The ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) conference has frequently been touted as the “high point of the year” for many Christian fiction authors and aspiring writers. Drawing attendees from both North America and internationally, ACFW’s conference is known for bringing together writers, agents, editors, high caliber writing instructors, mentors, and industry guests for its annual gathering. The in-person conference for 2020 was of necessity postponed until 2021. But creativity is a novelist’s bread-and-butter, or kale smoothie. So in addition to the training and networking that takes place online throughout the year, ACFW will this year meet fiction writers’ needs through an innovative virtual conference experience that capitalizes on the unique benefits a virtual conference can offer.
On September 18-19, registered conferees can receive carefully collated and tailored instruction in the craft of writing Christian fiction, virtual Zoom appointments with agents and editors (first pay, first scheduled), handouts where applicable, and full access to all the workshop recordings after the virtual conference.
The virtual experience opens doors for those whose work schedules, international travel complications, mobility restrictions, family situations, or budgets have prevented their presence at a previous ACFW in-person conference. “We’re excited about what the virtual conference will make possible for those who haven’t been able to attend an ACFW conference in the past,” says ACFW CEO Colleen Coble, “as well as offering a taste of the camaraderie and encouragement-boost past attendees have come to expect.”
Among the offerings are workshops on preparing a proposal, video marketing, thriving as a hybrid author, evoking emotion, creating believable conflict on the page, the essentials of editing, book-to-movie, insights from industry professionals, and many other options.
ACFW’s important Carol Awards, Genesis contest winners, and other honors will be included in the ACFW 2020 First-Ever Virtual Conference, rounding out a rich conference experience for Christian novelists and other storytellers.
Newest ACFW Executive Board member Joy Massenburge says, “The 2020 ACFW conference will interact remotely to give fiction writers a mastermind experience from the security of their homes.”
As the industry adjusts to repercussions of a worldwide pandemic, ACFW shifts its focus to how a virtual conference in 2020 can pave the way for both veteran and prospective novelists to gather virtually, grow in their craft, make connections, level the hurdles in front of them, and move forward in their writing career.
More information is available at https://www.acfw.com/conference
