Florida Christian Writers Conference

Hi, everyone! I'm taking a break from blogging this week as I prepare to teach at the Florida Christian Writers Conference that begins today. I will return to my regular bi-monthly schedule next week! In the meantime, feel free to hang out and browse through my post archive. ;) 

Are any of you preparing to attend a writing conference this season? Let me know in the comments!

How to Effectively Sell Your Book to an Agent: What to Do, What to Avoid

I recently stopped by a virtual writer's conference, Inkling to Write, and shared insight on how to effectively sell your book to an agent. If you want to hear my tips and tricks -- secrets I've shared at conferences across the country -- feel free to check the post out by clicking here! (And yes, this virtual conference is free to attend.) ;)   

Conferences I'm Teaching at This Year

Conference season is officially underway! If you've been a reader of my blog for any time now then you know I'm a huge fan of writing conferences. (Probably because of the vital role they've played in my writing career!) Besides, what could be better than being immersed in a world of writing wonderland for a week?

If you can make it to any of the below conferences, please let me know! I'd love to meet you!

• Coloardo Christian Writers Conference - May 16 - 19
• Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference - May 20 - 24
• North Carolina Christian Writers Conference - September 6 - 8
• Write2Ignite - September 21 - 22
• More TBA

Are you attending a writing conference this year? If you could attend one conference for free, which one would you choose and why? Let me know in the comments!

How to Prepare for Pitch Sessions at a Writing Conference

I attended my first writing conference when I was sixteen-years-old. This is what lead to the publication of my first novel, PURPLE MOON.

Since then, I’ve attended conferences yearly and have grown in my craft, established connections that were beneficial to my career, and made lasting friendships and memories.

But these conferences can be intimidating for newbies — especially if you’re a teen like I was.

{Continue reading!}

The Three C's of Why Writing Conferences Are Valuable

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(NOTE: This post originally appeared in SoCal Christian Writer's Conference's newsletter. You can sign up for their mailing list by clicking here.)

I met my first publisher at a writing conference when I was sixteen-years-old. Since then, I’ve attended about sixteen conferences as a writer—both large and small—over the past several years. 

Conferences have become a priority in my writing life for their various benefits to the writing journey. Not only because they're an investment of my craft and career, but because I find connecting with other writers and learning from professionals to be both refreshing and exhilarating to my writerly soul. I recommend them to almost every aspiring writer I meet, even to those who are just setting out on their writing journey.

Although I could list multiple reasons as to why writers should attend a writing conference, here are the main benefits: 

1 - The Connections 

Personally, this is my favorite conference perk. The connections I’ve made at conferences have propelled me forward in my writing journey. Not only do you have a chance to make valuable contacts at a conference, you’ll also meet new writing friends—writers who are journeying along the same publishing path as you. Writers who can encourage you when you receive a rejection letter or show support when you sign your first contract. 

We’re on this writing journey together. Conferences remind you that you’re not alone in pursuit of your publishing dreams. 

Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, 2016

There’s also value in investing in the writing journey of other writers you meet at conferences. That’s what I love about this CBA industry: We take pride in helping one another. Whether that help comes in the form of referring a writer friend to your agent, spending time critiquing a friend’s manuscript, or providing an endorsement for an author friend. 

If I could use one scripture to summarize the value of making connections at a writing conference, it would be this: 

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) 

2 - The Craft 

Where else can you learn about the ins and outs of the writing craft from professionals in the industry? From authors, editors, and agents you admire? 

In these workshops, you’ll receive insider secrets. The instructors know you’re paying your hard-earned money to attend a conference; therefore, they’re going to make sure it’s worth your time, money, and effort to be there. They know it’s only those writers who are serious about their writing dream who will invest in developing their craft by attending a conference. 

Sure, there are several books on the writing craft. But by attending a live workshop, you have the unique opportunity to experience personal interaction with the instructor, ask questions, and engage in conversation with other attendees in the room. 

Trust me: The pages of notes and potential handouts you’ll receive will be well worth your investment! In fact, I still have the notebook I used to take notes from my very first writing conference, and I occasionally use the notes as a reference tool when I need them. 

The first writing conference I attended at 16-years-old =)
Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, 2010

3 - The Contract 

I don’t believe we should attend a conference for the sole purpose of seeking a contract. If that becomes our focus then we’ll very likely become discouraged and miss out on other doors that the conference could open for us. 

It is true, however, as a conference attendee, you have a better chance of signing with an agent/editor at a conference as opposed to via an online submission. Why is this? 

Think about it: Agents and editors receive multiple submissions per week. It often takes months to weave through this slush pile; and the fact is, this isn’t the top priority of an agent/editor. But during a conference appointment, you’ll receive undivided attention. If you find an agent or editor who is intrigued with your pitch, then they’ll likely place your submission at the top of their slush pile and request your full manuscript. 

Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, 2014

As I mentioned earlier, this is only the foundation of the benefits that a writing conference can provide. You have to actually attend one in order to fully understand the value of this experience. Every time I’ve attended a conference as a writer, it became more than a business venture for me. It was almost a vacation. Only in a dream world can one spend a few days immersed in a culture that breathes life into their dreams! 

If you attend a writing conference this year, be prepared to come home with a notebook full of notes, handfuls of business cards, new relationships, memories, and a well full of inspiration and insight. All of these tools, resources, and connections will play a vital role in furthering you along your writing journey. And you’ll be one step closer toward achieving your writing dream. 

(You can view my complete conference schedule for 2017 by clicking here.)


~~~

If you've attended a writer's conference, what was the greatest value you received from it? If you plan to attend one in the future, what do you look forward to the most?
Tweetable:
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How Early Should a Writer Attend a Writer's Conference? {+10 Christian Writing Conferences to Attend!}

I was sixteen when I told my parents that I wanted to attend a writing conference.
I knew writing was the career I wanted to pursue. I'd been writing since I could hold a pen at 3-years-old, and any time someone asked me that all-important question -- what do you want to be when you grow up? -- my answer was immediate: an author. There wasn't any doubt in my mind that it would happen, either. I don't know why, really -- I guess you can call it childlike faith. ;) I felt as though writing was woven into my being. I couldn't not pursue it.  


So, I decided to take it seriously when I was 15. Rather than only writing in my free time, I wanted to treat it as a priority. I took writing courses, read craft books, wrote the first version of Purple Moon, and began this blog. It's also during that time that I learned about writing conferences -- this magical place where writers could meet other writers, learn about the craft and industry, and pitch to professionals. I knew I had to find a way to attend one.

You can imagine my excited when I found a Christian writer's conference (BRMCWC) that was only an hour and a half drive from where I lived. =) Although my parents were (and still are) supportive of my writing, they weren't extremely convinced I should go, mainly because they didn't know anything about the industry at the time -- and, of course, conferences can be pretty pricey. But, to make a long story short, my mom's mind was changed during a sermon my pastor spoke one Sunday about seizing the moment. She felt a nudge. Needless to say, if it wasn't for that sermon, I wouldn't have attended that all-important first conference. (Thanks, Pastor Mark!)   

Now, I've heard other writers advise newbies to wait until they're mature in their writing before they attend a conference. I don't think this is an entirely bad idea. Again, conferences can get pricey, and you'll most likely receive more out of it when you have a project or two to pitch. 
But I am so very thankful my parents didn't hear that advice when I was 16. 
Every writer's journey is different. I know this. You may not have an opportunity to attend a conference any time soon. But please, at least consider it. Conferences are valuable -- not just to new writers either, but to writers who are on any stage of the writing journey. 
Since I attended that conference seven years ago (it feels like longer!), I've attended almost fifteen conference as a conferee. 

2010 -- Very first conference! With my special writer friend and fellow author, Katy Kauffman

2014 -- Award's banquet. Purple Moon was a Selah Award finalist in YA Fiction & Debut Novel! 

2015 -- At an appointment

2016 -- With my agent (and boss), Cyle Young, and my author friend, Caroline George.

2016 -- At the campus coffee shop, Clouds! 

Let's see how different my career would look if I hadn't invested in these conferences...

• My debut novel, PURPLE MOON, wouldn't have been published by LPC Books. 
• I wouldn't have signed with my agent. 
• I wouldn't be a Jr. Agent for Hartline Literary Agency. 
• I wouldn't be a YA Acquisitions Editor for Illuminate YA. 
• I wouldn't have several of the writer friends I have today. 
• I wouldn't know half as much about the craft/industry as I do now. 
• I wouldn't have the opportunity to be on faculty of 5 conferences this year.
• My blog wouldn't have placed 2nd in the blog category in the BRMCWC contest in 2013.
• I wouldn't be a columnist for Broken But Priceless Magazine.
• Most importantly, I wouldn't have the special conference memories that I've made over the years.

Conferences aren't just about contracts. 
They're also about divine connections. Making new writer friends.  Learning about the craft and industry.  New opportunities. Gaining education and experience. And receiving inspiration, encouragement, and motivation to continue the journey.

Conferences are the college for today's aspiring author, and that's why I recommend them to every aspiring author I meet. 
So if you're on the fence, struggling to decide whether or not to attend a conference this year -- take it from someone who has jumpstarted their writing career thanks to conferences: It's worth it. 
Of course, spend time in prayer before you make the move. But if you do feel peace about registering for one, here is a list of Christian writing conferences that take place throughout the US:

 

• Carolina Christian Writers Conference -- March 2017 -- SC
• Mid-South Christian Writer's Conference -- March 2017 -- TN
• Write 2 Ignite -- March 2017 -- SC (I'm on faculty this year!)
• Blue Lake Christian Writers Conference -- March 2017 -- AL
• Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference -- April 2017 -- CA
• Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference -- May 2017 -- NC (I'm on faculty this year!)
• St. David's Christian Writers' Conference -- June 2017 -- PA
• Southern Christian Writers Conference -- June 2017 -- AL (I'm on faculty this year!)
• Socal Christian Writers' Conference -- June 2017 -- CA (I'm on faculty this year!)
• Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference -- July 2017 -- PA (I'm on faculty this year!)

  

This is only a handful of Christian writing conferences; I recommend doing research to see if you can find one near your area. Remember: There are conferences on a larger scale (about 3 - 7 days), then there are smaller ones that can last for a day or two. 

For more posts on writing conferences, {click here}.

Here's to hoping that we'll have a chance to meet over coffee at a conference someday!

Question for you...
Have you attended a conference? If so, in what way(s) did it impact your writing career? If not, when do you hope to attend one?

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10 Things You Can Do Now to Make the Most of a Writing Conference Experience

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In a few weeks, I’ll attend my eleventh writing conference—the sixth one I’ve attended at the Blue Ridge Mountain ChristianWriter’s Conference. If it wasn’t for this conference, I wouldn’t have the writing career that I have today. My book wouldn’t be published. I wouldn’t have the networks I have, the friendships I’ve made with other writers, the knowledge about the writing craft, or even the motivation to pursue this career for a living.

However, I’ve discovered that simply paying for a conference and showing up isn’t enough. If one wants to make the most of their time at a conference, they must do a bit of homework and go into it with the right mindset, goals, and intentions.  

Yes, the quality of your conference experience begins at home. Right now.

Below are 10 things you can do now to make the most of your conference experience:

1. Write down your intentions for this conference. Why are you attending? What are the projects you hope to pitch? What do you hope to gain from this experience? How will this further your writing journey?
2. Purchase professional business cards. Make sure that it displays your picture, website, genre you write, and contact info. When I go through business cards after a conference, the ones that display the person’s headshot stands out more than ones that simply include a name and info. If you have a book, I suggest investing in professional bookmarks to pass out at the conference as well.
3. Print the conference schedule. Study the classes and highlight the ones you’d like to attend.
4. Research the faculty. Which authors, editors, and agents would you like to make appointments with, and what do you hope to discuss with them? Make sure you understand what agents/editors are searching for. If you write children’s books, for instance, don’t plan to pitch to an agent who is only seeking historical fiction.
5. Prepare projects you’re pitching. Have you created a one-sheet for your fiction manuscript? Have you printed a few copies of the first three chapters? Do you have a folder or binder that you can keep these in? Have you prepared to give an elevator pitch?
6. Gather materials. Will you take notes with your laptop, notebook, or tablet? What bag will you carry, and where will you store business cards? Make sure your bag is big enough to carry water bottle(s), snacks, note-taking supplies, books you may purchase, and possibly a sweater for the conference rooms. You might also want a folder to store miscellaneous handouts, bookmarks, your schedule, etc.
7. Prepare your wardrobe. Although you’ll sit during classes, there’s usually a lot of walking involved at conferences. Make sure you bring several pairs of comfortable shoes. You’ll also want to research the conference attire so you can prepare your outfits ahead of time. Some conferences, such as Blue Ridge, proclaim their attire is more laid-back. Jeans are acceptable. However, I would probably stay clear of jeans at other conferences, such as ACFW.
8. Get plenty of rest beforehand. You’re going to be busy 24/7 at a writing conference. There have been plenty times I’ve stayed up past midnight, talking with people in the lobby. You’ll want to make sure you have a lot of energy stored up, and that your mind is in top shape.
9. Bring a journal. I haven’t done this, although I probably will at this year’s conference. Often, the days become a blur when you’re meeting several people, attending workshops, pitching, etc. Every year is different, and every conference seems to further my writing journey in significant ways. If I would’ve kept a journal at previous conferences, it’d be nice to look back and remember which days made the most impact.
10. Most importantly, spend time with God. Ask Him to guide your steps at the conference, lead you in the right conversations, choose the right classes, and give you the vision He wants you to have for your writing journey. Even if you have days at the conference that seem insignificant, trust that He’s still in control. You don’t necessarily need to come home with a publishing offer in order to feel like you’ve “made it”. You never know how God can use the friendships you make, the classes you take—and yes, even the rejections you may receive—to help further your writing journey.

Remember: The quality of your conference experience could be determined by the homework you put into it beforehand, so don’t wait until the last minute to prepare.

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10 Things You Can Do Now to Make the Most of a Writing Conference Experience #amwriting @TessaEmilyHall http://bit.ly/1QRPZvy

~ ~ ~ 

Have you attended a writer’s conference? If so, what other tips could you add to this list? If not, do you think attending one could help further your writing career?

5 Reasons Why Teens Should Attend a Writing Conference

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It's hard to believe that last fall, at twenty-one-years-old, I attended my tenth writing conference. I was sixteen when I attended my first {you can read about that experience here}. It was at this conference that I met the future publisher for Purple Moon, as well as lifelong writer friends (including Author Katy Kauffman, whose first book was published within a month of mine).

With my publisher, Eddie Jones -- 19-years-old

With author and writing friend, Katy Kauffman -- 16-years-old

Throughout the years, I've continued to make new writer friends at conferences, grown in my craft immensely, met my literary agents, and landed an internship with Hartline Literary Agency -- all thanks to these writing conferences.  Is it absolutely vital that an aspiring author attend a conference? Of course not. It is possible to land an agent/publisher without attending one. 

However, conferences do increase your chances of signing with a literary agent. Not only that, but you have the chance to make face-to-face connections. It's impossible to express just how valuable these conferences are if you have not been to one before.

And now that the conference season is approaching, I've decided to reflect on the reasons why I'm grateful I attended conferences as a teen. 
Here are the top 5 reasons why you should, too:

1. Conferences provide the opportunity to learn about the industry and craft.

Agents are searching for writers who are not only familiar with the industry, but those who are willing to invest in their writing craft as well. They are not searching for the writer who has the "I'm already a perfect writer" attitude. Truth is: Every writer--no matter how experienced or well-read--has room to grow. 

2. Relationships are key in this industry.

Conferences provide the opportunity to network with other writers and professionals. Sure, you can network on social media. But on-screen networking does not offer the same personalization that face-to-face connections provide. You never know--the friend you make that first year at a conference could become your literary agent or publisher a few years down the road!   

3. You'll leave inspired.

Often, writing can drain us of inspiration. The well runs out at times--especially when we feel as though we're in this career on our own. We need to surround ourselves with writers every now and then. People who can help brainstorm with us, those who might understand what we're going through. And we need to attend classes that remind us of the reasons why we love the power of words. Trust me: Your fingers will be itching to create through the keyboard by the end of a conference!

4. Conferences give you an "insider" look on the writing career. 

As an aspiring author, it's easy to hold assumptions that being an author is a glamorous career. But by attending a conference, you'll view the industry as it is: The good, the bad, and the ugly. This is especially helpful for teens, because it will give you the chance to gain better insight as to whether or not you should pursue this vocation. 
5. Conferences provide the opportunity to enter into contests. 

Most writing conferences hold writing contests that the attendees can enter. These contests provide the perfect opportunity for aspiring authors to gain credentials, seek input on their novel by industry professionals, and potentially have their work viewed by an agent and/or publisher. Even if you do not have a completed book, you can still enter contests for a short story, novella, devotion, article, essay, etc. If you receive awards as a teen, think about how good that will look on your writing resume!

20-years-old -- When Purple Moon received a 2014 Selah Award in YA Fiction & First Novel

At every conference I've attended -- even the small ones -- I've left with an immense amount of information, inspiration, creativity, business cards, and notes. (And empty coffee cups, of course. ;) ) 

Writing, of course, is a solitude career. These conferences give writers the chance to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who are headed along the same path. I'm reminded of the scripture Proverbs 27:17 {NIV}, which states: 

"As iron sharpens iron, so people can improve each other."

Be aware, though, that as a teen, you will probably stand out because of your age. (Unless there is a teen track, of course.) But don't allow that to keep you from taking your writing journey seriously. Besides, most adults are very supportive and encouraging of teen writers. =) 

Tweet: 5 Reasons Why Teens Should Attend a Writing Conference @tessaemilyhall #teenwriters #amwriting
Have you attended a writing conference? If not, are you interested in attending one?

Teen Writers: 5 Ways to Come Across as Professional in the Industry

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When I began my writing journey five years ago, I quickly learned that being taken seriously as a teenager in the industry was not going to be easy. For some reason, many adults already have a pre-conceived idea of teen writers: that they are wannabes who are only seeking publication for fame and recognition. Or that they will only become published because they're so young. Or that they are trying to rush into publication without first sharpening their writing skills. 
Frankly, I can't blame some of the adults who hold these opinion. Besides, they may have been seeking publication for years ... if not decades. They have studied the craft. They know how the industry works. It might not come across as "fair" to them that a teenager is able to write a book and land a publishing deal without having to go through much effort. 
So what can you, a teen writer, do now to decrease your chances of coming across as the typical teen author "wannabe"? And how can you impress an agent/publisher by becoming a professional in an industry filled with experienced adults?
1. Attend writer's conferences. 
I can't stress how valuable it is to attend a writing conference. Not only do you learn a tremendous amount of information on the craft and business of writing, but you also have the chance to network with other writers, find a writing friend (and potential critique partner), make connections, and pitch your book to agents and publishers. 
The only thing is that conferences can get pretty expensive. However, there are plenty of small conferences that you could attend as well. 
If you are able to attend a conference, trust me: It'll be worth every penny!

The first conference I attended at 16. Pictured with my first writing friend, Author Katy Kauffman. 

My second year at this conference, when I was 17. Pictured with my mom. =) 

My third year at BRMCWC, when I was 18. Pictured with Katy again.

Fourth year attending BRMCWC, 19. I received 2nd place in their contest's blog category. =)

Fifth year at BRMCWC. Purple Moon was a finalist in the YA Fiction and First Novel categories.
(And that's my publisher standing next to me.)

2. Study the industry. 
A lot of aspiring authors skip this step. However, if you want to become an "author" and not just a "writer", then research is vital in your journey towards publication. 
Writing is an art, yes -- but it is also a business. And by doing this homework, your chances of signing with an agent or a publisher will increase.
Learn the process of how a book is published. Become familiar with the publishing houses and the books/genres/authors they publish. Learn the trends of publishing: Where it has been, where it is, and where it's going. Also, research literary agents. Make a list of the ones that represent your genre. Understand what makes a reputable agent, what the role of an agent is, as well as the author/agent relationship.  
{I've compiled a list of industry blogs on the bottom of this page.}
3. Familiarize yourself with how a book is publicized. 
Even though publishing companies do help authors promote their book -- the truth is, much of the promotional efforts are up to the author. That's why publishers want to sign with authors who understand marketing. In fact, when an author sends a proposal to a publisher, they are to list strategies they have brainstormed on how they will promote their book. 
Here's why: If there are two different authors who have pitched similar stories to a publisher, the publisher is likely going to sign with the author who has the best marketing strategies OR the biggest platform. (Of course, they do take into consideration the quality of the writing and story as well.)

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Being an author requires more than just having a talent for writing. You are selling a product, too, which makes you an entrepreneur. And as an entrepreneur, understanding the ins and outs of how to promote your book is a must.  

4. Study the craft. 
You might ask: "Isn't writing an art? Can't I just rely on my natural instincts to write a book? I read enough novels, anyway; I know what goes into the making of a good book."
Yes, writing is an art. But so is filmmaking. And just because a filmmaker might watch several movies and have a "talent" doesn't mean they automatically know everything about how to make a high-quality film.
Is it okay to write the book that's on your heart before studying the craft? Of course. Reading other books and writing our own is, in fact, the best way for a writer to learn the craft. 
However, if you want to become published some day, you should, eventually, study. Just like you would with any field. And here's why: Acquisition editors (publishers) and literary agents receive multiple submissions per week. They can quickly spot which writers have done their homework and which ones haven't. 

And since they receive so many submissions per week, they usually have a list of things they look for when thumbing through their pile of manuscripts. If you want to stand out in their submissions pile, I'd suggest doing this rather than simply trusting your writerly instincts. 
Besides, if you are really passionate about writing, why wouldn't you want to learn how to better your writing? Why wouldn't you want to learn how to strengthen a scene so that the emotion is conveyed more powerfully? Or learn the techniques that could help your writing to show rather than tell?
As writers, we should want to write the best story that we possibly can. Besides, learning the craft is exciting! Call me a nerd, but I feel like a kid on Christmas morning any time I buy a new writing-craft book.  
Personally, I don't want to submit the story that I created out of natural instinct. I want to spend time with it. I want to make it shine by applying what I've learned. I want to write a book that will resonate with readers, one that will stand out in the midst of a publisher's submissions. 
{Click here for a list of craft-books and blogs.}
5. Grow your platform.

As I mentioned in #3, a publisher is highly impressed when an author already has an established platform. Nowadays, a huge portion of the marketing efforts is done via online. And even though not every author is active on social media, I have noticed that publishers do want to see at least somewhat of a web presence from their authors. 
But remember: A platform isn't grown overnight. It takes much time and effort. And even though growing one will definitely help in the long run, keep in mind that the most important thing you can do as an aspiring author is to write. That should remain your top priority. 

 ! What are other tips you could add to this list? Which of the ones I listed have you benefitted from the most? If you haven't gotten this far into your writing journey yet, do you find research overwhelming or exciting?