I’m Going to ACFW!

I got a call yesterday that I am one of the blessed recipients of the ACFW Conference Scholarships!! It really was great news to balance out some of the stress of yesterday. At the same time, I know quite a lot of people applied and didn’t get one. I’m sad for them.

This is how I think about it. We all put our 100% into our applications and essays. Then, just like with a manuscript, we send it off and trust God to control 100% of the results. To me, this is confirmation from God to continue to whole-heartedly focus on my fiction.

Have you heard how Danny Gokey caught flack from some American Idol watchers for “capitalizing” on the death of his wife to gain sympathy votes? Come on, people! If you’ve ever been around a recently widowed person, you would know he thinks about his deceased wife constantly and to NOT talk about her would be abnormal. However, Danny doesn’t say much anymore, which makes it all the more emotional for me when he sings about love or loss.

So I asked myself, am I looking for sympathy “votes” because my marriage died? But it came down to this: that is the sole and compelling reason I cannot afford the conference and, thus, cannot be ignored. For any of you interested in what I wrote for my essay, here it is:

A wife imagines her entire life playing out with her loving, faithful husband by her side. And yet, her husband hides so much that he doesn’t even know who he is himself. Sounds like the start of a great story, right? Built-in conflict, high emotion, and relatable circumstances. My debut novel begins this way, but it’s also what happened to me in real life over the past month and a half.

At last year’s conference, the Genesis awards brought quite a lot of editor attention my way and ultimately resulted in my first sale. The project ended up on the fast track and will release a mere sixteen days before the 2009 conference. Every other time I’ve attended a writer’s conference, I’ve been able to look at it as an investment and opportunity to sell my novel. This year, I was looking forward to finding out how it felt to attend as a published author. Would I get even more from the classes since I wouldn’t be slipping in and out for editor appointments? Would God provide a whole new level of challenge and encouragement? Could I say hundreds of people attended “my first book signing” because I would be included with many other authors? The possibilities excited me!

Then my husband left. With him went my best friend, financial security, the ability to be a stay-at-home mom, and the gift of focusing on my writing full time. But more than ever I feel like I should be at the conference. While I cannot even begin to comprehend what my finances will look like until the house sells and I find a “real” job, I do know that I will not be able to justify the transportation, lodging, and conference fee.

I know there will come a year when I miss the conference—and maybe that time is now—but I thrive on the energy, the knowledge, the friendships, the community. The closest I ever feel to heaven on earth is when I’m surrounded by like minded, word-loving, book-crazed people all competing for editor or agents’ time and money, yet generous and encouraging to the last drop of ink in their pens. I know of no other industry that models Christ’s love like the writers of ACFW do: in worship, in prayer, in support, in selfless acts, and even in helping others when they are going through a tough financial time. Thank you for your consideration.

In case you couldn’t tell, I think ACFW rocks!

13 Responses to I’m Going to ACFW!

  1. Jessica April 1, 2009 at 3:07 pm #

    I just want you to know, Christina, that God is totally in control of this.
    First of all, I applied for the scholarship too. After I applied for it, maybe a week or two, I got a surprise gift in the mail for my birthday. My grandma, who has never sent me money (other than bonds when I was a kid) gave me a huge gift to go towards my writing.
    Today I received the rejection e-mail from the scholarship.
    This is SO God! He knows who truly needs that help and I am so excited for you!!! Congratulations. I hope you get much pleasure from it and who knows, maybe I’ll see you there.
    😉
    Your letter was very touching, btw.

  2. Jen April 1, 2009 at 3:36 pm #

    I am so puroud of you. With all on your plate, you are by far the most positive person I ever met. Have fun at your conference and see you this weekend.

  3. Tammy Bowers April 2, 2009 at 8:03 am #

    Christina, don’t apologize for writing a moving essay straight from your heart. Like Jessica said, God knows what He is doing. I think you very much deserve this!

    Congrats! Have a fantastic time. My dream is to go to ACFW someday.

  4. Susan J. Reinhardt April 2, 2009 at 6:01 pm #

    Hi Christina –

    I can see why they awarded you the scholarship – super essay and straight from the heart.

    You’re exactly right about Danny Gokey. The recent loss of a mate is uppermost in a person’s mind. Even after almost 2 years, my sweetie is never far from my thoughts.

    Congrats to both you and Jessica for realizing your dream of going to ACFW. Maybe someday I’ll get to attend. Hope the next one is closer to the East Coast. 🙂

    Blessings,
    Susan

  5. Lynetta April 3, 2009 at 7:54 am #

    Christina, no wonder you won the scholarship! And well-deserved,too. May God richly bless your time at the conference. I pray that it provides you with exactly what you need this year.

  6. Christina Berry April 3, 2009 at 12:25 pm #

    Guys, I’m always conflicted between answering her or responding on your blogs–which I read anyway. I usually do a little of both. 🙂

    Jessica, sharing your story releaves a little of my guilt for being blessed with the scholarship. Thank you!

    Jen, can’t wait. Only a day away now.

    Tammy, we would have so much fun there together.

    Susan, I was actually thinking of you as well when I wrote that. Just the loss of Kevin as my husband is foremost in mind at all times. Death would be even more effecting, I imagine.

    Lynetta, I miss you! Thanks for your prayers.

  7. Jennifer AlLee April 4, 2009 at 11:04 am #

    This is fabulous news, Christina. I’m so glad you’ll be at the conference. If you weren’t there, I’d have to find someone else to stalk :+}

    Your essay was heartfelt and beautiful. You’re right, God’s hand is in it. I’m looking forward to giving you a big hug in Denver. Be blessed!

  8. Jaime April 5, 2009 at 6:25 pm #

    Christina,
    YEAH!!! I get to meet you this fall at the conference!! no more virtual hugs! 🙂
    I’m so happy for you!! God does bless and provide. Don’t feel guilty receiving His blessings. He will bless the ones who did not receive a scholarship in a special way more suited to them! 🙂

  9. Rachel April 9, 2009 at 1:41 pm #

    I will be looking for you, Christina. Just to give you a big hug!

  10. Christina Berry April 10, 2009 at 1:27 pm #

    I’m going to get so many hugs!!! Hey, I need all the physical contact I can get. I remember learning in high school about what they called “Vitamin T.” Basically a body needs to be touched in a nice way about 14 times a day for optimum health. At least I have the kids to hang all over me!

  11. jenness April 15, 2009 at 5:13 am #

    I’m planning on going to the conference as well. So glad you’ll be there. It wouldn’t be the same without your beautiful smile! 🙂

  12. Patty April 25, 2009 at 7:52 pm #

    Congratulations on winning with your essay. It definitely shared your truth and they saw through to your heart. I know you will have a wonderful time. One of these days I hope to go, but who knows. Blessings in your writing. I look forward to getting a copy of the Familiar Stranger. It sounds very intriguing.

  13. Christina Berry April 29, 2009 at 11:04 pm #

    Patty, thanks! Are you signed up for the newsletter. That way, if you should chose not to pre-order now, you’ll be sure to hear when it actually hits the stores. 🙂