Another Thought on Marketing

I've been trying to come up with a good topic that I can use as a marketing tool for ME. In other words, I need a topic that I can speak on that will be interesting and vitally important to writers. A topic that I can use to speak at mini writing conferences and seminars after I'm published, if not before.

I've thought about writers and their health. Would that be the same old, same old? Boring? How could I make it different and unusual?

Anyone with other ideas for topics?
Help me out here.


Quote:
I'm not going to limit myself just because people won't accept the fact that I can do something else. --Dolly Parton

Blessings

More Conference Thoughts . . .

1. ACFW is the premier of all inspirational writing conferences.
2. What other place can a novice writer find encouragement, admonition, and strength to keep on keeping on?
3. I learned how to plot more serious conflicts for my characters. All I can say is wow!
4. I met some terrific writers!
   
5. Brandt Dodson is a great speaker and a friendly person.
6. Cynthia Hickey is a wonderful new friend! And has a brand new contract! Yeah!
7. Pam Hillman is just as sweet as last year!
8. I learned more about layering my novels.
9. Dallas is a busy place.
10. Dallas is a friendly place.
11. I don't want to live in Dallas!
12. James Scott Bell is a funny person.
13. Chip McGregor is a sarcastic person; but he's also friendly and approachable.
14. It's fun to be with famous people. Grin.
15. It was great to meet Mary and Shar and Angie!
16. I love Starbucks coffee.
17. Love dining like a "big shot." Grin.
18. My favorite classes? The suspense ones, plus Krista's late night "hello" class. Oh, and the early bird sessions.
    
19. It's okay not to plot extensively.
20. Going back next year!
    

Safety tips for women:

• If you're ever thrown into the trunk of a car (Heaven forbid!), kick out the back lights and stick your arm out and start waving like crazy!
• Keep alert: know where you are and what's going on around you.
• Watch the body language: head up, swing your arms, stand straight!
• Don't be at the wrong place at the wrong time! No alley walks or bad neighborhoods!
• Don't just sit in your car working on the checkbook or making a list. Too easy for someone to get in the passenger side! Lock doors and leave!
• Keep your eyes on cars around you. Watch for loitering people. GO back inside and ask for someone to walk you to the car.
• Don't take empty stairs; use the elevator!

Quote:
Communication means a sharing together of what you really are. With the stethoscope of love you listen until you hear the heartbeat of the other. --Bartlett and margaret Hess

Blessings!

Still Bouncing!


ACFW conference was totally awesome! On my writing group loop they're commenting on all the things they learned while there (or from those who went). Here's my list for you to scan over! Grin.

1. Sometimes you don't make the right choices. The car we chose to drive gave us trouble. Why? have no idea. Can't see any reason why God allowed it. Made our trip longer. Good thing we don't know all, huh? Might not have wanted to know the reason!
2. Sometimes you don't make the right choices. That's right. I already said that! But it goes for choosing agents, too. Don't really think the agent I talked to and I got off on the right wave length, but who knows? Maybe I should have followed my instincts . . .
3. Editors are people. Yeah, they really are. My editor choice this year was a tough one, but from get-go, we tuned in together. AND I got another invitation to submit a proposal! Yeah! That's another step in the right direction. Someday, I'll get there.
4. Things turn around. Sometimes you think something isn't working when it really is. We get to choose tables to sit at for meals (they're hosted by different agents and editors and others). One I chose for a meal didn't seem to be working out, but at the last minute, did.
   
5. Writers are nice people. Of course, I'm prejudiced, but it could be I'm right, too! Met some new friends and talked to some old ones.
   
6. I'm almost there! Had this reaffirmed once again. My paid critiquer said that. Make a few logistical corrections and . . . Closer, people, closer. I can almost feel that contract!
   
7. I've got a really super hubby!I How many husbands fuss at the time a writer spends at the computer, traveling, researching, money spent out (this is a business, you know!), and all sorts of other things. NOT mine. He's so great to take the time to go with me. Love that guy!
8. Learned some things . . . classes and information, and chats, and meetings, invitations, opportunities, and all kinds of things . . . all part of the learning process in writing.
   

I'm so grateful for this once-a-year opportunity. Thanks to all who prayed for me. Now to work to take advantage of all these invitations!




Hints to help keep you safe:

• When driving, don't line your car up with the one next to you so that your doors are parellel. Stagger your car's position.
• Don't make eye contact.
• Try your best to time your arrival at a light so that you can coast on through. Don't stop unless you have to.
• Consider taking some kind of protection training with attributes.

Quote
The only thing that can beat fear is the confidence gained from experience.

Blessings!

Preparation


My writing conference is coming up next month. I have that familiar upset stomach from too much to do and uncertainty of what the future holds.

What have I done to prepare?

• I have a novel for a critiquer to work on. Hopefully, the critique will be beneficial. I'll learn something, maybe receive encouragement, and step up a notch on my ladder to becoming an author.
• I've got my conference fees paid for.
• I've chosen the editors and agents I want to speak with. Through the year, I've been researching who should be the one I need to network with this year. Hopefully, I've made the right choices.
• I've followed up on most of the invitations I received last year from editors and an agent. Given a little more time, I will make a second move on these.
  
• I've learned of several other places that (in the near future) I'll be submitting to.
  
• I've gained a little more confidence in my own writing and my ability, grown a thicker skin (probably not thick enough, but . . .) for all those critical remarks I may receive in the future.
• I've taken to heart my two critique groups' critiques on my chapters I've submitted to them. They include: an agented critiquer and possibly a soon-to-be-published author (a woman who keeps my feet on the ground), a lady who won a very prestigious contest (who guides me when I err from writer's requirements), and some very good other critiquers who give me solid advice (good brainstormers, ideas infusers, and cheerer-ons).

My immediate goals for the rest of this year?

• Entice an editor with a fantastic novel.
• Finish the third novel of my West Virginia romance series. Let editor know of the second one and this third one NOW.
• Finish the young adult novel (adoption issues). Send this fall.
• Finish the cozy (mystery) and submit it NOW.
• Possibly self-publish my children's character trait series (while submitting to children publishers).
• Begin my second in my suspense series (Tara Layne and Hickory).

Will you be reading my novels anytime soon? My children's series will be ready this fall. We'll see about the rest. More on that later . . .

Sigh. Preparing for conference is work. Writing a novel is work.
I love it!




Ever thought about keeping a journal? Now's the time to start! Here's a few thoughts about keeping a journal for your kitchen:

• It can keep your family and home running smoothly.
• Journaling is fun!
• While working in the kitchen jot down notes about anything and everything: meals, to do list, future plans, lists, or even a creative thought.
• Record your family's likes and dislikes. Children change. Men get tired of the same thing. Visitors will thank you when you remember what they can or can not eat.
• Use for your kids' school lunches and menus!
• Create a list of what foods are in season, prices, and availability.
• Keep track of your cooking experiments.

Quote:
Out of clutter, find simplicity. From discord, find harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity. --Albert Einstein


Blessings