Interview with Liz Johnson

Today I'm welcoming Liz Johnson to my blog! I met Liz at the 2014 ACFW Conference in St. Louis, and then spent more time with her at our Books and Such Literary Management Retreat in Monterey, in October. Liz is such a sweetheart, and so funny! She's here to talk about her latest release, Navy Seal Noel, and to give us a sneak peek at her next release.

 

 

Welcome to my blog, Liz! I’m thrilled that you stopped by to visit today and talk about your newest release, Navy Seal Noel and your upcoming series with Revell Publishers.

 

Hi! I’m so excited to be here today. Thanks for inviting me over for a chat!

 

For readers meeting you here for the first time, can you tell us a little about yourself and your publication story?

 

By day I’m a not-so-mild-mannered marketing manager for nonfiction books at a Christian publisher. By night I spin wild stories of love and suspense. I live in Nashville and love to spend my free time exploring the history (especially Civil War era) and harmonies of Music City. I wrote my first short story at age seven. At twenty-seven I signed a contract on my first book, The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn. In those twenty years I wrote a lot of really, really bad books. I also took some classes, went to some writers conferences, and read a lot of other books. And one day my writing started to get a little bit better. My most recent romantic suspense, Navy SEAL Noel, is my seventh book with Love Inspired Suspense. I’ve also gotten to write an historical novella (Civil War era, of course) and a handful of short Christmas stories for Guideposts Books.

 

I'd love to explore the history of Nashville! I'm a fan of Civil War era history, as well. Can you give us a brief synopsis of Navy Seal Noel and a sneak peek at your next release? 

 

Navy SEAL Noel is about scientist Jessalynn McCoy, who is abducted by a drug cartel and ordered to release a deadly toxin, or she’ll be killed. Trapped with no options, she's desperate for help…she just never expected it from Will Gumble. The boy who let her down years ago is now a navy SEAL. She trusts his skills, his experience. Yet trusting him is a struggle. Will's wish is to heal their damaged relationship and get them to safety. But time is running out and someone is on to their escape plans. Any mistake could mean the difference between facing the rest of their lives together or apart. Forever.

 

My next release is a little over a year away, so I don’t have a lot of details to share yet. I will say that it’s a contemporary romance set on Prince Edward Island that follows the lives of four people trying to open a bed and breakfast. It’s the first in a three-book series from Revell Publishers.

 

You had me at Prince Edward Island! :) I’ve heard that some authors need to have a special environment to write in (music, comfy chair, coffee shop, quiet room, desk, etc.). Do you have a special place you like to write?

 

I’m not terribly picky. I like to be in a comfy spot—I do have a writing chair that is incredibly comfortable—and have a diet dr. pepper close by. When I’m on an urgent deadline, everything about my house becomes suddenly very interesting, so I usually have to find a back corner at a coffee shop or Panera and plug in my earbuds to get to work. And I definitely have to have music playing—something that puts me in the mood of the scene I’m writing.

 

I had to giggle. Deadlines are a fickle thing, aren't they? One part panic, and the other part--oh, look at the spots I need to mop on my floor... I know you made the move from your home state of Arizona to Tennessee. What have you found is the biggest difference in culture?

 

It's hard to say what the biggest difference is. Perhaps it’s cliché to say this, but Southern hospitality is a wonderful part of Nashville. I’ve never lived in a place where so many people are just genuinely kind to strangers. I saw it firsthand when I moved here five years ago, just in time for the flood that destroyed so much of Nashville. When the waters receded, people walked out of their homes and went door-to-door offering to help their neighbors tear down and rebuild. Some churches collected so many items for donation that they couldn’t find enough people who needed the donations. I attended one benefit concert that was so packed, I had to stand in the very back of the auditorium the entire show. Nashville loves to care for its people and neighbors, and I love that about living here.

 

That's such a nice thing to say about Nashville. It's wonderful to know that neighborliness is still alive and well. Here’s one more question, just for fun. I saw on your blog that you can talk about bad made-for-TV movies for hours. J What is the worst movie you’ve ever watched? 

 

I do love cheesy made-for-TV movies! They make me so happy. But the one that drove me crazy (in a bad way) was about a woman who wrote a book, which outlined what she’d like her love life to look like with a fictional guy named George. She sent her manuscript off to a publisher, who immediately bought it and produced a huge hardcover print run in a month. Then the author confessed that her book was not true, and there was no man named George in her life. The publisher demanded that the author find a George stand in for media appearances. So the author found a guy named George and thought he had all the qualities she’d been looking for, but maybe her childhood friend was actually a better match for her.

 

This movie got everything (EVERYTHING!) about the publishing industry wrong. Books don’t miraculously get edited, typeset, proofread, designed, printed, marketed, and distributed in a month. It takes a long time to release a book. The movie also showed zero understanding of the word fiction (seriously? When was the last time a novelist had to present one of her characters in real life?). And in this particular film, my favorite part of most movies—the romance plot—just fell flat.

 

But there are so many wonderfully cheesy flicks out there. Hallmark Channel especially knows how to take advantage of all my favorite romance tropes—marriages/relationships of convenience, secret identities, and reunion romances. Their Christmas movies are one of my favorite parts of the season.

 

See, I told you I could talk about made-for-TV movies for hours!

 

That does sound horrible! I struggle with movies that portray a false impression of publishing more than I should. :)

 

Thank you for answering my questions, Liz! I can’t wait to read your next release. It’s been a pleasure having you visit my blog.

 

Thanks so much for having me here, Gabe! What a treat to visit with you and your readers.

 

Liz has generously agreed to give away a copy of her book, Navy Seal Noel, to one lucky winner! Be sure to leave a comment and enter the Rafflecopter for your chance to win. Also, be sure to stop by Liz's Facebook page and like it to stay updated on her books!

 

YOUR TURN: Do you have a favorite (or least favorite) made-for-TV movie? Have you ever been to Nashville? Or Prince Edward Island? Where would you rather go?

About Liz:
By day Liz Johnson is a marketing manager for a Christian publisher. She finds time to write late at night and is a two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist. Liz makes her home in Nashville, TN, where she enjoys theater, exploring local music, and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her nieces and nephews. She loves stories of true love with happy endings and shares about her adventures in writing at www.LizJohnsonBooks.com.

About Navy Seal Noel:

A LETHAL REUNION
Abducted by a drug cartel, scientist Jessalynn McCoy's orders are simple—produce a deadly toxin, or be killed. Trapped with no options, she's desperate for help…she just never expected it from Will Gumble. The boy who let her down years ago is now a navy SEAL. She trusts his skills, his experience. Yet trusting him is a struggle. Will's Christmas wish is to heal their damaged relationship and get them to safety. But time is running out and the stakes keep rising. Any mistake could mean the difference between facing the holidays together or apart forever.
Men of Valor: These navy SEALS were born to excel…

  

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Interview with Lisa Jordan

I'm excited to welcome author Lisa Jordan to my blog today! I met Lisa a few years ago when I went to my first ACFW Conference in Dallas, Texas. Lisa is an award-winning novelist by night, an early childhood educator by day, and the coordinator of the My Book Therapy Voices. I can't wait for you to meet her!

* * * *

 

Lisa and me at the 2013 ACFW Conference during
our agency breakfast.

GM: Welcome to my blog, Lisa! I’m excited you stopped by to visit today and talk about your newest release, Lakeside Redemption.

LJ: Thanks for having me, Gabe. J I love talking to other readers, and such great timing to talk about my newest release. ;)

GM: I'm thrilled that you're here to talk about your fourth Love Inspired book, Lakeside Redemption. For readers meeting you here for the first time, can you tell us a little about yourself and your publication story?

LJ: I knew I wanted to be a writer when I was 16 and had just finished reading The Promise by Danielle Steel. I wanted to make readers feel that same heart-sigh I felt after reading “The End.” I set the dream aside for about a decade while I got married and started a family. In 2004, I completed my first novel during NaNoWriMo. My husband realized I was serious about this writing stuff and bought me a laptop. The next year, I joined ACFW, attended my very first writers conference and met the incredible Susan May Warren, who was so amazing to hang out with. She took me under her wing. Under her friendship and mentorship, I learned how to write a novel that would attract an agent’s attention. In 2009, I finaled in ACFW’s Genesis contest. I had pitched to Rachelle Gardner, who requested the full. A week before my birthday in March 2010, she offered representation. On January 7, 2011, Melissa Endlich of Love Inspired offered a contract for what became Lakeside Reunion, the story of my heart. That novel won the 2012 Carol Award for short contemporary romance. Now I’m working on my fifth novel, and I couldn’t be happier to be living my dream.

GM: And I know so many readers who couldn't be happier that you're living your dream! Can you tell us a little about Lakeside Redemption? 

LJ: My third novel, Lakeside Sweethearts, was inspired by a local woman’s dream to open a home for women released from prison to help them readjust to society once again. In Lakeside Sweethearts, Ian and Agnes work together to restore an old house into Agape House for Ian’s sister who was going to be released from prison soon.

Lakeside Redemption is the story of Zoe, Ian’s sister, a year after her stay at Agape House. She has been given a fresh start...just like all of us have been. We serve a God of second chances. I wanted this book to show there is nothing that will destroy the love God has for each one of us. He may not approve of our negative choices, but nothing separates us from His love. We are redeemed.

GM: I love the heart behind your fiction--and behind everything else you do. I’m so impressed with how you manage your day job as a daycare provider, your work as an award-winning novelist, and all the other ways you volunteer in your community and in the publishing industry. What is your best advice for keeping yourself organized?

LJ: I’m a bit of a control freak. I thrive on lists, order and the ability to do more than one thing at a time. Some days are harder than others, especially when I’m on deadline. I believe in making S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely) goals. I use my calendar and planner to keep track of deadlines, word counts, and appointments. I plan a menu for the month, and I do grocery shopping for a month. Our boys are in their 20s now, so I’m not caring for little ones in the evenings. That’s when I do most of my writing. Each writer needs to create a system that works best for her family and situation. Um, did I mention...and a whole lotta prayer.

GM: I love your acronym for setting goals. I'm in the process of creating my goals for 2015 and I'll have to make sure they fall under S.M.A.R.T. Since we just celebrated a new year, I’d love to know your best memory of 2014.

LJ: I’m going to be very honest and say 2014 was an incredibly hard year for my family. We were already mourning the loss of my dad. Each month brought another trial, including losing my father-in-law to cancer. The hardest battle we had to fight was when our youngest son became critically ill and nearly died the same week Lakeside Redemption was due to my editor. I spent a week begging God to spare his life. God answered that prayer with a yes. I’m so incredibly blessed by the amazing power of prayer that circled the globe on my son’s behalf. To me, that was my best memory—so many people loved us and cared for us to pray for someone they didn’t even know. I can’t even type about it without getting teary eyed.

GM: I'm sorry to hear 2014 was a tough year. Here's hoping 2015 will be a much better year for you and your family.

I have one more question, just for fun. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

LJ: I am so longing to be on a sun-kissed beach right now. Due to some life events, we haven’t had a family vacation since 2009. This week, I’ve been searching for beach vacations. I love lying on the warm sugar sand as the salty air breezes my skin while I listen to the cawing of the sea gulls as they dip and soar over the white-crested surf. Give me sand, sun, and surf, baby.

GM: Right now I could go for some sand, sun, and surf, too!!

Thank you for answering my questions, Lisa! It’s been a pleasure to have you stop by my blog.

Your Turn, Reader: What is your favorite memory of 2014?

Be sure to comment below and enter to win a copy of Lakeside Redemption!

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Fresh Start Family
Zoe James is starting over. She's worked hard to get past the foolish mistakes that landed her in trouble four years ago. Now the young mom is back in Shelby Lake and ready to reconnect with her son. When she bumps into old friend Caleb Sullivan and his two adorable girls, she sees the possibility of a happy future. Caleb has always secretly loved Zoe, but her turbulent past brings up tough memories of his own. As they spend time together training his girls' new puppy, Zoe and Caleb will learn that if they can forgive themselves, they might have a chance at a new life—and new love—together.
Zoe James is starting over. She's worked hard to get past the foolish mistakes that landed her in trouble four years ago. Now the young mom is back in Shelby Lake and ready to reconnect with her son. When she bumps into old friend Caleb Sullivan and his two adorable girls, she sees the possibility of a happy future. Caleb has always secretly loved Zoe, but her turbulent past brings up tough memories of his own. As they spend time together training his girls' new puppy, Zoe and Caleb will learn that if they can forgive themselves, they might have a chance at a new life— and new love—together.

* * * *

Meet Lisa Jordan:

Heart, home and faith have always been important to Lisa Jordan, so writing stories with those elements come naturally. She has been writing contemporary Christian romance for more than a decade. Happily married for over twenty years, she and her husband have two sons. When she isn't writing or caring for children in her family childcare, Lisa enjoys family time, romantic comedies, good books, crafting with friends and feeding her NCIS addiction. 

* * * *

Last Week's Winner:
 

The winner of last week's drawing for Susan May Warren's, Always on my Mind, is Melissa Mailhiot Oldaker!! Melissa, I'll be sending you an email soon.

 

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ACFW, Writing, & More

It occurred to me that I haven't written a blog post in two weeks! I've been trying to stay consistent, and post on Thursdays, but the month of October has been a busy one.

I returned from the ACFW Conference in St. Louis at the end of September with so many amazing memories tucked away in my heart. I learned from some of the best in the industry, strengthened old friendships, and created new ones. I attended my first author reception with Barbour Publishers, went to my agency's reception in the hotel lobby restaurant, and pitched my story ideas to a handful of editors. I laughed until I cried, I talked about writing for hours and hours, and I watched some dear friends win important awards. I was encouraged by wonderful people who I respect and admire, I was inspired by writers who have paved the trail, and I was humbled by people who went out of their way to help me on my writing journey.

With my GLAM Girls: Lindsay, Alena, & Melissa.



Jeanne Takenaka receiving the MBT Frasier Award.

Two of my favorite historical romance authors (and teachers)!
 Jody Hedlund and Karen Witemeyer.

With Barbour Editor, Annie Tipton, at the Barbour Reception.

With my editor, Becky Germany, at the Barbour Reception.

With my writing Fairy Godmother, Sarah Forgrave. :)

With Susan May Warren, my amazing writing mentor.

The 2014 ACFW Conference was one of the very best. I truly feel as if it could not have gone better.

Upon returning home, I saw my first cover, which was an amazing dream come true. I worked on my second novella, A Groom for Josette, which is due to my editor by November 1st. I also wrote two story synopses to submit for possible future projects, and I started brainstorming my next full length novel. Amidst all of that, I began revising my last full length novel, as well. At one point, I had five different stories bouncing around in my head, demanding attention!

Right now, I'm only working on one of them. All the other things have either been accomplished, or put on the back burner until later. This next week will be dedicated to preparing for my agency retreat in Monterey, California.

When I return from the retreat, I will be prepping to teach my first writing workshops! My good friend Melissa Tagg will be joining me in Minnesota on November 15th to present the workshops. The first is titled: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Publishing World and the second is: 10 Ways to Hook a Reader. I'll share more as the date approaches.

After that, it will be time to start my next full length novel! The one I plan to write has been on my heart for the past couple years. I have great hope for this story. It's unlike any other story I've written, or read. We'll see what God has planned.

Your Turn: What have you been doing this month? What season of the year tends to be busier for you?

ACFW Conference

Phew! In the past two weeks I've logged over 36 hours of drive time in my mini-van. It's been a whirlwind adventure.

Just outside of Ames, Iowa.

I've been to Indianapolis, Des Moines and Webster City, Iowa.  I reunited with old friends, made new friends and have a whole new treasure trove of memories stored away in my heart. I met God in amazing ways and watched other people encounter God in their own lives.

On Tuesday, September 10th I left my home in Minnesota and traveled five hours south to Des Moines, Iowa to meet up with Melissa Tagg and Alena Tauriainen. We spent the night at Melissa's apartment, loaded up the mini-van and then left for Indianapolis the next day.

The trip to Indianapolis took us about seven and a half hours. We enjoyed catching up, listening to each others pitches, sharing funny stories, and laughing our way to the Hyatt in Indianapolis.

Inside the Hyatt in Indianapolis.

That night we met up with the My Book Therapy Staff and went to the Eagle's Nest Restaurant, a rotating room at the top of the Hyatt, where we shared the highs and lows of our year. It was a humbling experience to hear the amazing things God is doing through the ministry of Reba Hoffman and her bicycle.

Sitting with the My Book Therapy Staff in the rotating Eagle's
Nest Restaurant above the Hyatt.

The next day, Thursday, many writing friends began arriving at the Hyatt and I had the privilege of helping with the registration table for the conference. It was there that I met my agent, Mary Keeley, in person for the first time! I also met new friends and reconnected with old ones.

Mary Keeley and I

The second night at the hotel was when all my roommates arrived! I roomed with Jessica Patch, Cynthia Herron and Lindsay Harrel. I don't remember the last time I laughed so hard and so much! We had such a good time we didn't realize how late it had become...or how loud we were being...until the lady next to us was kind enough to tell us we needed to be quiet. :)

My funny roommates: Jessica Patch, Cynthia Herron and Lindsay Harrel.

After that, the conference went by in a wonderful blur! Friday night was the genre dinner where I dressed up in a mid-1910's gown. It was fun to see others get into the spirit of the dinner.

Here is Anne Love dressed in her 1890's attire!

I spent my time attending workshops and seminars, pitching my story to editors and visiting with fellow writers. On Saturday night I went to the My Book Therapy Pizza Party where I was a finalist for the Frasier Contest. I didn't win the award, but I felt like a rock star being a finalist!

 

Here I am with the other finalists!

The Pizza Party was a lot of fun. The highlight was watching a spoof on the Wizard of Oz, where Lindsay Harrel sang her heart out.

 

The My Book Therapy Pizza Party performers! Lindsay
is on the left with the silver hair. :) Susan May Warren
is dressed as Dorothy in the blue.

After the Pizza Party I went back to the Eagle's Nest and had tea and dessert with my lovely agent, Mary. We had the opportunity to visit and get to know one another better. We talked about my writing and she encouraged me in wonderful ways. I feel blessed beyond compare by her work on my behalf. It was a much different experience attending a conference with an agent on my side. I'm excited to work with her and I can't wait to see where we go from here.

I also attended the Books & Such Literary Agency breakfast on Sunday morning. This was an amazing event for me. I felt honored to be sitting among the authors represented by my agency. It was fun to meet many authors I've dreamed of meeting my whole life. It was humbling to be included.

The Books & Such Literary Agency Breakfast

Sunday, September 15th marked a very special milestone for my friend Melissa Tagg. Her debut novel, Made to Last, released! I'm so thankful we were there to celebrate with her. Alena, Lindsay and I had release day buttons made to spread the good news.

Here we are showing off our buttons.

I cheered with friends who had successes and I cried with friends who were disappointed. I laughed at funny stories, empathized with those who are struggling, and took a few moments to sit quietly and marvel at this journey God has called me on. Who am I that He would use me?

Susan May Warren and I in our 50's inspired dresses.

The conference ended with the Gala Awards dinner on Sunday night where author Frank Peretti was given the lifetime achievement award. This event was a wonderful time to take all those last minute pictures with friends and to celebrate the work God is doing through Christian Fiction.



One of my favorite mentors, Beth Vogt.

I walked away from the conference sleep-deprived and elated! I am encouraged and equipped for this next leg of my journey. I feel really good about where I'm at and I look forward to where I'm going. It's the best place to be.

Your Turn: If you were at the ACFW Conference, what was your highlight? I've missed being on my blog and visiting with my readers. If you weren't at the conference, I'd love to know what you've been doing these past two weeks.

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On Wednesday I'm hosting author Jody Hedlund on my blog. I'll be sharing information about a fun giveaway for the month of October. You won't want to miss it!

On Friday I'll share some fun pictures from Melissa Tagg's Made to Last Launch Party in Webster City, Iowa!

Juggling



It's been a couple of weeks since I last posted. The longest break I've taken from my blog since I started it in February of 2012. I needed a break...still do. I've been juggling numerous balls these past few weeks and I had to drop one of them--and blogging it was.

The two heaviest balls I'm juggling right now are planning for the ACFW Conference in Indianapolis this week and starting our family homeschool.

Planning for the conference involves more than just preparing one-sheets, practicing my pitch and packing my bags. Over the past week I've been doing laundry, creating meal plans, shopping, coordinating schedules for four children, one dad and a grandma, cleaning the house...and cleaning some more. I don't want to forget anything! I've also been polishing my manuscript, ordering business cards (and reordering business cards...long story), putting together outfits, editing my one-sheets, and making flower pins (see my blog post about being memorable here).

I'm looking forward to so many things at the conference this year. I will be meeting my agent, Mary Keeley, in person for the first time. I am a finalist in the My Book Therapy Frasier Contest. My friend, Melissa Tagg, will be celebrating her first book release while we're there (her book Made to Last releases September 15th). Seeing old friends and meeting new. Attending amazing workshops. Meeting (and pitching to) editors. And fellowshipping with other like-minded writers and Christians. What could be better?

Homeschooling is the other ball I'm juggling right now. I was homeschooled as a child and it has always been my hope and prayer that we could homeschool our children. We've decided to start with just our oldest this year. She entered the third grade and she was excited to start. Our second daughter (first grade) has stayed in the private school we've had the girls in for the past few years. We plan to eventually start homeschooling her, as well--but we're going to take it a year at a time.

The other balls I usually juggle are also lying next to my blogging ball. I've had to decline some of my volunteer activities, postpone much needed visits with friends, and miss a few events I would have loved to attend--but I know when September passes, I'll be able to go back to my regular activities and pick up those balls again.

I can't wait to meet you back here to share all my conference experiences when I return! I plan to post pictures and an overview of my conference experience when I come back. I'm sure I'll be posting pictures on Facebook while I'm there, as well.

I also have a really, really exciting list of guest authors coming up in October! Six weeks. Six authors. One really great prize! I'll share more when I come home.

Your Turn: Are you going to be at the ACFW Conference this year? What do you have planned for the coming week?

Pre-Conference Mix & Mingle

Author Laurie Tomlinson started a great Pre-Conference Mix & Mingle on her blog last week! It's a great way to "meet" some fellow conferees before we travel to ACFW in a few short weeks. Visit her blog here to find out more and to meet other writers. You'll have a few more friends waiting for you when you walk into ACFW in Indianapolis!

 

If you're interested in joining, here's what to do:

- Fill out your own answers (you don't have to answer all of them!) in a post on your own website and paste the URL to that post (not your home page) on Laurie's blog using a handy link-up tool she provides. If you don't have a website, feel free to answer the questions in the comments below!

- Make sure to link back to Laurie's post after you fill out your answers so any of your readers who are conference attendees can participate, too! The more, the merrier.

 

Friends (new & old) at last year's ACFW Conference.
L to R: Amy Simpson, Katie Ganshert, me, Cynthia Herron
(standing) and Sarah Forgrave.

Here are the answers for my Pre-Conference Mix & Mingle!

 

Name: Gabrielle Meyer

 

Location: Central Minnesota

 

What you write/tagline: Historical Romance set along the banks of the Mississippi River in Central Minnesota

 

Place in the book world: Pre-published author with two completed manuscript currently being shopped by my lovely agent, Mary Keeley, of Books & Such!

 

On a scale of hugger to 10-foot-pole, please rate your personal space: A hugger :)

 

The unique talking point that will get you going for hours: History & writing! Especially talking with other historical writers. ;) You will learn more about Central Minnesota (and Charles A. Lindbergh) than you ever thought you needed to know!

 

People at home you'll be missing: My husband (of twelve years) and our four children. Two girls ages 9 & 7 and twin boys who are three. I plan to Skype and Facetime with them often!

 

Conference goals we can pray for? I'd love to make connections with editors who currently have my proposal.  

 

Up for any contests/awards? I'm a finalist for the My Book Therapy Frasier Contest! The award will be given during the Pizza Party on Saturday night. I can't wait. :)

 

Any disclosures, disclaimers, or crucial information we must know? I will be bringing a WHOLE lot of Monster Cookies with me to ACFW! And I may, or may not, share. :) On Thursday night my lovely roomies and I will be hosting a cookie party in our room. Message me on Facebook if you'd like more information!

 

Don't forget to head over to Laurie's blog to check out other Pre-Conference Mix & Mingle participants!

 

Your Turn: If you're going to ACFW, what are your conference goals? If you're not going, what big plans do you have for September?

Preparing for a Writers Conference: One Sheets, Business Cards & Pitching

With the ACFW Conference less than five weeks away, I'm busy preparing for the meetings, classes and networking I'll be doing while there.

For an unpublished author, pitching appointments are at the top of my preparation list. Everything else pales in comparison when I start to think about pitching. We can never start practicing and preparing for these important meetings too soon.

Three areas I'm preparing right now are one sheets (or pitch sheets), business cards and practicing my actual pitch.

One Sheets. When I start to prepare for my pitching appointments, the first place I start is with my one sheet. This is the piece of paper I'll place in front of the editor when I sit down to pitch. Here's mine from last year (modified with my agent's info for this year):

On my one sheet I have my story question (or hook), an image that represents my story, my picture, the "back cover copy," information about the book's length, genre and series potential, and my bio. Last year the bottom contained my contact info, but this year it contains my agent's info.

I feel that this one sheet captures the essence of my writing and I've received some great feedback on it from my agent. Make sure your one sheet does the same.

Last year I took Beth Vogt's advice and organized a pitching folder. You can watch her great vlog here. Since she does such a fabulous job explaining pitch folders, and how to have a successful pitching appointment, I won't go into too many details. But I want to share what I felt worked really well about her advice.

My pitching folder from last year



I bought three sturdy folders and placed my one sheet on the left, my full book proposal on the right (including the five page synopsis and first three chapters of my novel), as well as my business card in the little slots on the bottom left. When I sat down for my pitch appointments I took out my one sheet and placed it on the top of the folder. It was great to have the pitch sheet ready to give to the editors when they extended their hands. I based my pitch on the "back cover copy" and if I needed to, I could easily look at it for reference if I forgot my words.

Having everything together in one place came in handy when an agent--who I talked to in the hallway before a meal--ask for my entire folder.

Business Cards. I discovered business cards were mostly used to connect with other writers. When I came home from ACFW last year I had dozen and dozens of business cards from people I met. It was a great way to gather contact information. The editors I talked to didn't take my one sheets, but they did take my business cards.

Here's what my business cards looked like last year, with modifications for this year:



I tried to make my business card and one sheet look similar. (I included my personal phone and address on the original, but deleted it for this blog post.) My best advice is to make sure you put your picture on your card! This will help people put a face with your name later on.

At the conference be sure to have these card easily accessible! You'll find yourself exchanging cards all the time.

Pitching. Ah, pitching. I admit, I was very nervous to pitch my story last year (and nervous to pitch again this year!). But I learned a few things before I went to the conference, and I learned a few things while I was there, that have put my nerves to rest...a little bit.

First, practice, practice, practice! Practice in front of the mirror, practice with a friend or family member, and practice while you're doing household chores. It's hard to condense a 100,000 word story into a two or three minute pitch (because that's about how long it should take you)--but you can do it! You want to hook the agent or editor in the first thirty seconds and then keep them hooked for the next few minutes. After that, hopefully they want to know more and they'll ask.

Start with a great story question. Last year I asked: Can breaking someone's heart be the ultimate act of love? Both times the editors raised their brows and said: "Can it?" This year I'm going to ask: Can best friends compete for the same lady--and remain friends?

Here's a great tip: register for the Pitch & Promotion Seminar with My Book Therapy taking place before the ACFW Conference. It was the best thing I've done for my writing career. You can see the promotional video I made for the seminar here.

In the video I talk about how the Pitch & Promotion Seminar helped me land an agent!

One thing that surprised me about pitching was how it was actually done. It's hard to imagine what it will be like, so I thought I'd explain it as best as I can. First, you show up for your scheduled meeting about fifteen minutes early and wait in the waiting area with a lot of other very nervous people. :)You're told to be quiet, since meetings are taking place close by.

People are talking quietly together, encouraging and praying for one another. A few minutes before your scheduled time, the coordinator with call all the writers to one place and explain what will happen. There is a long hallway with many meeting rooms. You will be told where your agent/editor is waiting.

A minute before you go into your appointment a whole group of other people will be exiting the meeting rooms, done with their appointments. Then the coordinator will tell you to find your meeting room--quietly. At this point, you walk down a long hallway with about fifty other people. It kind of feels like you're being herded!

The meeting room is well lit (I say this, because for some reason, when I imagined my pitching appointments before last year, I imagined sitting at a table in a dark room with a large light shining directly on my face...) :). There are about five or six small tables set up in the room, with two chairs at each table, directly across from one another. There will be name tags on their tables so you know which person to go to. The agent or editor will be sitting on one side and you'll take the chair on the other. Hopefully they are smiling at you when you walk in! :) You sit down, with a smile on your face, and take a deep breath. Remember there are about a dozen other people in the room talking, so don't let their chatter distract you.

My first editor started by introducing herself and asked me to tell her a little about myself. This immediately set me at ease. I love talking about my home and family. After that, we launched into my pitch. The second editor greeted me with a handshake and told me to tell her about my story.

My first pitching appointment! The editor had this lovely smile
the entire time I talked to her. She put me at ease and asked
great questions about my writing.

Five minutes before your time is up the time keeper will come into the room and say: "Five minutes left" or something like that. My first appointment I used my entire time, the second one I finished with a minute or two to spare, but I felt like everything had been accomplished and I said my goodbye. Both editors asked for my manuscript, so I felt good!

There is nothing I can say that will magically prepare you for the conference. It takes a lot of time, hard work and determination--but you can do it! Remember that you are the expert concerning your story and that God has called you to write it--no one else. Don't forget to be confident, yet humble. Try to put your nerves in their proper place. God gave you these nerves to keep you alert and conscious of your performance, but if you let them have too much control they can work against you.

And last, but not least in any way, pray, pray, pray. If God has called you to it, He'll walk you through it. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13).

Your turn: What makes you the most nervous about pitching? If you've pitched before, tell us about it. If you have any advice about one sheets or business cards, I'd love to hear it.

Preparing for a Writer's Conference

 

Last year at this time I made the decision to attend my first writer's conference! I registered for the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) Conference in Dallas, Texas.

  

Right before the Gala Awards Dinner in 2012

It was one of the best decisions I've made for my writing career.

 

Before I went, I wanted to make sure I was as prepared as possible. I perused countless blogs looking for everything I would need to know about a writing conference. My thought was that I would be less nervous if I knew what to expect.

 

I had the right idea. I went to the conference fully prepared...but I still felt nervous--it just goes with the territory! I was also excited and anxious--but above all, I felt hopeful.

The first night I had supper with all these fabulous ladies!

I think the biggest reason we go to a conference is because we have hope--and we should. We have hope that we'll get the break we've been longing for. Where else can we meet with a wide range of agents and editors? Where else can we learn, first-hand, about the industry? It's a fabulous event for any writer, aspiring or published.

 

This year I'm going back to the ACFW Conference with a lot more experience, less nerves, but just as much hope.

 

Since last year, I signed with a fabulous agent, received amazing feedback from editors, and finaled in a prestigious writing contest. But as of right now, I haven't signed a book contract...which means I'll be pitching to editors again this year.

Yes, agented authors still have to pitch at writing conferences! It's the best way to meet an editor and to put a face with a name.

 

My first pitching appointment last year!
The lovely editor I'm chatting with
sent me this wonderful picture.

Once again, I'm going to the conference fully prepared. I have arrived at quite a few milestones on my writing journey this year, but I know I have a long way to go.

 

Over the next several Mondays I plan to share some of my conference experiences from last year. I will talk about what surprised me, what I wished I would have known before I went, what I would have done different and what I plan to do the same. I'll also talk about all those things unique to a writer's conference like business cards, one-sheets, pitching appointments, thank you notes (that an agent & editor will remember) and all the extras.

 

Your Turn: If you've been to a writer's conference, how did you feel going the first time? If you haven't been to a writer's conference, what would you like to know? If you're going to ACFW, how are you feeling right now?

Way Back When-sday: My ACFW Outfit

This year, during the Friday night dinner at the ACFW Conference, attendees are invited to dress up in the genre, character, or era they write. When I saw this invitation, I immediately knew what I wanted to wear.

A few years ago I had the pleasure of portraying Evangeline Lindbergh (Charles Lindbergh's mother) during Living History Days at the Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site where I worked. During Living History Days we interpreted the year 1917, which is the year my next novel, Enchanting Lydia Walker, will be set.

With a few emails, I was able to locate the costume I wore for that event and I'm hopeful I can wear it for the ACFW dinner. Part of the costume will be sent to me from Kansas City (thank you, Mary!).

Below are a few pictures I pulled together to show you a typical outfit an Edwardian woman would have worn for everyday wear.

This blouse is similar to the one I wore for the Living History Day.
I'm amazed at how light and airy the blouses are.

This skirt is similar to the one I wore.

I didn't wear a corset (I couldn't find one!),
but if I did, this is what it would look like.
The Edwardian woman was praised for her
"S" shaped silhouette.

I love this hairstyle! Miss Lily Elsie was one of the most
photographed Edwardian women. I've discovered many
pictures of her hairstyles. I hope I can do this with my hair!
It will take lots of practice.

This is the only picture I have of the Living History Day.
This is the outfit I hope to wear (minus the shawl). I was
three months pregnant in this picture. :)

Your Turn! If you're going to the ACFW Conference, will you dress up on Friday night? If so, what will you wear? If you're not going, what era would you like to portray?