Blogger: Rachel Kent
Location: Books & Such main office, Santa Rosa, Calif.
I know yesterday my tip was about being prepared and knowing what you want to get out of the conference. Now I’m going to slightly contradict myself, but I think you’ll see why.
Tip #4: Leave room in your expectations for God to accomplish his plan for you during the conference time.
You might have all of your plans set out, and then none of what you thought should happen during the conference ends up happening. God might have a different reason for you to be at a writers’ conference.
For one author I know, she found out that she was at a conference solely to encourage other writers.
Another author discovered that she was supposed to meet an industry professional–and she found a job in publishing. She wouldn’t have guessed that was what God had planned, but it turned out to be the reason he called her to the conference.
Another author I met at a conference had a lot of marketing ideas to offer, and he ended up being invited back to the same conference the next year as faculty. He never expected to be a speaker, but he discovered he had a gift and had knowledge to offer others.
In most cases, we need to show up for God to work his plan in our lives. Leave room for him to work during conference time.
Have you ever clearly seen God working during a writers’ conference? Can you share your story?
Yes! Last year at NWCW’s conference I prayed for God to help me find other writers He wanted me to connect with. I met two others and we formed our group blog http://www.faithchats.blogspot.com It has been amazing working and writing with them these past nine months. God has shown me He is control of my writing, too. I’ve grown as much in my faith as I have in my writing. I’d love to you guys check it out and tell me what you think.
Yes! My personal goals for the conference were met–but ultimately I walked away realizing God used me to bring people together, especially the strays. It’s so intimidating to walk into a hotel with hundreds or thousands of other writers. Because I’ve moved around so much, I have a radar for introverts and take care to include anyone who looks lost.
My next conference I’ll be praying for God to remind me of this.
I love this post–it’s pretty amazing to see how God has directed others at conferences.
I haven’t been to a conference yet, but our Quills of Faith sponsored a Writers Seminar last year. I was new to the group and new to the idea of writing for publication. There are several published authors in this group, and they have helped us ( the unpublished) find our way through the deluge of information on writing. One of their best suggestions has been this site! I am sure the Lord gives us opportunity to connect to bless and to be blessed.
I am anticipating attending my first Writers Conference this year, and have been taking notes on this series. I do believe we should leave room in each day for God to accomplish His purposes…..we just need to be reminded to allow Him the wiggle room to do so!
Thanks for the insights.
Well done Rachel. I’ve found the people God brings into our lives at these conferences to be the greatest blessing. To be among so many who love the written word is a powerful experience.
That happened to me at last year’s ACFW conference. I was trying SO hard to “find” God’s will in my own strength that I literally hit a wall (okay, not literally) a couple days into the conference. I remember sitting on the bed in my hotel room and thinking, “Okay, God. I thought I’d surrendered before, but I’m really surrendering now. I’m exhausted, and if I’m supposed to meet people here, I need You to make it happen because I just can’t do it myself.” I decided to catch up on some sleep the next morning and change one of my scheduled appointments because I felt God leading me away from that agent. That day–thanks to my sleeping in, actually, which affected timing–I received my first full manuscript request from an editor, I met another editor I can see myself working with in the future, and I met precious Etta Wilson by nothing short of a divine appointment. God does work in mysterious ways!
Yes! This happened to me during my first year at Mount Hermon.
I was feeling completly discouraged before one of the meal times,so I knew it wouldn’t be a good time to pitch my novel to an editor or agent. Instead, I wandered around the tables looking for a “safe place” to sit where I wouldn’t ruin my future. A friend steered me to the Guideposts table. Since I was only focused on my book manuscript, I figured I couldn’t do any damage there. As I sat and chatted with B.J. Taylor, I shared a funny story that I had posted on my blog a few weeks before. Her eyes lit up and she insisted that I write it up and send it to Guideposts. I was quite startled, as I wasn’t even trying to pitch, I was just making table conversation.
They accepted it and printed it last year in February–my first publishing credit in the Christian market.
I firmly believe that God orchestrated that moment.
I spent the night before my first writer’s conference rereading the chapter I had submitted for comments. I came to the conclusion I was the absolute worst writer EVER. I thought someone would meet me at the door and forbid entrance. “Are you Sue Harrison? We will not call security if you leave peacefully… IMMEDIATELY.” Instead I received incredible encouragement and great advice. God is good!
Rachel, I’m so glad you made this point. Though it would be great if we never forgot, I imagine many of us need this reminder! (Especially a task-oriented person like myself.)
And to every one who has commented: Thank you for your inspiring affirmations of God’s active work!
Rachel, in 2004, I was cutting it close getting my manuscript samples to Mount Hermon in time to be read ahead and commented upon, so I drove it over and then had a couple of days to kill in the Bay Area. Much of my story takes place around San Quentin Prison, so I drove over to re-walk some of the story’s settings. Then I went inside to visit for the first time with a pen pal on Death Row. After 4 hours locked with him in a cell, I came out saying, “Oh, Lord, that was amazing! Now I just need to talk to someone who was here in 1966!”
Then I drove back to Mount Hermon. At the very first meal I sat down next to Joe Hare, a retired San Quentin Assistant Warden who had supervised Death Row in 1966. He had come looking for a way to publish his memoirs. I spent the weekend picking his brain and reading his manuscript (all between trying to take in every possible session). Ain’t God good?
Mr. Hare eventually self published his book as “Changed at San Quentin…for Better or Worse.”
I attended my first national writer’s conference last summer and had just such a moment! It was both humbling and amazing to be reminded just how much “by chance” is really “by God’s plan” in action!
Thanks so much, Rachel, for the reminder!
Years ago at Mount Hermon I met someone from the area where I lived who helped me find a new church. (My husband was allergic to the perfume at our current one.) He was forming a critique group, which I joined, and we’re still friends over a decade later even though I don’t live near him anymore. That person was John Olson.
Hi Rachel, I’ve been going to a particular conference for a couple of years now. This past year I didn’t have a pitch session but I’d recently been named a RWA, GH 2010 finalist for YA (a totally different God story). A fellow attendee insisted that I share her pitch appointment. I ended up pitching a co-written, YA re-imagining of Brigadoon to an editor for Harlequin Teen. Turns out, Brigadoon is that agent’s favorite musical. She requested the full ms on the spot. That is just one of the amazing “coincidences” God has brought about with this manuscript.
“Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands.” -Psalm 90