Top 10 Tidbits gleaned from FaithWriters conference

FaithWriters Conference 2010


My top 10 tidbits, gleaned from the conference, straight from my notebook, mostly.

10. From Dub Wright’s talk on exercising creativity: I could die any second from all the rubbish I push into my belly, so hurry up and write, and try to stave off the impending death by exercising and eating well (two habits also known to spur creativity, a bonus).

9. From Tim Boyle’s humorous segment: LOL should be used sparingly, so as not upset the sensibilities of those irritated with “text” words. One should never type LMAO as it is a medical emergency and one should reach for the telephone to dial 9-1-1 instead. Also, good looks and humor are rarely paired in the same individual.

8.From Linda Glaz’s how not to get an agent. Regardless of how precious little time you have with a potential agent, NEVER pitch to them in a bathroom. Now if you manage to pass them a spare square you might earn yourself a few quality post-bathroom seconds but never pitch within the confines of a bathroom. And always follow the guidelines, they always apply to you.

7. From Lynda Schab’s writing isn’t for wimps. Perfectionism is the ugly step-sister of Procrastination. If they start in on you, start letting you know how far from perfect you are, and how many other things you’d like to be doing instead… hit them with the ol’ one-two (-three?) punch. Get your hiney in your chair, write, and submit your work. And keep it coming so that they don’t have a chance to speak. This is the writer’s equivalent to stinking your fingers in your ears and singing “la,la,la. I can’t hear you.”

6. From Tim Boyle’s it’s not funny life is. If you’re funny, you’re funny. If you’re not, stop lying to yourself and get over it, go write some drama. If you can’t see the humor in life you shouldn’t be trying to split sides with your wit.

5.From Deb Porter’s trends in publishing. The female MC’s of Christian Fiction are finally moving OFF THE PRAIRIE! I know some of you are standing there next to the MC in your WIP, going…um, we’re definitely still in Kansas…but for me, whew! What a relief. My MC is nowhere near a prairie and hardly Amish. I’m glad she’ll have a chance at some time in a reader’s hand (if I ever get it up to snuff!).

4.[note- did not expect to glean much from this session, sorry David, as it seemed more for entertaining than for learning, but…] From David Ian’s writer’s survival. It is possible to desensitize oneself from the sting of rejection. If you work your way up to the place of sending out submission after submission with full expectation that it will go nowhere, every once in a while, you’ll be surprised with acceptance. Also- it becomes good prep for when the big WIP is rejected or accepted.

3. From Deb Porter’s may I speak frankly. It is possible to spoil your WIP by coddling your darlings. There is no need to murder them, but maybe give them time-outs, send them to their rooms, and keep them out of the finished product (they can have a turn next time, maybe).

2. From my backside. It’s hard to sit from 8:30 in the morning until 9:00 at night without a nap in the middle. I’ve been trying to teach my children this for years.

1. Worry wastes wisdom. From…, hmm, oh, never mind. That was from my Dove chocolate. 9 tidbits it is then.


I learned much and I will miss you all much. I have a heart full of gratitude for all our speakers, the volunteers, and my fellow FW family. Until next conference dear ones, Adieu.