Into the Fire

It’s not that I now consider myself an old hand at these writers’ conferences after experiencing just one. No way. It’s just that if a person visits even a portion of the available blogs and websites of professional agents, editors, and authors, he will glean enough information to feel comfortable at one—at least until he has to sit before the agent and editor and convince them in five minutes or less why his book is worthy of not only their interest but of their firm spending the big bucks to put it into print.

This was a two day conference held on a Friday and Saturday. The registration began at 11:00 AM on Friday, and all it really consisted of was getting your nametag necklace and a packet with the local information about Northwest Writers Association, the two day schedule, a map of the large church facilities in order to find the classrooms for workshops and the areas where roundtable discussions would take place. There was a small but inviting coffee shop within the church which offered coffee and tea fare plus Italian Sodas and pop (Coca Cola—YAY!) in cans as well as water. One of the neat things about the location of the little shop—at least to me—was that it was a considerable distance from the church’s sanctuary. I’m one of “those” who are really bugged by people who can’t seem to separate themselves from their coffees when they come in the sanctuary to worship the Lord. But I digress . . .

The catering was excellent with ample displays of wonderful desserts after the keynote speech the first night; the second day continental breakfast with fresh fruit fare, muffins, coffeecakes, orange juice, coffee, tea, and water; multiple sandwiches, potato salad, various chips, more fruits for lunch, and a well-prepared dinner of chicken breast, delicious flavored mashed potatoes, julienne vegetables, a dinner salad, and a type of creamy cheesecake for dessert. There were also snacks of nuts and candies and granola bars. The Friday lunch and dinner breaks were not provided, but I think they’re considering including at least one of those meals next year.

One young woman came from Chicago, Illinois. There were others who traveled from Tennessee, Canada, Idaho, Colorado, Oregon, and from all over Washington.

Cec Murphey, the keynote speaker and author of 90 Minutes in Heaven, Touchdown Alexander, and innumerable other books where he assisted celebrities in writing their stories, provided energy, realism, and hope in his message to the large group. His question, paraphrased, was right on when he asked who did any of us think we are? We’re nobodies. It’s God who gives us our value and voice and provides for whatever it is that develops for us in the realm of publishing, and He deserves all the glory.

Another comment he made which I found interesting was about the short novel The Shack which is stirring up all kinds of controversy. I’ve heard good, bad, and indifferent about the theology of the story, and Cec mentioned that it wasn’t particularly well-written. Regardless of anyone’s opinion about the book, its sales are raging. The self-created publisher was designed just so this book could be published along with a couple more if I’m not mistaken, and it has apparently captured the world’s attention.

Cec spoke at the closing ceremonies with more insightful stories and comments, and it was a pleasure to listen to him.

This is a good conference to attend because the people who sponsor it and participate in it love Jesus Christ and strive to honor Him with their workshops, roundtable discussions, speeches, and presentations. It seemed very low-key and casual with many opportunities to engage other attendees as well as the pros.

I had one conversation with a local published (by Zondervan) author who was considering seeking ABA publication for his current WIP. He expressed some of the same frustrations you’ve seen me write in my posts, and it was somehow comforting that he didn’t give me canned responses to my concerns.

One thing that was stressed over and over again is to know who to approach with your work. Publishing houses are looking for specific types of novels, and if you don’t have an agent to navigate who’s looking for what, then you better have a solid idea of where to look. And, yes, it’s somewhat agreed upon that finding an agent is equally or more difficult to find than a publisher. Only a small number of houses will allow un-agented material. Contrary to what B & H posts on their website, Karen Ball says they will accept unsolicited e-mail fiction submissions. Just don’t send her any more than a one sheet query, or you won’t even get a look. Sally Stuart’s Market Guide was heavily touted as a necessity for seeking agents and publishers, even though it was admitted by agent Joyce Hart things can change overnight as editors leave one place and show up at another.

In spite of recent changes at Thomas Nelson by CEO Michael Hyatt, what seemed to rock the publishing world when he made the announcements of layoffs, publishing less books, and pulling out of the big ICRS shindig among other things, the professionals at this conference seemed to take it in stride, noting that things can often be chaotic in the publishing world.

So . . . this should wrap up my thoughts on a positive experience at the Northwest Christian Writers’ Renewal.

God, you are in charge of it all. Thank you for your gracious generosity to me in this experience. I pray your blessing over those who attended. Lead them in your ways ever lasting. Help the professionals to follow you in all they do in this business of publishing. Give them courage and determination. Help the attendees who came to learn or came to present their “wares” to know you are the giver of good and perfect gifts, that they need to honor you in all they do, and help them to follow you no matter what. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

*Please remember to pray for Kristy Dykes and her family.*

*Kristy feels she is going to heaven soon. We are praying for her healing and know that our Lord is with her and will keep her. (Milton)*