Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Pre-Game Jitters for Author Type Athletes

Call it what you want: The Big Game, Opening Night, The Concert, The Playoffs. It is that big moment in your life for which you have been preparing. For me, it is a writing conference. Okay, I know that isn’t exactly like preparing for the Super Bowl, but there are similarities.

I know because I’m in training to attend the American Christian Fiction Writers annual conference in Dallas. It’s a big deal.

·     I need a game plan.
·  I need to know the players –the agents, editors, authors, and speakers attending.
·  I need my plays worked out.

My game plan? I am scheduled to meet with agents and editors. I have registered for workshops to help me strengthen my writing. I want to get everything I can out of those experiences.

The conference planners asked for volunteers. I volunteered to work an hour at the registration desk. I want to meet people. It’s part of my plan.

I don’t know exactly with whom I’ll be meeting. When I registered, I could choose three agents, three editors, and so forth. I think the way it works is I will get an appointment with one of each. So I’m reading their blogs, visiting their websites, learning what I can about them.

I have a first choice for an agent. I’ve been following his blog for a long time. (I don’t know if he’ll be the one I get to meet, but I’m praying that happens.) I currently don’t have an agent. I had Tom and God and figured that was enough.

I’ve prepared a synopsis for works I have in the mill.

I have my business cards ready. (Thanks Danielle)

I’m preparing my “elevator pitch.” By the way…next week I convinced the invincible Rebecca Barth to write a guest post on preparing the elevator pitch. She works with businesses and creative people all the time in presenting their ideas.

Oh, and I need to figure out what to wear, of course.

No this is not me. But I feel like it!


But mostly, I need to make sure I’m writing and not just talking about it.

The conference is a little over a week away and you could say I have the pre-game jitters.
What do you do to prepare for the BIG DAY?
Comments welcomed, prayers preferred.






6 comments:

  1. How exciting! Yes, indeed I will pray that your experience is as successful as you plan and that a particular agent is just as eager to meet you!

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    1. Thank you, Nancy! I trust I will learn a lot!!! Expect bunches of posts after the conference about what i've gleaned!

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  2. Attending my first conference this weekend, as well. Great post, and I wish you success!

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    1. That's great, Bryce. Hope the post was helpful. Be sure to check back in next week for the elevator pitch and on the 23rd I have a post on what to do AFTER the conference. Wishing you the best this weekend!

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  3. Can't wait to meet you at conference!

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