Hi all, Ian here.
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| Dotti and a dear Canadian friend Cherie Tarcia Gagnon |
A few weeks prior to leaving
for the US, Dotti suggested we tag team on providing the ACW community with a
rundown of our time in Indianapolis. As it turned out I was a late no show due
to illness. In joining the Downunder group of very curious observers I figured
I’d have a chat with Dotti about her experience.
Dotti gave a wonderfully
detailed outline of a typical day at the Conference in Wednesday’s post. However, I wanted to dig a bit deeper on certain elements. So enough of
an intro, grab a cuppa and let’s hear some more from Dotti.
Attending the
conference is a significant investment in time and money. Some readers may be
unclear as to why many of us believe it’s an important conference to
attend. So why make the trip to
ACFW in the first place? This is your second time so what were seeking to
achieve by attending?
Yes, my first
time at the ACFW conference was in 2010. I returned this year with the aim to
secure an agent. Not all publishing houses are equal, and a good agent will
work on behalf of their client to find the right fit. The ACFW conference
allows delegates the opportunity to pitch to agents and editors, something I can’t
do from Australia.
To give readers a sense of the scope of representation, this year
there were 19 agents and 32 editors in attendance. I understand it’s the
largest representation in any Christian fiction conference in USA and hence,
probably the world.
Dotti, any reflections on meeting agents and editors, as they can be
quite intimidating even for seasoned attendees?
Editors and agents are people, just like writers. They carry the
same insecurities we do, and in a formal interview situation, understand nerves
can mess with us all. Preparation is the best way to approach an interview.
Research. Know what an agency/publishing house is actively looking for, and
only approach them if it matches what you’re selling. If you know they ask for
one-sheets, have them ready. If they say they don’t care to see them, tuck them
away. A ready smile doesn’t hurt, either. And if you have an Aussie/NZ accent,
use it. Our hosts were nothing short of amazing in their warm welcome and
genuine interest. I know the other Aussies and Kiwis there this year, Narelle
Atkins, Megan Sayer, Kara Isaac and Rel Mollet will agree.
Great advice, Dotti. Now you've been back a month or so, how happy
are you with what you achieved at the Conference?
I’m extremely happy and grateful for the opportunities I had at
conference. I met with and enjoyed three favourable agent appointments. I also
consolidated writing collaborations, met colleagues and made many new friends.
I’ve been interviewing fiction authors on my blog for a few years now, and I
was thrilled to meet some of them for the first time in Indy.
Which person made the biggest impression on you?
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Beyond the Borders crew enjoying
breakfast & fellowship |
That’s a hard one. Only because I was impressed with the generosity
of so many. I’ve been blessed by the helping hand of published and
pre-published authors. This year, I was invited to dinner with Kaye Dacus,
embraced by the girls from the Inkwell Inspirations blog and the girls from
Seekerville, and hung out with Jeane and Tyson Wynn of Wynn Wynn Media.
Saturday breakfast gathered the Beyond the Borders zone together for lots of
international fun.
But I think the deepest impression has to come from keynote
speaker, Robin Jones Gunn. She spoke about the way God shaped her writing
career in ways she could not have anticipated, or even wanted… but there was
not a dry eye in the house when Robin shared how God revealed Himself to her
readers, and how Robin played her part in this. Wow! I was clutching my tissues
and pinned to my seat.
I’d heard great reports on Robin's keynotes. I’m looking forward to
listening to her sessions on the Conference syllabus.
Finally, what words of encouragement would you have for fellow ACWers about
attending future Conferences, recognising the cost involved. The 2014 one being
in St Louis, Missouri.
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| The Cover of the Conference Journal |
Depending on what we want, our writing requires different investments
of time and money. If you’re keen to fly to the US, this may look unreachable
on paper. But if you believe God’s calling you to attend the ACFW Conference
next year, continue to pray. And save. The costs are great, but if you attend,
I’m guessing your commitment to meeting industry professionals and colleagues
is also very high. ACFW offers conference scholarships every year and all
members are invited to apply. Booking flights early can save money, and shared
accommodation halves rooming fees. And all writing related costs are tax
deductible.
Having attended twice now, I’ve seen God use this conference to
strengthen my writing, deepen my trust in Him, and sharpen my networking. The
first time, I kept to the wall. I watched how others navigated their way
around. This year I volunteered on the registration desk and kept time for
interview appointments. I hung out in the foyer, and introduced myself to those
I once let walk by.
Because it’s a long way from Melbourne to Indianapolis, and I wanted
to make sure this little Aussie writer said G’day to as many in the industry as
possible. And I can honestly say, the best God moments happened when I pressed
in against my desire to fade into the wall, and rolled up my ink stained
sleeves.
Well said, Dotti. I loved attending
the Conference in 2012 and I hope there is another one in my not to
distant future.
Thanks Dotti for sharing your
experience with us.
What’s
one Writers Conference that you remember with great fondness?
Dorothy Adamek lives
in Melbourne with her Beloved and their three teenagers. The winner of the 2013
FHL Touched By Love contest, she
is enamoured by all things 19th
century, and writes The Heartbeat of Yesteryear, Historical Romance - Aussie
style.
Come
say G'day at her blog, Ink Dots.
