Guest Post—Dana Mentink “Top Three Highlights from the SoCal Christian Writers’ Conference”

The second annual SoCal Christian Writers’ Conference has come and gone, and I’ve had a few weeks to catch my breath and mull over the experience. I was fortunate to be able to teach a few workshops and attend a bunch as well. I thought I’d share my top highlights.

Highlight #1: Dorm life! It was a thrill and a half to stay in a college dorm! This girl went to a commuter college and never had that experience, so “dorming” was a real thrill. My roomie and I slept in bunk beds, showered in the dorm facilities, and enjoyed strolling the halls with other women before and after hours. The Biola dorms were spanking clean and super quiet. (Does this mean I’ve earned the right to wear a Biola University sweatshirt now?)

Highlight #2: Friends aplenty! Recently I reconnected with a friend from high school and what do you know? She’s a writer too! Must have been something in the school water supply! Anyway, I had the privilege of sharing a dorm room with this special lady at the conference. My partner-in-crime, Jeanette, and I shared our writing projects and family stories. She even instructed me in the art of taking an Uber! I will always treasure the time we spent together. Imagine high school friends turned into later-in-life college roomies!

Highlight #3: Learning and growing! While I really enjoyed connecting with folks who attended my two fiction workshops, it was a great thrill to hear the amazing keynote addresses and pop into several workshops on various topics. I loved the format … having the freedom to choose what I wanted to attend without having to preregister. I found all the faculty I encountered to be open, warm, and welcoming. What could be better than that?

I’m looking forward to attending the SoCal CWC next summer! College dorms … ready or not, here I come!