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American Christian Writers conference sessions: $250 for Friday and Saturday.
Banquet dinner: $25.
Hotel stay: $87
Networking with fellow writers and conference faculty: Priceless.
This past weekend, I attended my first writer’s conference. It was attended by 40-60 fellow Christian writers—some published, some seeking publication, some just starting out—and was held in Phoenix. I attended with a good friend of mine.
It. Was. Awesome.
I attended sessions on fiction writing: how to make characters come to life, make your setting a character, and write simply.
I attended sessions on the importance/role of agents, common writing errors, and developing a writing career.
I attended an amazing session centered around Ecclesiastes and the reminder that “for everything there is a season.”
And I attended a 15-minute consultation with well-established Christian author Gail Gaymer Martin. She read the first chapter of my manuscript and encouraged me to keep writing and doing what I’m doing.
I was seriously floating by the end.
It’s so easy to let ourselves be consumed with doubts when we follow our dreams. It’s easy to feel like we are alone. That we are the only one trying to pursue this crazy calling of writing for God, of wanting to bless others through the written word.
But I’m not alone. I just met at least 40 people who want the same thing I do. That felt good. It was validating. It was beyond encouraging.
It was priceless.
Questions for You: Have you ever attended a writer’s conference or met with a group of people who were pursuing a common goal? How did it affect you?
Thanks for sharing. I hope to be able to go to a conference in the next year or so. Budget and a baby doesn't allow for me to attend sooner.
TC, I totally understand. I was very blessed that time and resources were available for me to go. I hope you get to attend one soon!