Dianne E. Butts About Writing

 

The Writing E-zine for Beginning and Intermediate Writers

February 2008 ~ 227 Subscribers

 

 

Cover Story:

 

"Attending Christian Writers Conferences"

 

    Have you attended a Christian writers conference? If you have, I hope this month's e-zine will give you some pointers or resources to help make your next conference even more successful. If you haven't, I hope to give you some good reasons to attend one this year, and some resources to help you prepare to get the most out it. But let's start with some basics.

 

Why attend a Christian writers conference?

    I have attended the Colorado Christian Writers Conference (CCWC) since 1989. Most of the writers I know, who have long since become close friends, I met there. I've also attended other conferences, like the American Christian Writers (ACW) Conferences and Glorieta. Occasionally someone will ask me, "Why do you go every year?" The question, I think, implies that we reach a point where we've learned it all. Uh, no. I've been doing this writing gig a while, and I'm always learning. Besides, the industry is constantly changing, as is the technology we use to do our jobs and market and promote our work. School teachers have to attend classes every year to keep their certifications up. My husband, a law enforcement officer, is sent to meetings annually to stay abreast of new laws, technology, and training. Medical professionals, computer experts...pretty much every other profession gets fresh training annually. Why would writers think we don't need the same? A conference is where you'll find training and information about our industry, along with encouragement and contacts.

    Also, in the general work force as opportunities for telecommuting increase, wise employees know "face time" at the office becomes critical. It's nice to stay home and work, but professionals still need for their boss to see their faces, to get to know them, the quality of their work and that they're hard at work. For a writer, a writers conference is "face time at the office." This is where editors, publishers, agents, conference directors, professional writers, and other professionals in the industry get to know you. When they see your face at conferences, in their workshops, across the lunch table, they'll begin to know you, and that you're serious about your writing. Otherwise, you're name is just another name on just another manuscript that comes over the transom and into their slush pile.

    I'm specifying "Christian" conference because the workshops at a Christian conference are specifically geared to you and to the special challenges facing Christians who write. If you're not a Christian, you'll still welcome. If the worship, singing, and/or prayer make you uncomfortable, it's fine to sit quietly and respectfully while the rest of us participate.

 

What to expect.

    Most conferences have many workshops to chose from. For you introverts, no one is going to call on you in class or ask you to read your writing. Almost always these activities, if they occur at all, are voluntary. I've maybe been called on two or three times in all the workshops in all the years I've been going. So relax. You can go sit in these workshops without fear. And if they do ask everyone to speak and that makes you uncomfortable, leave. Go get a cup of coffee, and then come back when that part's over.

    Besides workshops, most conferences have general sessions for all participants with keynote speakers. Some conferences--each has its own personality--also have times for critique groups, panel discussions (editors talking about their magazine's needs or publishers talking about how to get your book noticed), and networking.

    At the CCWC (as, I'm sure, at many other conferences), there are opportunities to have your material critiqued by a professional, for an additional cost. You will send your material in advance, then meet with the critiquer one-on-one at the conference.

    Additionally, many conferences offer appointments where you can meet one-on-one with editors and/or agents. Most often these appointments are no more than fifteen minutes. If this sounds frightening to you, or if you're not sure how to prepare for such a meeting, be sure to see the Sidebar article below.

 

What not to expect.

    When you're at a conference, do not expect other people attending to have time to read your manuscript(s). You might find yourself wanting to ask, and some people may have the time, but you shouldn't expect it.

    Even when you have a one-on-one appointment with an editor or agent, you shouldn't expect them to take your book proposal or manuscript with them. Most of these folks travel by plane to get to the conference and they simply can't lug all that paperwork home in their suitcase. On occasion someone may be interested enough to take your material, but you shouldn't expect it. If they're interested, most will ask you to send it to them by e-mail or regular mail after the conference.

 

Be prepared.

    I can't tell you how many times at conferences I've heard some newbie gasp and cry out, "I should have brought business cards!" Uh...yeah! You will want to exchange cards with other writers and an editor or agent may want to know how to get in touch with you. Every serious writer should have business cards. They don't cost that much. Get some here: Get FREE business cards for your business or personal use -- an $85 FREE gift. Top quality! Full color! .

    Many conferences offer sample copies of magazines and writer's guidelines from magazine markets and book publishers. Tuck a couple of grocery sacks in your briefcase and take advantage of these free materials. They'll save you a bundle of time and expense in gathering them on your own. If you're traveling by plane, it might be possible to ship these heavy materials to yourself. Or plan to leave extra room in your suitcase to transport them home.

    Order tapes or CDs of workshops you weren't able to attend, or take an order form so you can order later.

    Make notes of everything you're supposed to send a quick e-mail to people you met when you get home. This is follow up and networking.

 

    If you're not sure which conference to pick, find help in the Q&A section below. And if you don't think you can afford to go to a conference, think again. There's some real help out there waiting for you to claim it. Find that also in the in the Q&A section below.

    If you're the type to get nervous about attending a conference, I hope this information will help stave off the nerves. Take a step of faith and go. I seriously doubt you'll regret it.

 

    For a list of conferences, visit the Writers Conferences page on www.DianneEButts.com .

 

 

 

Section 2:

 

Q & A: Dianne Answers Your Questions about Writing

 

Q: How do I pick which writers conference to attend? There are so many...

A: Yes, there has been an explosion of conferences for writers in recent years. Obviously you will want to take into account the location and the cost. Also look at who is on faculty. Will there be instructors offering workshops in your areas of interest, whether fiction or non-fiction, magazine articles or books, screenwriting or marketing? Will there be editors, publishers, and agents there who accept the types of material you write? What workshops are offered and do they interest you? Considering these items will help you narrow down the list of conferences to one that is right for you.

 

Q: I don't think I can afford to go to a writers conference. Any advice?

A: Yes, look for a conference that is close to home to cut travel expenses. If you need help with the registration fee, contact the conference director and ask if any scholarships are available. Many conferences offer scholarships to help those who need it. Furthermore, author Cecil Murphy ( http://themanbehindthewords.com/ ), co-author of 90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death & Life generously offers scholarships to writers who need financial help to attend a conference. Sometimes scholarships will also help cover some of your room, meals, and travel expenses. Unfortunately, many of these scholarships go unused. Don't be afraid to ask. Donors are delighted when their gifts are used.

    If you absolutely cannot make it to a conference, you can still learn from the workshops and speakers in your own home. Request a brochure from the conferences you wish you could attend and review the workshops offered. Also request a tape/CD order form, then order the CDs of those workshops. You won't get to enjoy the fellowship of other writers or have appointments, but you can still learn a great deal...and get some encouragement and inspiration to get you through the lonely months until the next conference.

    Finally, you can attend the seminar I gave, "Writing for Publication: How to Find Markets and Submit Your Work," right in your home. My seminar on tape includes over four hours of instruction plus all the handouts for $24.99 plus shipping and applicable taxes. Order from me (dbwrites@comcast.net) or from the "For Writers" side of www.DianneEButts.com. Click "Writing Seminar on Tape." And pay by PayPal.

 

Do you have a question you'd like me to address? E-mail it here: dbwrites@comcast.net. Include your first name, city and state (optional), and, if you wish, a link or two to your web site, blog and/or online article.

 

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Sidebar

"How to Prepare for Appointments with Editors or Agents"

 

    Many conferences offer one-on-one appointments with your conference registration or for an additional fee. Often these are only fifteen minutes, which zooms by. It's helpful to have your material organized and ready to go to take best advantage of this time. Here's what you should have with you:

    If you're pitching an article: If you have already written your article, you should take one or more hard copies of it. If it's a short article, an editor might have time to read it, but don't expect that. Take a one-page query letter for longer articles and articles you haven't written yet. An editor can usually read your query and let you know if he or she is interested all in fifteen minutes. Some editors won't want to read it, they'll want to ask you about it. Don't worry! You'll have all the information you need to refer to right in your hands.

    If you're pitching a book:  Obviously no editor would have time to look at your book proposal. Prepare an abbreviated book proposal, often called a "One Sheet" or "One Page." A One-Sheet typically has the following information, all on one sheet of paper:

    For more information on One Pages, read the article "Pitch It" by author Beth Vogt on her web site www.TheWritingRoad.com.

    For additional information on preparing for these one-on-one appointments, read Marlene Bagnull's (director of the Colorado and Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conferences) excellent article "How-to's for Appointments" (or go to the "Appointments" page of www.WriteHisAnswer.com/Colorado and look for the "click here" link).

 

    What should you do if you don't get the appointment you had your heart set on? You may be able to talk to the person after a workshop, during a meal, or at the end of the day. If you have the opportunity, briefly ask the person if they have time to meet with you, when, and arrange to find them. If they don't have time, politely ask if you may e-mail them your question or material after the conference. If yes, ask for an e-mail address or a business card. Remember, editors and agents are at the conference because they want to meet prospective writers, so don't be shy to let them know who you are and what you have to offer.

  

 

sidebar -- a short article, statistics, graphs, or other information that accompanies an article. It's usually set off in a box or separate area on the same pages of the article.     Find more definitions of writing terms here: Glossary of Writing Terms

 

Section 3:

 

Period.

 

    What should you do if your appointment with an editor or agent at a conference doesn't go well? You hoped the editor would love your idea and it just didn't happen. Or you prayed the agent would love your work and want to represent you, but that didn't happen either. Remember this is only one person and not getting a positive response from one person does not make you a failure. The LORD God knows just what needs to happen with your piece of writing. Trust that He is at work. Following His leading as best you're able. And try again.

    Maybe your piece needs improvement. Or maybe it's fine and you just need to approach someone else. Don't give up. Try again. Never, ever quit. You can do it! Period. No buts about it.

 

 

Back Cover Copy

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Bio: Dianne E. Butts has been writing for publication since 1989 with 200+ articles in more than 50 periodicals and contributions to fifteen books. Her articles have appeared in Focus on the Family magazine, The Lookout, Light and Life, The Salvation Army's War Cry, The Plain Truth, On Mission, Bible Advocate, Live, Evangel, the Christian Motorcyclists Association's HeartBeat, The Quiet Hour, Christian Communicator, SpiritLedWriter.com, and more. Book contributions include stories in Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul 2, For Better or Worse: A Devotional for Married Couples by Marlene Bagnull, Beauty is Soul Deep, A Cup of Comfort Devotional for Women and Mothers, and Zondervan's New Women's Devotional Bible. Her work has appeared in Great Britain, Poland, Bulgaria, Canada, and Korea.

 

 

Subtopic 1:

 

Pull Quote

 

"The editors at this conference also love the Lord and are seeking to serve Him the same as you are. Trust the Lord to open the right door at the right time for your work." Marlene Bagnull, "How-to's for Appointments" on www.WriteHisAnswer.com .

 

 

~ ~ ~

 

My Book: Dear America: A Letter of Comfort and Hope to a Grieving Nation (Ampelos, 2002). Available from www.DianneEButts.com or here, from Amazon.com:  Dear America, - A Letter of Comfort & Hope to a Grieving Nation.

   

 

 

 

Subtopic 2:

 

Resources

 

 

 

 

 

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Subtopic 3:

 

Conferences:

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