…of Being Good, was a perfect match for Focus' parenting newsletters. I was the first one at his table that morning and claimed two places–one for him and one for me. My heart pounded as I watched Jesse enter the dining room and head for his spot.
Within minutes, the table full of eager writers attacked him with questions regarding guidelines, submissions, and editorial needs. And even though I felt sorry for Jesse, I added my own din to the I-want-to-be-a-writer clamor. He stopped, took the proffered article from my hand, and read. He smiled. I thought I was going to throw up.
"This sounds like something we could use," he said.
"It does?"
"Yeah. Send it to me when you get back home."
"Are you serious?"
"Yeah, I'm serious," he answered. "Your writing's good. And I know just where this would fit."
"You do?" (Can't you just hear the confidence oozing from my voice?)
He reached in his pocket and pulled out his card. "Here's the address. I look forward to getting your article."
And with that, he was off. Just walked away, backpack slung over his shoulder, breakfast tray in hand. Totally unaware that he had at that very moment been part of a miracle: After 63 rejections, I had finally sold an article.
Instead of throwing up, I cried.
Of course, I know now that the article hadn't really sold at that moment. There was still much to do to seal the relationship. But on that day, over grits and bacon, Jesse Florea said I was a good writer and that he would like to use what I had written. Wow.
I've gone on to write many articles for Focus on the Family publications, as well as articles, books, and scripts for many other publications. So you can see why I'm a firm believer in writer's conferences. I mean, where else can you find such a varied collection of writing classes to choose from? Where else can you mingle with editors, agents, and publishers? Where else can you meet other writers who understand your pain? When I look back, I realize I was introduced to most of my writer-friends and industry contacts by attending writer's conferences.
But don't expect that your first attendance will necessarily assure publication. My Focus on the Family acceptance experience took place during my second year at Blue Ridge, after attending several other conferences. By that time, I had taken many writing classes and read a library of books on writing.
The truth is, there is much to learn about the craft of writing. It's a process. You have to be willing to put in hard work, time, and money. There are no shortcuts.
Be sure to check out my article, Making the Most of Writer's Conferences and then begin your search for the right conference for you. I'll be teaching at several conferences this year and would love to see you there: 
- Write2Ignite is a conference for those interested in writing for children. It's not too late to register! North Greenville University, Tigerville, SC, February 26-27, 2010
- CLASS Writer's Express, Spartanburg, SC April 10, 2010
- Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, Ridgecrest, NC, May 16-20, 2010
- Gideon Media Arts Conference & Film Festival, Ridgecrest, NC, June 3-8, 2010
- North Texas Christian Writer's Conference, Dallas/Fort Worth area, TX, September 17-18, 2010
I've also taught at and/or recommend these conferences:
- Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference in PA
- Colorado Christian Writers Conference in CO
- Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference in CA
- CLASS Christian Writer's Conference
- Foothills Writers Workshop in SC
- Quad Cities Christian Writers' Conference in IA
You can also find a list of conferences at Shaw Guides.
So if you're serious about writing, you'll be serious about attending a conference. Maybe you're like I was and you feel like you can't afford a conference. As I said last week, I asked my family to give me money for my birthday, Christmas, Mother's Day, and Valentine's Day. They did and I went. (And remember, many conferences offer scholarships, too!)
After the first year or two, I started looking at writer's conferences as my "education" in my career choice. In the same way that I had to pay for my education in nursing before I became an RN, I needed to pay for my education in writing before I became a writer.
So start saving your pennies now and before you know it, you could be sitting at the table, eating your grits . . . and making the writing connection that could change your life!
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Writing Opportunities Collected Just for You!
1. Interested in film or know a talented teen who is? Adult and teen film contests! Check out the Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival and Intern Program (I'm a co-director of the Intern Program).
2. The Secret Place Devotional Magazine
3. Judson Press Books
4. Outreach Magazine
5. Cup of Comfort for Couples joins efforts with Redbook to offer this great contest! Deadline is April 20, 2010. (Thanks, Jo Rae!)
6. Jean Matthew Hall's January 8th blog entry includes lots of great links for writing opportunities. Be sure to check them out. (BTW, Jean is the director of the upcoming Write2Ignite Writer's Conference)
7. Cec Murphey's Christmas Spirit is looking for stories!
8. Guideposts Incredible Prayer Series needs stories for Refreshed by the Spirit.
9. Small Group Trader needs articles for leaders of small groups.
10. New LIVE editorial needs here.
11. List of anthology call-outs and contests here. Follow the free links offered February 9, 2010.
12. Barbara Parentini will be leading a two-part Living Letters Seminar event March 13 and March 27 in Chapel Hill, NC. This is an opportunity to write letters that can change lives.
13. Want to read your work aloud to an audience? Upstate SC American Christian Writers is sponsoring a Read Aloud Writer's Workshop at Anderson Library, Anderson, SC, February 27, 2010.
14. ChristianDevotions is always looking for devotional writers. Many of our readers have been published through the writing opportunities Eddie and Cindy offer.
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Now Available: New Writing Workshop, Teaching Biblical Truth through Secular Fiction!
It may surprise you to know your children's books can teach Godly principles and Biblical truth–even in public schools! I've had the joy of speaking to over 17,000 children across America, primarily in the public school system, and I've learned what we can and can't do…and I'd love to share what I've learned with you!
I'm excited about this new writing workshop, Teaching Children Biblical Truth through Secular Fiction. And to celebrate, I'm offering a special Writing for Children Package!
For a limited time, order Teaching Children Biblical Truth through Secular Fiction and you can receive Write a Novel Children Will Love for HALF PRICE! That's only $22.43–a savings of $7.47! No shipping. No waiting. Simply order, download, and listen at your convenience. (MP3 download and handouts included.) It's like having a writer's conference in the comfort of your own home! But this special will be offered for a limited time, so don't miss out.
And, as always, the first person to order the new class will get an instant refund of $14.95, making it only $7.48 for TWO classes or FREE if you only order the new class.
PLEASE NOTE: The free give-away is only for the first person to order the new class, whether as a single class or in the package, and the Two-Class Writing for Children Package Special is a limited time offer. Either way, you don't want to delay! Your writing could be making a difference in a child's life.
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And lastly, here's our verse for the week. I hope you'll meditate on it as He strengthens you for the journey ahead.
Do not be afraid, keep on speaking, do not be silent. Acts 18:9
I pray God's blessing on the work of your hands and your hearts,
Vonda
