The Story Behind | UNITE 2017

Guess what my dear readers? I'm attending the CBA's UNITE 2017 International Convention next week! Don't know what it is? Check out more information HERE.

I'm really excited that this convention is only about an hour away from me. In the past I've seen information about it after the fact and sometimes I've even followed friends who have attended, but I was never able to go myself...until this year.

I'll be attending as a member of the media (very exciting😀) and I get to do what I love! Talk about books and passion with people!

My Focus for the Convention

At first glance I was thinking...what exactly can I gain from UNITE. Obviously, that was a little self-focused, but I wanted to make sure that attending would be a wise decision. As I've had more time to think about this I've realized a few things that I'd like to share. 

1) I LOVE learning about people's passions 
It's true. I gain so much joy from listening to others talk about things they are passionate about. Passion inspires. Passion creates. Passion changes. Because of that, the interviews that I have set up will focus on that: the PASSION behind the PRODUCT. I'll be asking questions regarding people's passions so that I can then turn around and share them here with you.

The books and products that will be on display (from large publishing houses to small) reflect acts of passion from those who have produced them. From the author who writes the book to the team that chooses to publish it to the marketing experts who help spread the word, all of those things are acts of passion.

2) The reason I have a platform is to USE it
No, I may not have a brick and mortar bookstore in which to sell products, but I do have this blog and my other social media outlets so that I can share things with you all. During the conference I'll be taking my camera with me (I'm sure no one is surprised by that) and I'll be documenting my interviewees and the convention itself. I'll also be sharing Instagram "stories" of those I meet with, their books, and a personal Emilie's-Eye-View of the convention. It'll be your chance to "see what I see".

To experience the convention with me I'd invite you to join me on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/createexploreread and on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/eacreativephoto

*Are you attending? Let me know so we can meet up!

3) Everyone's story is UNIQUE
As a writer, I know the importance of story. I also know that one of the most powerful things we can do is share our stories and our passions with others. During my time at UNITE I want to make sure my interviews shine the light on "The Story Behind". That will be the series title for the posts that will stem from my time at this conference.

I invite you to join along on the journey whether that's live Tweeting or on Instagram later when you look through my stories. I want this convention to bridge the gap between authors, book sellers, and readers alike where our stories can influence others and where our passions can shine through.

Conference & Exciting News

I have been given some exciting news! 

You may remember a post I did a few months ago when I said I was going to the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Conference? Well...I have been asked to be the conference photographer! I am so humbled by this and am really looking forward to capturing this event as well as shooting headshots of various different writers, authors and agents!

I've already scheduled many appointments and am gearing up for a full weekend! If you're attending the conference and are interested in scheduling a mini-session with me, you can email me here.

In other news, I am frantically working on my next book! The character sketches are coming together nicely and I'm making it a priority to schedule some major writing time this weekend!

What are you up to? If you're attending the conference, are you finished preparing or still have work to do? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below! 

ACFW Writers Conference

I am so excited!

I get to attend the American Christian Fiction Writers conference this September! When I first heard of the conference, shortly after joining ACFW, I thought to myself, "It would be great to go, but I probably can't." Now, looking back, I had no idea all that the Lord would do in order to bring me to the point where I am attending!

I will only share bits and pieces here, because it's quite a long story, but I just love seeing the Lord's hand in things! I think that is part of the reason why I write--to share how God can (and does) work though our lives.

You see, I have been blessed to partner up with a fabulous critique partner on my latest novel. Her name is Deb and you should definitely check out her books! I honestly believe the Lord planned for Deb to see my post in search of a critique partner and prompted her to reply because I know she has already helped my writing tremendously in the short time we've been working together! (Seriously, check out her books!)

I received word an editor wanted to see my manuscript [post about this here]. I thought to myself, "Okay, Lord, what does that mean?" It meant I needed to work my tail off! I still am, and am exited to say I'm almost done with my novel! Little did I realize that it was in preparation for more than just a pitch to an editor. In talking with Deb, I realized that if I really wanted to be serious about my writing, I was going to have to consider getting an agent.

Dun, dun, dun....

Suddenly, I was that wide-eyed little girl back in grade school wanting to grow up to be an author but having no idea what that meant. Sure, it is fun to write books, but to sell them to publishing houses and be a part of the elite group of men and women who entertain and delight readers all over the world through the written word...well, that's another story. 

Enter in the ACFW conference. I am blessed to say that God has worked out the details for me to attend and, while I hadn't anticipated attending, I know I am more excited than I would have imagined. I hope to make amazing friends, learn a lot, and hopefully meet with an agent or two in hopes of continuing down the road to publication. Thankfully, I've been motivated to complete my manuscript (which is pretty much a necessity as an unpublished author to attain an agent) and hope to be ready to take the next steps in my writing career.

Through all of this I am reminded of one very important fact.

I write as an outpouring to God. 

I fully believe we are all given gifts and talents by the Creator and we are meant to use them. I desire to use my gift for writing for Him and His glory - not for myself (1 Cor. 10:31). I know it's easy to get wrapped up in myself, but I sit at my keyboard today and pray fervently that everything and anything I do will only act to bring Him more glory.

Thanks to all of you who faithfully read Thinking Thoughts and who encourage me in my writing endeavors. Yes, I may talk in word counts and character motivation, but I hope to someday soon be able to hand you a book and say, "I wrote this for you--to inspire, encourage, and entertain!"