ACFW 25th Anniversary

ByDeborah Raney
18 Comments

This past weekend Ken and I attended the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference in Springfield, Missouri. Our own Angie Hunt, Cara Putman, and Karen Witemeyer were there also, all teaching workshops or continuing sessions. Because I had no real responsibilities at the conference this year, other than a book signing on Saturday morning, I was able to attend five different workshops, including one that Karen taught on adding humor to your writing. It was excellent, as were all the classes I took.

Our book signing was open to the public this year and we were blown away by the attendance! I wouldn’t be surprised if we broke some fire laws in that ballroom!

At my table at the booksigning.

The highlight of the conference is always the Saturday night gala where the contest winners and other awards are announced. Below I’m with my wonderful husband, Ken; with Robin Jones Gunn; and with my literary agent, Steve Laube.

We were so blessed by Robin Jones Gunn, who was not only the conference keynote speaker, but also the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award. It was so great to celebrate with her, and so sweet that Robin’s husband, Ross, sent her a lei from Maui (where they used to live) all the way to Missouri in honor of her award.

One of the highlights of each conference is the opportunity to worship together with others in the publishing industry. Such a privilege.

I came away refreshed and ready to dive back into this work God has given me to do. With great joy!

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DEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched Deb’s writing career. Forty books later, she's still creating stories that touch hearts and lives. Her novels have won RWA's RITA Award, the ACFW Carol Award, the National Readers Choice Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She is also a four-time Christy Award finalist. Deb is on faculty for several national writers’ conferences and served on the executive board of the 2,500-member American Christian Fiction Writers organization for 18 years before retiring in 2022. She is a recent transplant to Missouri, having moved with her husband, Ken Raney, from their native Kansas to be closer to kids and grandkids. They love road trips, e-biking, Friday garage sale dates, and breakfast on the screened porch overlooking their wooded backyard.

18 Comments

  3. Hi Deb, it was a great conference. I thought the workshops I attended were some of the best ever. It was encouraging to see so many writing friends and meet new writers. That book signing was wonderful! I’m already looking forward to next year in Memphis TN!

  8. Sounds like it was a lovely time! So glad you had fun. I remember my very first ACF(R)W back in Kansas City in…2001 or 2002, was it, so very fondly. It’s when I met YOU! ; ) Welcome home. Now get to work on the all crits I’ve sent you, woman! 😉

  9. Looks like you had a blast there!
    Crowded conference rooms–I’ve been there. I’ve also sat on the floor as an attendee at library conferences–somehow it was comfy than the chairs in the room.

    1. Elisa, I actually love that image of you sitting on the floor at a conference. Sounds cozy to me! (But somebody might have to help me up OFF the floor! Haha!)

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