It’s almost here–the annual American Christian Fiction Writers national conference is only two weeks away! Author Laurie Tomlinson had the brilliant idea to host a virtual ACFW pre-conference Mix & Mingle. I love it! Here are my answers . . . and then go check out the others, too. Thanks, Laurie!
Name: Brandy Heineman
Location: Atlanta, GA
What you write/tagline/trademark: Christian Women’s Fiction / “Timeslip Fiction, Eternal Truth”
Place in the book world: Contracted! My book comes out . . . soon. Not sure when. LOL! And I’m represented by Jim Hart of Hartline Literary Agency.
On a scale of hugger to 10-foot-pole, please rate your personal space: I mean, I don’t want to be rude . . . *crosses arms awkwardly*
The unique talking point that will get you going for hours: Books (of course!), Bible study, genealogy, and fur-babies, although I will try not to tell stories about my intelligent cats in response to your stories about your intelligent children. No promises. (Kidding! . . . mostly.)
Loved ones at home you’ll be missing: My pitty-pats will be headed to the spa (i.e., the kennel) while I’m conferencing this year!
Conference goals we can pray for? This year, I’m going to learn and to network . . . which, since I’m unquestionably an introvert (see above re: personal space), small talk, party chatter, and social niceties just don’t come easy for me. Prayers are much appreciated!
Anything we can celebrate with you? I’m excited to be a finalist in the Contemporary category of the Genesis contest!
One or two ways we can help you build your platform? I do enjoy Twitter, and if you like, you can join my Street Team for my upcoming debut novel.
Going to the ACFW conference this year? Then I hope you’ll meet me in St. Louis! (Sorry, couldn’t resist!)
Help this introvert warm up by saying hello in the comments!
Yay for your contract! I’m going to go dig for more details. And congrats on finaling in the Genesis. I’m a little partial to the Contemporary category. I’ll be rooting on you to “dethrone” me 🙂 We will try to respect your introvert space, too hehe!
Thanks, Laurie! And thanks for rooting for me for the Genesis. I’d love to win of course, but I actually met both the other Contemporary finalists at last year’s ACFW conference, and I’m glad I did. Since I have that personal connection established, I’ll be thrilled no matter who wins. 🙂
Thanks again for putting together this virtual mixer–what a hit!
Introverted space? I’m sure I understand what that is…. just kidding! 🙂 I will be at conference too and look forward to meeting you. I will try not to hug you, I promise! I’m loving these mix and mingle questions.
Hi Stacey! I promise I won’t go all Wicked Witch of the West (“Melting! Oh, what a world…!”) if I end up the recipient of a stray hug. 😉 Looking forward to meeting you too!
Go Brandy Go! I’ll probably hug you and not realize I even did it. Contracted! Nice. That should take the pressure off this ACFW experience. I’m with you on the networking thing. Keep me in mind if you have any “linking” ideas.
Hi Cara! I’ll admit, it’s nice to not be freaking out about one-sheets and pitches this time, but I do have a strange sense of being unprepared… probably because I’m remembering all the build up last time, and doing none of that this time. Although this mix-n-mingle is helping with that a lot! And re: networking, of course I will! 🙂
Big congratulations on your Genesis final and your contract, Brandy! See you in St. Louis!
Thank you, Becky! It’s getting close now–lots of excitement! See you there! 🙂
Brandy, i understand about being the one who sits in the corner while everyone converses around you. Usually I pull out a book from my purse and read. I hope we see each other and talk.
Yeah, not my favorite feeling, Kelly. I had a moment at one of the meals at last year’s conference. Everyone filling up tables, no idea where to park myself–but then a lady from our local ACFW chapter recognized me (and probably, my look of building panic!) and invited me to join her table. Definitely a blessing because at that moment, I was ready to bolt and get a salad from the Subway in the hotel! Hope to see you in St. Louis!
I totally understand the introvert thing! Loved your mingle. Hopefully I’ll meet you there! 🙂
Thanks, Jill! It’s funny, because public speaking and performing don’t really bother me, but socializing in a crowd? Ack. Haha! Hope to see you, too! 🙂
I’m with you on the introversion issues. Looking forward to meeting you at the conference.
Hi Christina! Yes, but I think this virtual icebreaker should go a long way toward smoothing the way. Looking forward to meeting you too!
Hi Brandy! I’m super introverted too…small talk and I are not a thing. 🙂 If we run into each other, let’s skip the chatter about the weather or whatever and move to more interesting topics. I’d love to chat with you about genealogy! I’ve been researching my ancestry and hit a bit of a brick wall I can’t move past, so if you have any tips or tricks I’d love to hear them. 🙂 Congratulations on being a Genesis finalist!
Ashley, I am all-in for that suggestion! I can’t claim to be any kind of expert, but I would LOVE to puzzle on your brick wall and see if I can come up with some ideas with you! (And thanks for the congrats–I’m excited!)
Hey Brandy! Congrats on being a Genesis finalist! It’s so much fun:) See you in St. Louis!
Thank you, Sara! I can’t believe it’s so close now…ahh! See you there! 🙂
Hi, Brandy! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and commenting. If I get the awesome chance to meet you at conference, I will hold back my extroverted ways and give you an extra warm smile in lieu of a hug. 🙂
So proud of you for finaling in the Genesis, too! Fantastic work!
Thank you, Bethany! It’s going to be a great conference. I’ll be looking out for you!