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This week I'm gearing up to be away from the office 4 days next week.
Around March when I was deciding if I needed to attend ICRS (International Christian Retail Show in Orlando) this year, it sounded like a good idea -- be around some author friends, check out the industry, help with Marketing, etc. Now that the trip is almost here it isn't looking as fun. My life is so demanding this summer that I don't need to be away right now. And at ICRS it is a "look your best and be on your best professional behavior" kind of event. I have to try to speak intelligently about our sales and marketing efforts when those aren't really what I focus on in my normal work. It is too distracting of a place to meet with new authors and do much in the way of relaxed brainstorming and such. (In fact, I find authors searching for publishers at this show to be rather annoying.) Long days of standing and walking make me tired already.
But I'm still very much looking forward to the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) conference this September in Minneapolis.
ACFW has maintained a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere where the editors can be real and enjoy getting to know authors. It is a blessing for me to be at a conference where everyone is speaking the same language -- FICTION. I've made a wealth of friendships and cemented contacts at ACFW conferences. So it is the one event each year that I don't want to miss, both professionally and personally.
I don't know how any serious fiction writer would want to miss this conference.
8 comments:
Aww, Becky, my heart goes out to you and what you'll have to endure at ICRS. Just put on a smile, recite the marketing facts everyone wants to hear, then slip away into your daydreams of ACFW just 70 short days from today. ICRS will pass in no time. :)
As managing editor of Barbour's fiction, is it any wonder you prefer folks of your own culture? Can't say that I blame you. And unlike those "annoying" authors at ICRS, you know you'll be welcomed with open arms by your loving authors from Barbour in September.
*hugs* to you.
Can you get away for some personal time while you're at ICRS? See, if it's in Orlando, you could go visit The Mouse!
I look forward to visiting my nephew in a FL hospital, but I'm reluctant to leave my mom at home while she is having some health issues.
HI Becky,
I will be praying for your mom. I am sure it is hard to be away when she is facing some health issues and you would rather be in Ohio with her.
I am excited for ACFW, and will look forward to seeing you there! Hope ICRS is tolerable and you find some time for refreshment and enjoy good connections with the Barbour team and other pub industry friends.
Blessings,
Carrie
Hey Becky,
Just think of all that walking as burning calories. :)
I'm sooo looking forward to attending ACFW again. It's such a fun and well-focused conference--and it's only two months away!
Praying for your mom. I'm primary caregiver for my handicapped mom, so I can relate.
Hugs,
Vickie
I'm pretty intimidated by ICRS.
I have adopted as my standard for success for anything I attempt, booksignings, public speaking, conferences....
It's a success if no one was killed.
So I'm really hoping to be able to call ICRS a success.
I, for one, God willing, plan on attending ACFW every year. It'll be hard to beat 2007 when Susan Downs presented me with a contract, but I'll try.
Becky,
Will be praying that your mom does fine while you are gone. I know it's easy to feel torn when you need to be two places at once. I hope all goes well at home and that you will be able to enjoy ICRS while you are there. I'm glad you'll be able to check on your nephew while you are gone--will be praying for him, too.
Like you, I'm looking forward to going to ACFW! ICRS will be behind you soon and then you can look forward to September!
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