Spending money (even when you’re not making any)

Today, I’m blogging for ACFW and I’m offering my true confessions as a shopaholic (unreformed). You see, shopping is all about feeling like you got a good deal. That’s right! Regardless of what you might believe, shopping does not go hand in hand with spending. At least, not for me. In fact, I only spend when I think I’m getting something of value from the purchase. The same applies when I’m investing in my writing career. I can’t attend every writers conference (nor would I want to). So, as a good shopper, I pick the conferences that will benefit my career the most.  ACFW conference is right at the top of that very short list. Totally worth the money–yes, even for those writers out there who aren’t making any money (and maybe especially for those writers).

Here are a few reasons why:

1. Face-to-face networking. Absolutely nothing can replace the value of having actual (not virtual) conversations with editors, agents and experienced authors. At ACFW conference, they are everywhere!!! It’s like a Hollywood star spotting for Christian writers. You’ll see faces you know around every corner. And you can eat meals with these people. Chat over coffee. Even set up appointments with them.

2. Learning opportunities. There are fabulous workshops on craft, author marketing, and the business of publishing. Something for all levels of writers.

3. An atmosphere of mutual understanding and purpose. As Christians, our main goal in life is to further His kingdom. It’s a pretty cool thing to be in a place where several hundred people are gathered because they love to tell stories and because they love Jesus Christ. Conference is a place to worship, recommit your writing to God, and make lasting friendships with great people.

So, if you’re sitting on the fence about ACFW conference, keep thinking it over. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Take it from a shopper, it’s a good value. Hope to see you there.

Kit Wilkinson

Kit has two novels with Steeple Hill Books. You can learn more at her website.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Writing | 1 Comment »

Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference

This Sunday begins one of my favorite writers conferences. It’s called Blue Ridge because it’s held at Ridgecrest Center in the mountains just outside of Asheville, North Carolina. It’s a great conference with lots of great writers like Jerry Jenkins, Steven James, Angela Hunt, and Diann Mills. I also enjoy the worship time and main speakers. My friend, Janet Roller, is leading the music this year. And lots of friendly faces will be there. Can’t wait! To find out more about the conference click here.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Other Stuff, Writing | 1 Comment »

Nicole O’Dell and Scenarios for Girls

Welcome my dear friend and author, Nicole O’Dell. Nicole has been gracious enough to provide us with a fun interview below and be sure to check out her series for Teens and Tweens with Barbour Publishing, called Scenario’s For Girls. Fun books that deal with real choices and the reader gets to participate!  Here’s here latest two titles.

(See below for contacting Nicole and learning more)

If you’re not familiar with SCENARIOS check out this video.SCENARIOSwatch?v=970PnG2bgDM

1.     How many hours a day/number of pages do you write? Describe a good/bad work day.

Hmm. It would be easier for me to talk about the week because every single day is different. When I’m in the middle of a project, a 10,000-15,000 word week is average. I recently had a 10,000 word day–that was fun!

A good day for me involves spending the morning with my kids and hanging with the babies until Wil can take over. I’ll go off and work for a few hours and re-

enter when the babies wake up from their nap and the older kiddos get home from school. Then I work more after bedtime.

A bad work day is when everything goes wrong–a baby is sick, the washing machine breaks,

etc–and I don’t ever get to break away to write. I have to force myself to be flexible on those days. Grin and bear it. :)

2.     What are some of the goals you (would like to) accomplish through your writing?

At this moment, I just pray that I can continue what I’m doing and get better at it. As time goes on, I hope to have a thriving ministry to teens, making a difference in many lives. It can be through writing or other means as God leads.

3.     What do you feel is the best and worst part of writing/publishing?

The best part is being able to express myself through the medium I most prefer. I love books! The worst part would have to be the waiting. It’s so difficult to finish a book and know you won’t be able to share it with others for at least a year.

4.     What practical advice do you have for unpublished writers?

Keep at it. Go to conferences. Network. I know everyone says those things, but it’s so true. Learn. Learn. Learn.

5.     What do you find inspiring?

The people I meet along this amazing journey. I’ve made some wonderful writer friends who just may understand me better than anyone (Kit: wink, wink). It’s such a relief to share the solitary life of being a writer with others who walk the same path.

6.     What’s your favorite comfort food?

Is coffee a food? No? Okay, then I’d have to say gummy bears. I really, really want a white one of these:  http://www.vat19.com/dvds/worlds-largest-gummy-bear.cfm?adid=gbase I have a whole process for eating gummy bears. I eat the green and orange ones first to get them out of the way. The red and white ones get special attention. First, I bite off their little arms and legs. Next, I bite them in half lengthwise. I eat the bumpy front part and then suck on the flat rectangle back for a while. Is that weird?

7.     What do you do for fun?

Um…I think I just described it! J/K. Fun…hmm…I love to bike. That would have to be my favorite leisure activity. My family members are all big board game players, and we love to get together for game nights.

*website: www.nicoleodell.com

*blog: www.nicoleodell.blogspot.com

*twitter and facebook links: www.twitter.com/Nicole_Odell and www.facebook.com/nicoleodell

Thanks for visiting, Nicole!

*Here’s a link to a recent podcast: http://gabcast.com/casts/1631/episodes/1264012962.mp3

Tags: , , ,
Posted in family life, Interviews, What I’m Reading | 5 Comments »

« Previous PageNext Page »

another idiStudio.com website
all-media image and brand development

© Kit Wilkinson
All rights reserved