Or went, rather. I’m home again, safe and sound.
This past weekend, I was blessed to be able to attend the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference. I had the privilege of meeting and hanging out with awesome writers like Jill Williamson, Stephanie Morrill, John W. Otte, Morgan L. Busse and so many others, including some very talented writers my own age!
It was a tremendous opportunity for me to learn, not just in the sessions and workshops, but in conversations with veteran writers. I enjoyed talking to people who understand character problems, troublesome plots, deadlines, and the whole writing life.
And where else could you have a conversation over the breakfast table about killing off troublesome characters without someone calling the police, or the insane asylum? ;)
Several fascinating things I learned:
- Editors and agents are not as frightening as they sound. I had the opportunity to pitch my novel several times and, though each time was nerve-racking, the editors and agents I spoke with were all extremely kind and encouraging.
- The reason for the Inklings. Writing is so much better in community!
- I am not the only fantasy writer who has a sword collection in their bedroom.
I returned home with a pad full of notes, a pocket full of business cards from all of my new author-friends, and a renewed passion for the written word.
I also brought home a bag full of books, all of which have now found the perfect home on my shelves and are calling to me, trying to lure me away from my writing, like so many Sirens.
A sneak peak at some of my new books, all of which I am simply dying to read!
The New Recruit by Jill Williamson
If you can’t tell by now, I absolutely love Jill Williamson’s books and I also loved getting to hang out with this author. She is super sweet and friendly and so much fun to be around!
Story Blurb: Forced to choose between military school and a Christian spy organization, skeptic Spencer Garmond signs on with the Bible geeks. But before he even boards the plane for Moscow, Spencer realizes this is no Bible club.
These guys mean business.
Stumbling onto a case involving a gang of homeless boys, a chilling tattoo, and the always beautiful Anya Vseveloda, Spencer struggles to find the faith needed to save the Mission League from enemy infiltration.
I ran into this author and her book several times online and really wanted a chance to read it. So, when I found it in the conference bookstore, I snatched it up right away!
Story Blurb: As the Shadonae rise in the west and war threatens the north, a young woman discovers she is not human…
Rowen Mar finds a strange mark on her hand, and she is banished from her village as a witch. She covers the mark with a leather glove and seeks sanctuary in the White City. She lives in fear that if she touches another person, the power inside her will trigger again, a terrifying power that allows her to see the darkness inside the human heart…
But the mark is a summons, and those called cannot hide forever. For the salvation of her people lies within her hand.
Another fantasy novel. Surprise, surprise. The title of this book captured my attention immediately, and the cover is very “fairy-tale-ish”
Story Blurb: The High Queen is dying… At the royal summons, Shae mounts a wingabeast and soars through the air to the high hold of Faeraven, where all is not as it seems. Visions warn her of danger, and a dark soul touches hers in the night. When she encounters an attractive but disturbing musician, her wayward heart awakens.
Sarah Faulkner says
Loved the bit about the sword collection. I don't have one, but I do have a tunic, and bow and arrows.
~Sarah
http://www.inklinedwriters.blogspot.com
Mary Ruth Pursselley says
How about battle axes and daggers? ; )
Current to-read list:
The Endless Knot by Stephen R. Lawhead
Return to Alastair by L.A. Kelly
Starfire by Stuart Vaughn Stockton
Gillian Adams says
Haha, perhaps I should change it to "medieval weaponry collection." That would be more accurate!
Mary Ruth Pursselley – a battle axe? Very nice. That's on my to-acquire list. ;)
Along with a crossbow, plate armor, and a viking style short sword. The problem with writing fantasy novels and wanting to eventually film book trailers for all of them is that I have to somehow find the weaponry that I describe in the book…
Mary Ruth Pursselley says
Ach, that's exactly the trouble I'm dealing with now. Between the woeful shortage of blond-haired men among my acquaintances and the shortage of weapons with which to arm them, book trailer filming is proving a difficult experience.
Charley Robson says
Oh my gosh, so much awesomeness in one place! Sounds like you had a fantastic time – those books sound pretty interesting too (the first one was my favourite, have to say, hee hee!)
Gillian Adams says
Charley – Yes, I'm really excited about that one… I've peeked inside a wee bit and it looks great!
city says
thanks for sharing..