Jessica Ferguson

Author, Writing Coach, Speaker

Good News Galore

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There’s so much to tell you, I don’t know where to start so I think I’ll list in linear fashion.

If you read my previous post, you know that I received a blog critique from marketing consultant, Laura Barnes. I was really nervous about it because I’ve never considered my posts or my blog very professional. Most of the time, I feel like a whiner. Laura gave me a great critique with some wonderful suggestions. I’ve put some of them into action. Read what she had to say and feel free to make a few suggestions of your own. For info on how to submit your blog for her critique, go here.

 

Second, I spoke at the BWG conference. I even had print copies of Hearts, Hearths & Holidays. What fun to have a book to sign. Three people who’ve read my story, A Child Was Born, said I made them cry. That was exactly what I’d hoped to achieve but thought I’d missed the mark. Even now, I keep rewriting in my head. Anyway, I took twelve books and sold six.

Author/Editor Linda Yezak & Jess

I was the second speaker, and so glad to get it over with so I could relax and listen to the others.  Honestly, I loved speaking. I always do–even though it’s scary when I first look out among all those faces staring back at me. What do they need? What do they want? How can I help? I wish I could get each and every one of them motivated to write daily, research markets, sell. No matter how much we share and teach, it’s really up to them. And basically, that’s what I told them. They have to make up their minds to grab their dream. My title was: The Power of the Made Up Mind.

After the conference, I checked email on my B’berry and had a message from an editor who wrote:

“The committee has completed the evaluation of your story, Peace of Heart. And, I’m very pleased to say that they have allowed me to offer you a contract. Congratulations!

If you accept …”

IF I accept? Really!

That’s my good news. I’ve signed a contract with The Wild Rose Press and I’m looking forward to making the editorial changes, seeing my cover, and sharing the happenings and happiness with you.
More later.

A Funny Thing Happened: I’m A Speaker

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Visit the IWSG to read great blogs!
Funny thing happened last weekend while I was scrambling eggs. My cell rang—rather, it went into the Garth Brooks Calling Baton Rougesummons. I clicked. On the other end was a Bayou Writers’ Group board member asking if I would replace one of their conference speakers who had to cancel. I said no. I always say no when I’m hit with something totally unexpected. I have to think about things—or be talked into things. I have to roll the beginning, the middle, the end around in my mind. I have to play it out—the good, the bad and the ugly. After listening to my hubby tell me all the reasons I should—quoting me back to me in some cases—I called them back and accepted.

I haven’t slept since.

I have a sore throat.

I wheeze.

My chest feels like an elephant … well, you’ve seen that commercial.

It has been two years since I’ve stood in front of a group of writers and offered encouragement.  I’m not in that “place” anymore—if you know what I mean.

I’m still working on my talk. Well, I have a title. I keep visualizing my audience: all writers. New and experienced. Such a wide gap between the new writer and the experienced writer; between the literary writer and the romance writer. Often our needs are so different. Sure, we have a lot in common, but really, what do we have in common?

Fear?   Insecurity?  Procrastination?

Maybe not.  I’m bringing to mind several attendees who show no fear, who write with confidence and don’t have an ounce of insecurity—at least, they don’t let it show.

My talk is called The Power of The Made Up Mind. Doesn’t that say it all?
But what next?

I have a feeling I’m going to be the kind of speaker I hate; the one that gives a good title but a talk that has nothing to do with it. Ever wander into one of those sessions? I have—too many times.

Maybe I’ll just speak into the microphone: “Hubby says our conference—all writers’ meetings—should be held in graveyards so we’ll write with the end in sight. Now go home and pretend you have a death sentence.”

Inspiring?

Think of me on Saturday. If I don’t lose my voice, I’ll be standing tall with Poet StellaNesanovich; Literary Agent Brooks Sherman; Linda Yezak, Acquisitions editor of Port Yonder Press; Mona Lisa Saloy, author and folklorist, and my personal hero– freelance writing expert, Hope Clark, founder of Funds for Writers and author of Lowcountry Bribe.

I’ll speak at 9:10 for 50 minutes. ACK!  I feel my throat closing.

Tell me what you appreciate when hearing conference speakers–and tell me what drives you bananas!

Vote! and Stuff

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Our latest issue of Swamp Lily Review is available for your reading pleasure. We have some wonderful artists, photographers and poets in this issue. We’re focusing on an annual happening in our area called Vision/Verse.

Vision/Verse is an interesting event that reinforces the bond between the literary and visual arts by examining the role of inspiration in art, particularly how poetry can inspire art and how art can influence poetry. Read the editor’s note, then click on Issue 2, Number 2 to meet our contributors.

 
Second: The Bayou Writers’ Group will host their annual conference on November 10th.  If you’re interested in a small, intimate conference in Lake Charles, Louisiana, then get more information and a list of speakers by clicking on this link.  Hope to see you there!
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We voted today. We drove 10 hours to do so, because we can’t vote on November 2nd. We believe voting is one of our most important rights and responsibilities. I have family members who don’t vote, but they sure gripe about everything that happens in our country. I always wonder why they grumble when they’re willingly relinquishing their voice, their right to choose leaders and representatives. I guess it makes more sense to them than it does me. Sometimes we believe our vote isn’t important. That’s not true. Every vote counts.

I hope you go to the polls–rain or shine.

Have a great weekend!