Home from the 10th ACFW Conference!

(left, Susan Downs, me, Susan May Warren. Ten years and counting!)

It's never easy, Being in a pool of peers. Swimming with the current. Against the current. Exhausted. Laughing. Weary yet energized. Pulled in a thousand different directions. Yet somehow having a single purpose.

Novels. Fiction. Hanging with other writers. I love to teach. Never realized how much until I started doing it.

This year, I learned I'm good at improve at the My Book Therapy Pizza Parties on the 18th floor with 100 Voices and a lighted terrace. No wonder singing antiphonally is easy. I can "act" antiphonally too. Ha! We ended the night in song, "Don't Stop Believing." Sharing the stage with Jim Rubart, Karen Ball and Susie May.

Being asked by the band, Jeremiah, Jimi, Jason and Jeremy to ride the elevator with them at 1:00 AM while they detonated iPhone farts on tipsy riders. My acceptance to their invitation inducted me permanently in to the "boy's club." I should write my older brother and his friends thank you notes. They trained me well.

Leading worship with 720 people who love Jesus. Chills running over my arms as we sang to the King of Kings. Disappointed when one of the band members overheard a woman rushing out of the hotel Sunday morning saying, "I can't wait to get back to 'normal' worship." Really? That was her conference take away? Abnormal worship.

Which leads to the question. What's normal worship? Who gets to define worship? Not me. Not you. But the Holy Spirit. Isn't it amazing how MUCH worship is about us. I have to watch that with my own brand of worship. Too tempted to pigeon hole it to fit "me" not Jesus.

Laughing with Liz Curtis Higgs during the Awards Gala. We were too rowdy. I apologize. We never meant to laugh at all -- but a tiny spark can ignite a roaring flame. Then came the spinning elephant and it was all over.

Loving Shannon Marchese's tears-of-laughter. And sharing the table with T.L. Higley, Karen Ball, Steve Laube, Susie May, Shannon and Andy Meisenheimer.

Susan May Warren winning The Carol for Sons of Thunder. I tuck away all of her wins as my wins too. We work that closely...

Meeting so many new writers. Connecting with friends I only see at conference. Meeting new friends. You know who you are!

Gathering with the Belles -- Lisa Wingate, Marybeth Whalen, Beth Webb Hart. Love you! Lisa winning The Carol for Never Say Never!

Hugs from My Book Therapy Voices -- Beth Vogt, Lisa Jordan, Reba Hoffman, Michelle Lim, Delores Topliff, Alena Tauriainen, Edie Melson, Melissa Tagg, and so many more!

Realizing we all have insecurities. We all feel lost. We all want to belong but often feel we don't.

The humor and smiles of Tyler and Jeane Wynn. (Yes... I know... )

Decided I need to be more proactive, a bit more goal oriented. I so want God's will in my life I've been come... passive? I volunteered to sit on the back row with Him, let Him lead my life, let Him sing my praises. I intend to stay there. Yet, I must put plans into place so HE can direct my steps.

Having those moments where I couldn't wait to get home and start writing. Yet, loving a season to refresh.

I love writing novels! It's the other stuff I don't always enjoy...

Ten years ago I attended the first ACFW conference in Kansas City. I've been to every one since. Oddly, there are times when I still feel sooo new, so outside, observing. Am I still the newbie at that first conference so long ago? LOL. It seems like it sometimes.

I met Susan Downs, Susan Warren, Tracey Bateman and Christine Lynxwiler that year and they became dear, dear friends. Women of my heart. I've not seen Tracey or Chris in a few years. I miss them.

Friends.

I'm proud of what ACFW is doing, from where we've come to where we're going. Honored to be a part of God moving among His people and opening up our hearts to WRITE for Him.

Meet Me In St. Louis

Meet me in St. Louie, Louie, meet me at the Conference!

It's fabulous!

You should come! Really!

St. Louis is a grand city! They have an arch in plain view from the hotel.

The hotel has cool carpet.

I'll be there!

Listen, I know what it's like to feel lost, alone, stupid, clumsy, and like an outsider at a conference. In 2002, I attended the first ACFW conference and I felt completely on the outside. I left saying I'd never go to another conference again.

Ha! I was the Vice President of ACFW and conference coordinator two weeks later and heading the charge to Houston 2003.

But 11 years later, I still have moments when I feel like the third wheel, or the unwanted step child. I think my agent or my editor doesn't want to talk to me. Or, that my friends are busy with other friends. I lose a contest. No one likes the worship songs I picked.

(Here I am with the fab Diann Hunt, Kristin Billerbeck and Colleen Coble!)

It's always something. But really? It's nothing! The conference is worth all those momentary feelings of "being left out."

Look, if I can feel left out -- an advisor, teacher, mentor, worship leader, published author who's attended every ACFW conference -- then surely you can brave a moment or two of feeling the same. Right?

I tell you all of this to let you know you're not alone. Come to the conference. I can guarantee you there will be folks to love on you, put an arm around you, pray with you. At the very least, you come to the worship sets and connect with the One who loves you more than His own life and get your attitude and perspective straightened.

(with Cheryl Hodde of Hannah Alexander!)

Chin up now. Attitude toward the Lord. Hearts open to give and receive. Here's what you will get from the conference:

1. Excellent teaching.

2. Excellent accommodations.

3. Sparkling and inspiring keynote address.

4. Worship with 500 brothers and sisters in Christ.

5. St. Louis! Me me there!

6. My Book Therapy Pizza Party.

7. Connecting with old and new friends.

8. Meeting editors and agents, those who can help guild you along your publishing journey.

9. Four of the most frenetic days you'll be glad to go home to the hubby/wife, wild banshee kids and barking dogs. Two days later you'll miss the conference so bad you'll ache!

10. Investing in your dream to be a published author is the first right step you'll take!

I'm glad the Lord had other things in mind for me than quitting the conference in 2002. What joy I would've missed if I'd let my fears keep me back.

In all my conference years, I didn't know what I'm doing half the time. I botched more editor and agent appointments than I care to consider. I missed workshops. I offended people. I got offended. Come on, we're people.

But I go every year with the core value: to love others and seek to esteem them higher than myself. With that as my main goal, the conference becomes easy. It's not about me! Sigh of relief.

Surely you can join me with the same high calling? Let the Lord see to our careers, our writing destination. He's good at handling those things.

Conference is too easy to get discouraged if our eyes are on ourselves. Someone else seems to be so favored while you feel like a log of knotted pine.

At one conference, I'll never forget the reaction of one author when her editor appointment produced the words, "your work is incredible."

I can still see the author smiling from ear to ear, bouncing around, celebrating with her friends. The rest of the conferencees were whispering, wondering. Lucky girl. She scored.

Yeah, I was a bit green. But I put my head down, focused on myself and got to work doing what the Lord had given me to do.

Do you know that author's career has yet to land a major house book deal? I know... hard to believe.

You just never know! Don't judge. Don't think you're a loser before you even get started! Don't think that one over there will get a book deal or favor and not you.

Yet, rejoice with those who do and wait for God's perfect timing for you. Do you know I met the lovely, gracious and talented Susan May Warren at the 2002 Conference.

She was Miss Thing that year having just signed with Tyndale. Her star was rising. I never thought she'd be friends with me. But guess what? Conference after conference we became friends. We served on ACFW board together. We found a kindred heart. She's been instrumental in my writing career. All because I accepted the invitation to put my insecurity and fears behind me.

So, how should you prepare for the conference?

1. Adopt my core value: Esteem others above yourself. Think the best of every one. Forgive easy. Don't be offended. Be humble! Jesus loves humility!

2. Prepare as best you can. Get your pitch ready. Study the craft. Editor your story. Get that hook set so you can converse with an editor or agent about your work.

3. Adopt a casual professional look. Don't spend a bunch of money you don't have, but go through your wardrobe and figure out what looks good on you. It doesn't have to be the latest styles, but try too look as professional as possible.

4. Pray, pray, pray.

5. Reach out to others before hand. It helps break the ice the first day. ;)

Can't wait to see you in St. Louis.

Home Sweet Home

The past eleven days have been the most crazy, busy, fun days I've had in awhile. Sadly, all without my hubby.

On the 11th I attended the Ohio State v. Miami Hurricanes game. I hadn't been in the Horseshoe in

over 23 years and was simply overwhelmed at the grandness of the stadium.

Twenty-five years ago this December I graduated from Ohio State. When the college of Arts and

Sciences invited "me" back for an alumni

reunion, I couldn't resist.

None

of my friends were going, but I thought it would wonderful to be back on campus, go to a game.

I won't bore you with the details of how I actually got a great ticket to the game and how I arranged to get to Columbus, but I had a blast. The line in Carmen Ohio, our alumni song, is so true, "How firm thy friendship, O-HI-O."

After the game, I met up with my Columbus cousins and aunt. There is something about "blood" and being with people, no matter how many years in betw

een visits, who come from the same family line. A Hayes family reunion is in the works! (Here we are doing the "Dave Hayes" face. LOL!)

I spent Sunday in southern Ohio visiting my lovely, dear Aunt Betty and the town where my father grew up. As I'm about to start a book where the heroine has no connection with her family history, visiting a town where my grandmother was raise as well as my father and his brothers, brought to focus how much our heritage can impact our life, give us a sense of belonging.

Monday I headed back to Indianapolis and my in-laws. Spent all of Monday and Tuesday going over the final draft of Softly and Tenderly. My in-laws were such good company, letting me work, but feeding me occasionally.

Wednesday, I headed to the downtown Hyatt for the ACFW conference. Good buddy and writing partner Susan May Warren came into town and we had an evening to catch up before being swamped with conference business.

The conference was excellent, the best part being able to see my writing friends and colleagues, my editor(s) and publisher, my agent in one place. The ACFW Worship Band did a fantastic job this year and I'm so grateful to them and their faithfulness.

We usually get a few hours to practice the song list and "gel" as a team and then it's go-time. But the unity we have by the Spirit of God keeps us together and gives us a sound.

I was blessed by the testimonies people shared with me about worship over the years at the conference. I'm so humbled to be used by God in such a way.

The first annual Carol Awards, named in honor of Carol Johnson, a Bethany House editor who saw the value in fiction and acquired a prairie romance by then unknown Janette Oke. Love Comes Softly changed the face of Christian fiction.

(Janette Oke with Carol Johnson.)

When I met Janette, I was in tears. Because of her heart for story, because of Carol's vision when the Christian fiction landscape was bleak, I get to live my dream! And all the writers of ACFW. It was almost overwhelming.

Carol is so gracious and humble, it was an honor to see her honored.

The Sweet By and By was up for the Carol Award, but we didn't win. And yes, it was an honor to be nominated.

I loved seeing my friends and connecting with new ones. So many little details I could write about but it was just a fabulous weekend.

Monday I went back to my in-laws and crashed. :) Had a fun phone call that might result in fun news down the line. Stay tuned.

Tuesday I flew home. I was very grateful to see my hubby and our little dog, too!

Today, I'm catching up with email and Facebook, writing blogs, kind of taking a day to recoup. I can fee the tired in my bones.

By the way, Sara's new song, A Little Bit Stronger is out! Down load it for a listen! It's a great song.

More later! Peace, peace, peace.

I'm going to a Buckeye Football game

Lots going on this weekend. Not necessarily in my life, but around the world and in your neighborhood.

I'm finishing up Love Lifted Me with Sara Evans. I'll be glued to my desk chair for the next few days but I'm excited to "have written!"

Today at 11CST I'll be on Kitchen Chat with Maragret McSweeney. Check my Twitter box for the link.

It's opening college football weekend! Just a big fat "Yay!" to this great fall season tradition.

Next week I'm off to Ohio State for the 25th reunion for the class of '85. I was just going to go to the cook out and tailgate party but last night I bought a ticket to the game! I'm on A Deck for those of you in the know and we're playing Miami Hurricanes and I CANNOT WAIT! It's going to be a great game, great weekend and I'll be raising my song to the alma mater.

I'm going by myself. Hubby can't go due to work and other schedule conflicts so I'm bummed about that but I'm going to have a great time. I'll blog about going to the game by myself.

After the game, I'm driving south to my father's home town to visit my aunt and cousin. Then back to my in-laws in Indy to prep for the ACFW conference.

Lots going on the weekend of the 17th - 19th. I'm leading worship, teaching a continue education class with Susan May Warren and tackling my own workshop on metaphors.

But "I'M GOING TO A BUCKEYE FOOTBALL GAME" may just be the highlight of my year.

Well, I've had a few other fun highlights this past week of which I cannot speak but when and if I can, I'll let you all know.

In other good news, I signed a new contract with Thomas Nelson for a book called The Wedding Dress about a hundred year old gown that impacts the lives of four women. "One dress, four woman, and amazing God journey." I'm very excited about this book.

Peace out. Back to writing.

The ACFW Carol Award Finalist

Here's a list of the ACFW Carol Award Finalist. Congrats to all the editors and authors.

This is the first year for the Carol Award, named for pioneering Bethany House fiction editor, Carol Johnson. Johnson saw the possibility for Christian based stories when she read a charming manuscript written by Janette Oke. That was in the early '80s.

The Carol Award takes over for the former Book of the Year Award -- affectionately called the BOTY.

The awards will be given in September 2010 at the ACFW Conference in Indianapolis.

Do not come to the ACFW conference in September

What, Rachel? Don't come to the conference? Why? What are you saying? Hmm? You want all of the editors and agents to yourself? Sit next to Angie Hunt during dinner? Win all the awards? (yeah, right... ) Sit in the first row for Mark Mynheir's police procedure continuing session?

No! Please, I'm soooo over all of those things. I mean, if Angie Hunt asks me to dine with her, I won't say not, but I'm not going to fight anyone for the chair next to her. Though, she is pretty amazing... hmm. I'll have to rethink that one and get back to you.

Nevertheless, I selected my blog title for a reason. Not everyone is ready for conference. It doesn't mean you can't become ready, but there are a few mindsets that can make a conference difficult for people.

Here's my list, and mine alone, of why you might not be ready for conference.

Do not come if you think you have the greatest manuscript, God-breathed and you want to pitch it as if an editor or agent would be crazy to turn it down.

Do not come if you think your manuscript is above change.

Do not come if you think you can surely write better than Rachel Hauck (I'm sure you can, but whatever...) or Susan May Warren or any one of "those Heartsong, Love Inspired authors."

Do not come if you're not prepared. Conference is an expensive way to just to hang out. Even if you're not sure you want to write fiction, come prepared to learn. Meet with an editor and discuss a story idea. Come up with something! If you can't meet with an editor or agent, sit with an author you like to read during dinner and discuss the world of publishing.

Do not come if you want to shop at Mall of America more than attend workshops.

Do not come if your heart is riding on your sleeve. You will be snubbed, ignored, walked away from, left sitting by yourself, feel alone among the crowd, and cry in your room at night. But you've got to get back up, get out there, and say, "Lord, you and me, let's do it."

Do not come if you're expecting people to cater to you. It won't happen. ACFW does an amazing job of welcoming everyone by providing a mentorship program for first time attendees, but ultimately, YOU are responsible for your conference success. Be prepared to walk up to strangers and say, "Hi, I'm so-n-so."

Do not come if you're not willing to hear from a critique session, or editor/agent appointment that your story needs work. Ask what you can do to fix it. Ask what they'd like to see in a story like yours. Think outside the box. My agent told me she loved ACFW's conference last year, but felt so many of the proposals and pitches were the same. Don't be afraid to mix it up a little, okay?

Do not come with attitude, or expectation of being rejected or offended. I've seen this so many times. People are timid, scared, afraid, almost looking for a reason to be offended and by their very 'tude, cause people to reject them. I know the conference can be hard, overwhelming and intimidating, but really go to the Lord if you struggle with rejection or social phobias and ask Him to make a way for you. He will.

Most of you've heard my testimony about the 2003 conference. I was the coordinator along with the amazing and hard-working Allison Wilson and I knew I'd be way too busy to connect with people. I also knew I had the talent of picking the wrong people to smooze. Yes, there is smoozing at a conference. It's fine! Well and good! But I always picked people who just aren't drawn to me. Go figger. So I said Lord, you're my editor, agent and promoter. If you want to connect me with someone, you do it. I'll mess it up if I try." Enter Colleen Coble in my life, God's gift to so many of us!

Even now, published with a great agent and fabulous editor, that is still my prayer. God, you are my editor, agent and promoter!

Come to the conference with expectation. See what God will do. Enjoy the worship times, the keynote speeches, the workshops and fellowship during dinner. Spend a half hour in the prayer room. Go to the late night chats.

Do NOT come to the conference expecting to sleep - oh no my friends - no sleeping!

Come, if God has put it on your heart. Come if you're ready to learn and network. Come if you're ready to have fun. And of course, come if you want to meet me cause I'm a hoot!

See you in September!

Did you miss me?

Well, I've been in Dallas for the ACFW conference since last Tuesday. Sorry, I was too busy to blog. Waaaaa.

But, I had a great time. I taught a 4 hour continuing session on The Lits - Chick Lit, Mom Lit, Lady Lit, etc. It went well and I had a good time.

Dave White came with me to help me lead worship. He's such a great chief musician. And, as a bonus, we were able to hang out some with our old friend, Andrew.

I roomed with the wonderful and talented, and most fun Susan May Warren. We laughed a lot. Christine Lynxwiler, another wonderful and talented writer and dear, dear friend, roomed with her niece Annalisa. We all hung out and laughed.

It was great to see all my ACFW friends - Colleen, Diann, Denise, Robin, Heather, Gail, Allison, Sydney, Stacy, Susan, Mindy and so many more. I'm afraid I'll leave someone off. :)

When I came home, these were waiting for me... my OSU Crocs! Woo hoo.

Interview on Deeper Living

Check out the interview I did on Deeper Living!

Tomorrow I leave for Dallas until next Monday. I'll be leading worship and teaching at the ACFW conference, and reuniting with friends old and new. Can't wait. It's always such a great week.

I'll blog if I can. Otherwise, be cool, love Jesus, love each other and watch college football!

Go Buckeyes!

Ah, Saturday

I love Saturdays, especially in the fall. Football! So, I cleaned today and am now panicked over my notes for the continuing session for the ACFW conference.

I thought I was good to go. I've been working on this off and on for months, but now wonder if I did it right!

Had a thought while cleaning. I was mopping the bathroom and didn't feel like moving the little rug and ended up mopping around it.

How much do we do that to God? We don't want to move issues in our life for Him to clean. Now, in my house it's not that big of a deal. But in my life, it could be.

We have to allow God to clean thoroughly. Move the furniture, dispose of the junk, paint the walls, deep clean in some places. Scrub.

Yet, we can get lazy or even angry when He wants to touch areas of our heart and mind. We don't want to give up that wound, or mind set. We fight giving up sin and offenses we've clung to. Maybe we've been abused or cheated in life, and feel justified in holding on to the injustice done against us.

But, we can't. We have to let God clean us up. I love, love, love my house after it's been cleaned. Don't you? It's sweaty work, but when I'm done, I can relax and enjoy.

It's the same with God opening up our hearts and minds to His goodness and healing. It feels so good when we let Him clean house.

Well, better work on my notes.