Tuesday, April 5, 2011

AFTER THE CONFERENCE


                                Ava Pennington ( www.AvaWrites.com )


Has it been a month already?  Yes, believe it or not, it has. You attended the Florida Christian Writers Conference (FCWC) one month ago.

One month ago, you participated in continuing classes, attended a variety of workshops, and drank in Calvin Miller’s wisdom about writing.

One month ago, you met with agents, editors, and published authors.

One month ago, you received session handouts, sample magazines, and submission guidelines.

One month ago, you set some goals for yourself. Perhaps you said you would:
- send a proposal to an agent or editor who requested it.
- practice a writing technique you learned.
- begin using social media such as Facebook or Twitter account.
- read that book you purchased on the craft of writing.
            - drop a note to a new writer friend you met at FCWC.
- follow-up on a new market you discovered.

Do you have a goal to add to this list?
Have you acted on at least one of your goals? If you have, good for you!
If you haven’t, why not start today?

Don’t be like so many writers who have great intentions when they leave a writers’ conference, but then…nothing. The pages of the calendar turn, but nothing changes.

Set one or more reasonable goals to apply the helpful material you received, then do something. When you return to the conference next year, you’ll be glad you did. And I can’t wait to hear all about it!




10 comments:

  1. I wish I could have attended but was out of town speaking at another conference. IS there a way to connect with local writers?

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  2. Terri, Word Weavers has several chapters throughout Florida. Where do you live?

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  3. I don't know whether to post my comment on your blog or this one, Ava. Guess I'll try both (and thanks for the WW plug--Terri, find us at www.wordweaversonline.com). I read a recent post by Charisma House editor Jevon Bolden bemoaning the fact that so few writers follow up on opportunities offered at conferences. That seems not only unwise, but ungrateful.

    Which reminds me--I have an email to write to someone with whom I had an appointment at the FCWC. Thanks, Ava, for your wise advice.

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  4. Thanks Ava for this contribution and for answering about Word Weavers. Marti, I read your comment so I am sure Ava did also. thanks for responding. Clella/Kindredheartwriters

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  5. Clella - thanks for the thank you!
    Marti - you'll all make a Word Weaver out of me, yet!

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  6. Ava, just wanted to share with you how much I enjoyed your sessions at the Conference on writing creative nonfiction for anthologies. I have submitted several articles to the websites listed on the handout you gave us, and have received favorable responses from some of them. I also bought your book, "One Year Alone with God: 366 Devotions on the Names of God," and I love it--it has been a very rich addition to my quiet time each morning--Thank You :)
    blessings,
    beth willis miller
    http://bethwillismiller.blogspot.com/

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  7. Thank you, Beth. The workshop was fun to teach, and I look forward to reading your articles as they are published! And I'm thrilled that you're enjoying One Year Alone with God!

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  8. I live Clermont and will check out that link! Thank you:)

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  9. My sister and I have been busy. We have signed up for twitter, writing, blogging, sent thank you cards to those we met and also attended Word Weavers. We are determined to use everything we learned from the conference. Thanks for the lovely one month reminder.
    Roslyn
    http://doubleportioninspiration.blogspot.com/

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  10. Way to go, Roslyn!
    I enjoyed meeting you and Renee at the conference. Hope our paths cross again soon!

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