Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

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ACFW Conference, Here I Come!

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For many consecutive years, both as a pre-published and newly published writer, I attended the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Conference. However, it has now been many years that I haven’t. Honestly, I can’t even remember the last time I went. But 2023 will be different, because I’ve registered to attend! 

Why go back again? For one thing, I miss my writer friends. I don’t know who will be there, exactly, but I need that fellowship with other fiction writers. But I wouldn’t be able to justify the time and expense for just that. So I let myself look at the workshop offerings. Two in particular caught my attention. First, the early bird with Donald Maas. I took one of those with him eons ago, and I always find all his writing books helpful. Second, a continuing track taught by my friend Tracy Higley on how to run your writing life from an entrepreneurial perspective. I love Tracy. And I know that her topic is one of my great weaknesses. 

All those things combined to make me take the plunge. I’m excited, even though August is still a long ways off. But I have a summer of fun things to distract me until then. 

I thought I’d leave you with a few of my ACFW memories. (Warning: they are sparse! We are temporarily out of our house at the moment and I think many of my pictures were physical, not digital! But here’s what I found.)

Me impersonating Deb in a skit long ago. One of my favorite ACFW memories!
My very first ever selfie with Liz Curtis Higgs. Obviously my selfie skills and my phone camera have dramatically improved since then!
My first ever selfie with Liz Curtis Higgs! Obviously my self skills and my phone camera have improved over the years!
The year I had a short story published in a Guideposts Christmas compilation, I got to have dinner with Susan and Jon, the editors, and friends Lisa Ludwig and Anita Higman, who wrote for Guideposts. I had no idea then that I’d get to work with Guideposts again so many years later!
Two of my longtime ACFW compadres–Carla Stewart and Mary DeMuth (who is not only a dear friend but now also my agent!)

Writing friends, will I see you there? 

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D'Ann Mateer

Inspired by novelist Eugenia Price, D’Ann’s dream of writing historical fiction with an element of faith began in middle school, though her serious drive toward publication took a bit longer. D’Ann is the author of four historical novels and one novella, as well as a contemporary short stories in a compilation volume. D’Ann and her husband of 30 years can be found in Austin, TX when they aren’t touring historic sites or visiting their grown children.

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Comments

  1. I’m so glad you get to go this year, D’Ann. ACFW is one of my favorite writing events to attend. I hate that I won’t be there to catch up with you in person. The timing didn’t work out for me this year, but I hope to be back in 2024.

  2. Oh, that made me laugh out loud, D’Ann! I still remember how hilarious that skit was and how WELL you nailed me!! 🙂 So thrilled that you’ll be there again this year! I will too! And it’ll be here before we know it! Can’t wait!

  3. I’ll miss again. My travels this year are going to see my daughter in California, going to my annual brainstorming retreat, and going to Israel. Have fun!

  4. How exciting! Gretchen and I went to StoryFest and the Carol Awards Dinner last year and has a FABULOUS time. I hope you’ll be able to connect with some readers while you are there. We won’t be attending this year (hello adulting and nursing residency for Gretchen), but plan to return in 2024 (New Orleans).

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