Last week I was in Dallas for ACFW board meetings and conference. It’s always a highlight of my year. I was frankly shocked to realize this was my 11th conference. In 2005 the conference was in Nashville. It’s no exaggeration to say that my writing journey was launched there in such a big way. Today I’m still recovering from the laryngitis I brought home with me, so I’m keeping this post simple. It’s all about the people I love and spend time with while I’m at ACFW.
I hope you enjoy seeing some of your favorite Christian fiction writers as well as a few you’ll read someday! And continue to the bottom for a book bundle giveaway! After all, it wouldn’t be a conference of authors without a great book giveaway!
At the Harper Collins Christian Publishing Toast to their authors. I adore Denise Hunter and Rachel Hauck as well as their great books!
Jaime Wright is an author to watch. Her first novella releases soon in a collection with Barbour.
Carrie Stuart Parks is the talented author of a suspense series I really enjoy. In fact I’m talking about her next book next week!
Here are the Alley Cats that were at conference this year: Laurie Tomlinson, Angie Dicken, Mary Vee, me, Pepper Bashem, and Casey Herringshaw.
This girl (Casey Herringshaw) radiates Jesus and is a pure joy to be around.
Becky Philpott is a fiction editor with Zondervan and a sweetheart. I love getting to connect with her.
Some of the Grove girls and pals. Katherine Reay, Kristy Cambron, Katie Ganshert and our friend Cathy West.
The Grove Girl Team. We were missing Beth Vogt and Sarah Ladd. But the rest of us are here along with Casey Herringshaw and Jeane Wynn. These two gals have the vision and help us with the details!
Susan May Warren is a best-selling author with a heart to teach and mentor writers. She is also just an amazing woman. Love her!
Shannon Marchese edited the novella collection Where Treetops Glisten. Sarah Sundin’s novella in that book was a finalist for the Carol Award. It was so fun to enjoy the Gala with my co-author and editor! Two great ladies.
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I do have a secret desire to write a book. I’d write a historical, since that is my favorite!
Historicals are so fun to write — just a lot of work on research. What time period would you choose?
I think it would be interesting to write a book. Unfortunately, I know I don’t have the writing skills necessary to write something someone else would actually read! If I were to suddenly be gifted with good writing skills, I think I would write a mystery.
Mysteries are a lot of fun to plot. I have to really think about the red herrings though.
No, never really had any desire to be a writer…too lazy. I am an avid reader though. I enjoy many genres, but Christian fiction is my favorite. Thankful for the many, many talented writers out there!
And we are very thankful for all the readers like you!
It would be so much fun for me to attend a conference like this and meet so many authors at one time, whose work I enjoy reading and reviewing!
It’s still a thrill for me and this was my 11th. It’s unreal to think of all the writers God has allowed me to meet and call friend. Just like the women on this blog. Amazing!
I have often thought about writing and if I ever try, it will be in the Christian genre and it might be a children’s book.
I so admire people who can write children’s books. I need a lot more words that are allowed in those!
I’d love to write one…something historical, with a bit of mystery, a touch of romance, a pinch of thriller….
That sounds wonderful! I had so much fun writing Stars in the Night which had all of those elements — as my daughter says, A body count is good!
Writing has never been my strength, I much prefer reading! I’m thankful for all of you wonderful Christian authors who publish wholesome, entertaining materials.
Thanks, Beth. We appreciate you!
No, I’ve not wanted to write a book. If I did it would probably be a suspense one. Thank you for sharing your experience at the ACFW Conference. It sounds like it was a great success and TONS of fun. I loved seeing the pictures! 🙂
psalm103and138 at gmail dot com
Thanks. I love sharing the photos. I am so goofy in the selfies. 🙂
What an interesting post, Cara! Thanks for sharing your conference story 🙂
I’d love to be entered in the drawing please!
Boiler Up!
Boiler up! Are you from Indiana?
I am a reader and not a writer. I really have little imagination.
Oh, I’d disagree. If you’re a reader, you have a vivid imagination because you can create a world in your mind from mere words.
Never written a book. I am a reader and that’s what i will continue to do is read.
So glad you love to read! It’s such a gift in this world… a way to escape for just a bit.
I would write Amish Romance.
I never thought I would, but I’m currently coauthoring a couple Amish cozy mysteries for Guidepost.
Well, since we had a family of skunks make their home under our deck this summer, I thought it would be a fun story for a children’s book.
Oh, that would be fun! Hope they didn’t stink up your yard!
It appears you had a great time. I enjoy reading and reviewing books. I’m also doing some proofreading for a small publisher. Would this event benefit me? Or to put it another way, would it be worth the expense to me? I’m retired so I need to monitor my expenses.
I am more of a reader than a writer but I could see myself writing a crazy, clean who done it cozy mystery. Maybe a cross between Nancy Drew and the mom from Malcom in the Middle’s character.
Sounds like a fun premise. I think many readers have read a book and thought, “I could do that!”
no urge to write
I’m so glad you have an urge to read 🙂
Have you ever wanted to write a book? If so, what genre would you write?
As of yet, I have not written a novel. I have started writing a ya story that is about Robin Hood’s daughter, but I have not worked on it in a while. I should take a look at it… I would like to some day. Probably Regency, Historical, and/or YA fiction.
Sydney, that sounds like a great starting idea. Good luck working on it!
I love reading and writing! I’ve written poetry and stories since I was a little girl. I would love to finish a romance manuscript that I’ve already started.
I always like to make up alternate endings or story continuations in my mind for books I’ve read, so I think if I ever wrote it would be fan fiction 😉
I have always dreamed about being a writer, since I was very young and didn’t know the ‘genre’ word, lol, but whenever I’ve tried the story(s) sound pretty silly to me so I never gave it a try.
wfnren at aol dot com
Yes, I have always wanted to be an author and I’d write a young adult novel or series!
I really don’t have a desire to write a book, but if I did, I’d probably write a children’s chapter book for elementary ages.
JEALOUS! What a fun-looking group . . . thanks for sharing the pictures!
I have written one novel-length story for a summer writing challenge among some friends. While not exactly brilliant, it was fun to do. Though if I were to write seriously, I’d do historicals. Being a Minnesotan by birth, I’m especially interested in early MN history – 1850’s-1880’s.
I have thought that I could write a book but it would probably have to be a novella! I’d write historical.
I have always wanted to write a novel. I would love to write contemporary realistic fiction. Of course, I would have some romance embedded.
I have written 11 genealogical books.
I have thought about writing a book before, but I have the problem of not knowing what to write. As an historian, I’ve thought of some non-fiction topics to write about and have a friend encouraging me to write a book on one of them (though my original plan was to just write a periodical article). I’ve also debated fiction, and I would say it would definitely have to be historical–I love researching the past.
i have never wanted to write a book….but have always wanted to edit a book lol…..funny but my eyes seem to pick up mistakes. Seems there are more errors in ebooks than regular books but i have found some in books too lol…
Sounds like a great conference!
I have never enjoyed writing anything, but I LOVE reading that other gifted writers have written.
And a fun time was held by all!
I’ve pipe-dreamed about writing a book one day. If I ever did it would probably be romantic suspense. Maybe. Lol. Right now I’m just happy reading and reviewing what everyone more talented than me writes!! 😀
I’ve never had the desire (nor the talent) to write a book. I struggle some days writing in my journal. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
I am LOVING all the ACFW conference pictures the authors are posting….it’s almost like being there…well, except I’m not, lol! I’d love to meet ALL of you someday…the writers of all the books I’ve read/want to read/have on my shelf to read and so on! What a fun time this looks like you all had 🙂
I am not a writer, BUT if I were to write, it would probably be in my favorite genre…historical. I think the research would be the most fun part, learning the history of things, places & people. I know I’ve read where authors of said genre have said that historical research is a LOT of extensive work because you want to be accurate and authentic in your stories. I can understand that….I think I’d learn just as much , if not more, as my readers would!
Thank you for the chance at a great book bundle & for sharing your photos and excitement for the conference. Glad you had a wonderfully fun time Cara!
I leave the writing to the professionals, but i am an expert at reading. 🙂
I’ve actually written since I was at least ten years old. As the Lord leads, I look forward to publishing some books in the future. 🙂
I would love to write a novel. I’ve worked on a Biblical account of Susanna (Lk 8:3), but it’s overwhelming. I’m going to try some short stories first.
I’ve loved to read all my life; one of the highlights of my childhood was the day when I was allowed to check out an unlimited number of books from the bookmobile!
Looking forward to reading some of your books in the future.
I wrote a lot in my job for the government, but none as fun as a fiction book! I just enjoy reading yours!!