I love how great things come in threes. Gold,
silver, and bronze metals. Coffee, cream, and sugar. The sun, moon, and stars.
And my personal favorite, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
This year’s visit to the Blue Ridge Mountains
Christian Writers Conference (BRMCWC) will be my third. And based on history, I
anticipate great things.
In May 2008, feeling a bit Alice in
Wonderland-esque, I fell into my first writer’s conference. Upon arrival at
Ridgecrest, North Carolina, I discovered a very weird yet indelibly native
wonderland.
The mountains were filled with beginner,
intermediate, and widely-read authors. And the land overflowing with editors,
publishers, and agents. Finally, a sense of genuine community—these people got
it. We spoke the same language, shared similar idiosyncrasies, and dreamed the
same dreams.
But
dare I dream they would help me—that they could help me—figure out which way to
go from here?
As a mostly self-taught writer, it was time. Time to
learn. Time to network. And time to confess the secret I’d harbored for years:
I am a writer and I want to write books.
Like water for a flower, the serendipitous environment
of BRMCWC seduced me to voice my dream. I whispered my idea into attentive
ears. It was all I had—a simple, naïve, and undeveloped concept.
The faculty was incredibly helpful. Come-at-able
(within respective boundaries). Attainable. These worldwide publishers,
award-winning authors, national editors, and stellar agents were simply real
people. And they didn’t bite! They wanted to help, expressing a genuine
interest in my success.
Words of encouragement and strong support overtook
me. Transformed me. A newfound confidence wafted through the mountain air of
that first conference. I really can do
this.
I packed my bags for home with a new resolve. I
would return to next year’s conference with something tangible—my book proposal
and sample chapters.
However, dark storms quickly absorbed this new
perfume of confidence. I returned, instead, to the lie of the daily routine. Life
as a mom, wife, and employee consumed my days. Not to mention various health
issues that cropped up at the most inopportune times. I quickly learned that
inspiration itself won’t write a book
Eight months passed. A fluorescent note on my
daytimer reminded me of the upcoming 2009 BRMCWC—a few short months away. The
date pierced my heart. How bad do I want
this?
The first conference birthed the courage to voice my
dream. Now, would I really do what I needed to do?
Immediately, I signed up for the next conference.
And I started writing.
In May of 2009, I returned to Ridgecrest. Determined
now to find my way. I hemmed up my fears and laid out my work before eagle
eyes. I coveted honest insight and constructive critique. The faculty didn’t
disappoint. The critiques were invaluable and the support overwhelming.
In the end, I completed my first book. I gained
multiple offers of agent representation. I found a fantastic editor/writing
coach. And I secured potential endorsements. Yes, it was hard work. It
continues to be. But it is such an exciting time. I recently chose my literary
agent and have started the process of shopping my book.
BRMCWC was the gentle kick in the butt I needed. The
conference nurtured my dream, yet more importantly taught me to put action to
my dreams. It’s quite simplistic, actually. To see my book in print, I had to
first write it. Then I had to allow industry veterans to mentor me.
You know, threes also have their place in successful
books. I’ve learned that a great idea, stellar craft, and good marketing are
most always behind a best-seller. So I return to the conference this year, my
third time, with a new focus. Marketing and perfecting my prose. Well that, and
networking with some amazing new friends.
Jo Ann Fore
www.joannfore.com
joannfore@msn.com
What a fantastic story! God opened an incredible door to allow me to attend this conference...my first ever...and I'm so excited. I'm feeling such an impression to get my first manuscript completely re-written by the time of the conference. It's a good pressure. :)
I really don't know what to expect. I don't know how to write a book proposal or even what to say to a potential agent. I have a lot of prep work to do in two short months. :)
I hope I will be able to cross your path this year.
Posted by: Jason | March 02, 2010 at 03:47 PM
Great message Jo Ann. Hope to see you and share our 3rd year together. So many blessings in our lives and living the dream we all have.
Blessings,
"Simply" Sue
www.simplysuespeaks.com
Posted by: "Simply" Sue Falcone | March 03, 2010 at 05:25 AM
Hi, Jo Ann. Have a wonderific time!
Jean Hall
Posted by: Jean Hall | March 03, 2010 at 01:02 PM
I'm so excited for you, Jo Ann! You've done what it takes and it's paying off. Can't wait to see you again!
Blessings,
Vonda
www.VondaSkelton.com
Posted by: Vonda Skelton | March 04, 2010 at 06:10 PM
Hi guys,
Sorry so long in responding, have been in Europe.
Jason, I am so excited for you. I remember well the motivation of getting the work completed so that I would have something to show the editors/agents. What an exciting motivation (read: pressure to actually do it:). Feel free to email me.
Sue -- I would love to connect. No "dreambusters" stopping us, right!
Hey Jean -- will you be at the conference?
Vonda -- ever the encourager! Can't wait to see your beautiful smiling face again this year.
Warmly,
Jo Ann
www.JoAnnFore.com
www.snipurl.com/WriteWhereItHurts
Posted by: Jo Ann Fore | March 14, 2010 at 07:59 AM