Novels, Short Stories, Poems, Articles, Bible studies, Devotions, Essays, Research papers, Creative Writing, Memoirs, Reports, Emails, Assignments...Everybody who can write, writes.
I recently returned from the Blue Ridge Mountains Writers Conference at Ridgecrest in North Carolina. This conference was for every Christian writer. Fiction and Non-fiction alike. I truly enjoyed the experience of spending time with other writers, authors, editors, and publishers of all types. (Don't worry mask wearing and social distancing were practiced.)
Today, let's look at 5 reasons to attend a writers conference, even if you don't consider yourself a writer.
1.Benefits For non-"Writers"
"Good writing skills are a key asset at every stage of your career, from the moment you write your very first cover letter and resume/CV until your retirement party. This is especially true for administrative professionals who are responsible for a significant amount of written communication on a daily basis. You don’t have to be a published author or hold a degree in comparative literature to be a skilled writer. Sound written communication is advantageous for ambitious administrative professionals at all levels and across a wide range of industries."
2.Connections
People attend writers conferences. People who are professional writers, authors, publishers, literary agents, editors, etc..And people who have a wide variety of jobs outside of writing. For me, connecting with a variety of people of all different skill levels is invaluable. This past week, I spoke with a woman who owns a well respected publishing house with her husband. What other time would I have such an opportunity? I can't think of one. Besides the benefit to me as a writer, the reading enthusiast in me, is thrilled when I get to meet some of my favorite authors.
3.Growth
There's nothing like sitting in the class of a professional author, editor, publisher, etc. to teach a writer humility. Information overload is real folks. I took notes as fast as I possibly could, and only managed to get a small portion of the tips, tricks, hacks, formulas, processes...and so on written down. But, even though attending a writers conference is like drinking from a waterfall, I did manage to come away with a tremendous amount of knowledge, which should help me in my writing future.
4. Spiritual Growth
Corporate worship, Christ centered messages, focus on prayer, seeking and following God's plan for our work and life in general were all part of the BRMCWC. I can't speak for every Christian Writers Conference, but this particular one, definitely had the overarching theme of seeking the Lord and trusting Him and His timing. I definitely felt spiritually renewed and revived by the closing day.
5. Opportunities
One part of the conference experience, which I am so grateful for, is the ability to sign up for multiple meetings with professionals in the book publishing industry. I had four fifteen minute meetings, two of which were very promising. The other two, were not acquiring for my genre, but I still found the meetings helpful. Also, at lunches and dinners, we had the opportunity to sit at tables with faculty members, which turned out to be very educational in and of itself. As I said above, sitting and meeting with these giants in the publishing industry and being able to share my work, is an amazing opportunity that rarely, if ever, happens in the real world. Writers conferences are worth every penny, simply for that benefit alone.
Bonus
It's like a mini vacation. From what I understand, the BRMCWC is always held at the Ridgecrest Conference Center. It is a beautiful area. My husband and I attended a few marriage conferences there early in our marriage, so he was glad to go with me. He and another writer's husband spent two days hiking on the mountain trails. The rooms were like hotel rooms and the scenery was lovely. The other conferences I've attended have been held in various locations, but I've never been disappointed.
I'm so glad you joined me today. I hope you have a Happy Monday and a great week! May the Lord God bless you and your family with Faith, Hope and Love. In Jesus' Name.
In Christ,
Sandy
P.S.
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