Christian Writers’ Conferences
I LOVE Christian writers’ conferences! I teach at six or eight a year, and each one has its own tone, atmosphere, and benefits. Next weekend, I’m off to the San Diego Christian Writers Guild conference. It’s practically in my backyard, but I haven’t been to it in years because of a conflict with another conference I’ve been teaching at. I’m really looking forward to going back there.
If you’ve never attended a writers’ conference, I strongly suggest you give one a try. And if you’ve been to one or two, I would encourage you to go back, or try a new one. Yes, they cost money (some more than others). But they’re a terrific way to network with fellow writers and other industry professionals, learn and polish the craft of writing, and spark your passion to write what God has called you to write.
You can find lots of writers’ conferences with an Internet search. Here are some that I personally recommend:
Mount Hermon is AWESOME! At this conference, you will not only meet and learn from some of the top authors, freelance editors, agents, and acquisitions editors in the Christian publishing industry. You’ll also worship, laugh, and hear God’s voice clearly as you stroll through the awe-inspiring Northern California redwoods.
North Texas Christian Writers Conference is always one of the big highlights of the year for me. Focused on teaching the craft of writing, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn how to write well, polish your skills, and apply what you know to your manuscript. In addition to great keynote addresses, excellent workshops, and fun contests, this conference offers one-on-one consultations that can really help you figure out what step to take next with your writing.
ACFW rocks! If you write fiction, in any genre, this is the place to be! The American Christian Fiction Writers conference is held in a different location every year, but it is always amazing. Phenomenal speakers, terrific teaching, beautiful worship, and a whole lot of fun!
Montrose Christian Writers’ Conference is a delightful event held in the Endless Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. This is a mid-size conference, which makes for a more relaxed and intimate setting than the larger conferences. But they always have top-quality faculty, great teaching, and wonderful opportunities for writers to make lasting friendships.
Find a conference in your area, or in someplace you’d like to visit. If the cost seems a bit out of your reach, ask whether the conference offers scholarships–many do. If you’re serious about your writing (or if you just want to have a great time hanging out with the most creative, fun, exciting people on earth), get to a Christian writers’ conference. You’ll have a blast! (And you just might get a book or two published as a result!)