As you read this, the MBT staff is hard at work at the ACFW conference (if you’re there too, stop by the MBT booth. I’d love to say hi!!). I’m sure you’re hard at work as well. You’ve been repeating your elevator speech a hundred times, not realizing it was to the hotel staff. When you finally got across the table from your dream agent, you forget everything… even your name! Conferences are enough to make you feel you insignificant. Like you’re a little tadpole in a great big ocean. If you’re not careful, you let some things go that really need to be attended to. That’s why I want to encourage you to stop! Relax! And… don’t forget to breathe! Whether you land that contract or not, you’re writing […]
Read the RestArchive | September, 2013
What Does Episodic Mean?
Not long ago I had a conversation with a new author about what it means when a story is “episodic.” Maybe some of you might be wondering what it means too. Episodic is like TV shows. Sitcoms. Week to week the characters are the same but the situations are different. Old comedy shows epitomized episodic writing. The characterization even changed in order to “fit the bit” for that week. The show may not even even mentioned a problem that was introduced in last week’s show. But shows like Fraser and Friends, even Seinfeld smoothed that out by having continuing story lines and consistent characterization. Each show was different as if time passed and last week’s issue was over and done.The comedy bits were developed out of characterization rather than out […]
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Social Media Minute—Plug in through Social Networking During and After the Conference!
by Edie Melson Many of us are heading to Indianapolis this week for the ACFW Annual Conference. No matter whether you’re just going to learn or have projects to pitch, you’ll want to brush up on your social media skills to help you plug in through social networking during and after the conference. During the Conference Even those who’ve taken the time to connect before a conference, sometimes forget the benefit of staying plugged in while you’re there. Plug into social media during the conference can help concrete some of the relationships you began before you arrived, including: The ability to connect with others who are attending the conference. One good way to help others recognize you from online interactions is to add your Twitter Handle to your nametag. For […]
Read the RestLast Minute Emotional Checklist
Many of our Premium Team Members and Voices are packing their bags and putting the final touches on their manuscripts and checking their boarding passes to Indianapolis for the ACFW annual conference. Going to a conference is a necessary part of a writer’s career for sure but it can really take an emotional toll right in the middle of all your best laid plans. Here are a few things you can expect and how to combat them so you’ll be relaxed and successful when you get to Indy: Feelings of fear will come. They always do. Whether they manifest as butterflies in your stomach, sweaty palms or downright terror, the fear show up. Expect it. Embrace it. It’s only preparing you for the rigors of the conference. It will pass. […]
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