Portland Area ACFW

I’ve been wanting to get to a Portland area ACFW meeting for a while now. The conflict always comes when I consider the distance from my home. Ya, it’s only about two hours, but when you think about driving there, driving back, the time the meeting gets out and the fact that I get lost a least once each time I go farther than ten miles from my house, you see it’s a big undertaking for me.

The February meeting was scheduled for President’s Day so I took three of the kids (Joshua’s school was making up a snow day) and we trekked off to a day at OMSI. We took in an Omnimax show about adrenaline highs and risk taking, then the kiddos were off to Grandma and Grandpa’s house while I continued on to Battleground, WA. I’m pretty sure that’s where I was.

Well, the drive was worth it. I felt refreshed and encouraged by the great company and the speaker.

Sandra Bishop of MacGregor Literary spoke and answered questions. I’ve found myself tossing her comments around in my head many times since the meeting. It seems that she and other agents are experiencing increased volumes in queries. What do you suppose is causing this? Is it tied to the economy? My guess it that it is. She reminded us that our work needs to be ready and as perfect as possible before submission. I think that should be true no matter the level of competition.

So that brings me to a question. As writers, when do we feel that our manuscripts are ready to be seen? Do we ever? Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

If you’re interested in the Portland Area ACFW, check out their new blog.

Portland ACFW blog

Have a great week.

2 Comments

Donna

March 10, 2009 at 11:59 am Reply

Christina,
This is a great topic. I know that I have yet to submit a chapter for review in the crit group but I will this week. I promise really!! I am not at a point I feel I would send something in to a publishing house or an agent but I am going to take the time to learn how to write well. I know that this is going to be a long journey.

Donna

Miralee Ferrell

June 4, 2009 at 12:19 pm Reply

We were so tickled you were able to join us at that ACFW meeting, and do hope you'll be able to come again sometime. Our next one is June 29th. Maybe you could car pool with a friend, if you have anyone you know who also writes?

I've enjoyed skimming through several of your blog posts. Nice job! If you end up reading my newest book, Love Finds You in Last Chance, CA (I think you have a copy, right?) I'd love it if you have time to do a review here.

Blessings and hugs! Miralee Ferrell
President ACFW Portland
http://www.miraleeferrell.com
Author of two released books, two coming in 2010