Moments from the ACFW Conference – Appointments

For many writers, the conference appointments are a time of anxiety. Until recently I fell into that category too. I’ve come to the place where I enjoy the opportunity to share my passion for my stories. Conference provides many chances to chat with like-minded people, but during those precious 15 minutes, the agent or editor across the table is somewhat your captive audience.

My goal this year was to find an agent with whom I would fit well. I asked other authors this brilliant question, “How did you know your agent was right for you?” Each time I chuckled, because I sounded like my dear friend Gretchen when each of our friends got married. You could always count on Gretchen asking, “But how did you know he was the one?” And we’d answer, “You just know.”

Well, I had the appointment with the agent I’d carefully chosen months before, and wouldn’t you know it, I just knew. After only 15 minutes, I felt completely at ease with this person. I guess God had it all in His control. This agent, the one I really want to sign with,  may not feel the same about me. I’ll have to do what writers do. Wait, pray, drive my critique partners nuts, and I continually check my email for that request or rejection. Regardless of the answer, I’ll keep writing. God knows what I need, and He cares enough to take care of me.

By the way, my other appointment was mentoring with Deborah Raney. Writers, if you have the chance to do this, take it. In 15 minutes, I was encouraged, we talked out future plot ideas, and she gave me great pointers to strengthen the endings of my stories.

Hope the suns shining on you today,

Christina