My husband, Ken, designed the cover of the ACFW conference program, and it’s one of my favorites he’s created for them.
Ken and I just returned late last night from the 17th annual American Christian Fiction Writers conference in Nashville. Maybe we say this almost every year, but this was truly one of the best ACFW conferences ever! Part of that was due to the gorgeous Gaylord Opryland Resort Hotel where the conference was held, and part of it was because I have so many dear writer friends in the organization, which makes it feel a little like going to a family reunion. But even more than that was just the wonderful spirit that permeates this conference because of the desire of the attendees to write books that make a difference in people’s lives and bring glory to God.
Since I am on the board of ACFW, we arrived a day early for executive board meetings and stayed a day after conference for more meetings. It’s always a joy to meet with these wonderful people who care so much about the organization.
One of the highlights for me was getting to see my dear friend and writing critique partner (and fellow IBLF blogger) Tamera Alexander. Tammy not only co-moderated a panel on Writing in Community with me, but she took home TWO Carol Awards at our big formal gala on Saturday night. Those awards are so well deserved and I was cheering loud when Tammy’s name was called!
Tammy won so many awards, she needed help carrying them all. Ken was happy to oblige. 😉
Another highlight was getting to meet with my agent, Steve Laube of the Steve Laube Agency. Always an encouragement.
Lynette Eason was on a panel Tammy and I moderated and had such great information to share, along with Lynn Blackburn, Jody Hedlund, and Karen Witemeyer.
Tammy and I have been getting our pic with our friend Patti Jo Moore every chance we get for many years now. Such a sweet writer friend.
I got lost in the hotel so many times the first couple of days we were there, but we all said, at least if you were lost, you were lost in paradise!
A highlight of the conference was Debbie Macomber as our keynote speaker, and then, the night of the gala, Debbie presented Liz Curtis Higgs with the ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award. Two wonderful Godly women on that stage!
Our flight home yesterday wasn’t until 7:30 p.m., but since we had to check out of our room at 2 o’clock, we set up office in this pretty spot in the hotel. Three hours flew by and we were able to get our e-mail inboxes whittled down and get caught up on things so we can hit the ground running today to make up for being away all last week. For me, that means finishing the second book in the Chandler Sisters Novel series.
For Ken, this new week at home means working with clients to create several book covers, one of his favorite projects.
It’s a blessing to be home and back to the work we love, but it sure was wonderful to gather with our friends and meet new friends.
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Thanks for showing us ACFW through your eyes! It looks like it was fun and informative. What a great chance to connect.
Thanks, Paula. It was a wonderful week start to finish!
Hi Deb, it was a wonderful conference! Thanks for sharing these highlights with us!
It was, Carrie. And I didn’t get NEARLY enough face time with you!! We didn’t even get a photo! 🙁
Loved seeing your pictures! The conference sounds amazing! Makes me wish picture book authors could benefit from the conference. I would have loved to see so many of my favorite authors in one place. And Debbie Macomber, she is such an inspiration in my own writing!
Jennifer, I honestly think you’d be surprised how much you would benefit from the conference as a picture book writer!! Not only are there classes on the business of writing and about ways to connect in the industry, but also workshops on social media, cover design, subsidiary right, and many many other topics that I think you’d find helpful! If NOTHING else, you’d be connecting with people who know the ins and outs of this crazy business! 🙂 Would LOVE to see you in San Antonio i 2019!
Thanks, Deborah, for your thoughts! I will have to look into it!
So happy to get to live it through your words and pictures! I sure did miss getting to see my writing friends again this year!
So so so wish you could have been there, Anne!!
Great to see the pictures and hear about the conference. You’ve shared Ken’s work before. You both make such a wonderful creative team.
Thank you, Betty. The Lord knew what He was doing when he put us together, and I am so grateful! 🙂
I’m glad you had a great week. We all need that sometimes in our life. Happy writing and looking forward to your next release.
So true. It was definitely a time of refreshment!
Ahh! It’s such fun to see your wonderful conference pictures, Deb! I’m glad to hear that you had a fabulous time.
So missed seeing you there, Becky! San Antonio 2019?? I hope!
Thanks, Deb. I wanted to be there. Hoping for 2019!
Would LOVE to see you in San Antonio 2019, Julie!
Thank you, sweet Deb! LOVE the time I got to spend with you (and Ken…love that man of yours!). Thanks for celebrating with me in the good times and for hanging with me in (and praying me through) the not-so-good. You’re a true friend and I’m so grateful!
That goes both ways, Tammy! So very glad for our time to catch up. And as always, it’s a blast teaching with you!