Life with Covid 19 has challenged us in many ways, from the way we shop to the way we interact with people. Even the way we do our jobs has changed for many of us. Some have lost their jobs, some work from home and others are working longer, more dangerous hours. For the most part, it seems people have tried to make the best of a bad situation. From zoom meetings and phone calls to video messaging, individuals and businesses are pressing forward.
Conferences
Conferences are one of the areas related to work which has been affected. Many have been completely cancelled, others have been changed to a virtual format, but there are a handful who still plan to meet, except with safety precautions and social distancing changing the way they would normally operate.
For the last two years I have attended the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) conference and thoroughly enjoyed it, but more than that, it allowed me to learn and grow as a writer, meet other writers, authors, editors, literary agents and even publishers. It gave me a whole new perspective of the writing industry and what it takes to not only get published, but to create my best work.
I was disappointed to find out the conference had been cancelled this year (although I understood why), so I began to look elsewhere. Most of the other writer's conferences, instead of being cancelled had moved to a virtual format. One, as of today, still planned to meet as usual. I plan to go there. I've heard many great things about the Blue Ridge Mountains Writer's Conference, from other writers and I am excited about the opportunity to experience a new conference. After I decided to attend the BRMW conference, I learned that ACFW has moved their conference to virtual, but I have no plans to attend the online version at this time.
I'm excited about the opportunity to learn and grow more as a writer through the classes, mentorship and critique sessions, etc. the BRMW conference offers. I trust they will do everything they can to insure the safest experience possible, but my trust is in the Lord and His will for me. I practice social distancing and I wear a mask, but I don't plan to live life in a bubble. I have a job to do and a dream to reach and these conferences are helping me to accomplish them.
Writers
Below I list some writer's conference information as it stands today, if you are interested in attending virtually or otherwise. I do highly recommend writer's conferences for any writer whether new to the field or as an accomplished author. There is nothing like fellowshipping with people with the same interests, goals and in many cases personalities.
ACFW-Friday, September 18, 2020 and Saturday, September 19, 2020 (Virtual)
November 15, 2020—November 19, 2020
1 Ridgecrest Dr.
Black Mountain, NC
October 9 and 10 (Virtual)
February 26, 27 and 28, 2021
So many conferences have been cancelled this year. The options are few, but if you want to look for yourself, the Book Launch Mentor has a pretty long list which may be of help. There are some who've started registration for next year's conferences, such as the Asheville one above, so you may want to start planning ahead.
Non-Writers
If writing isn't your thing, what is? You can find a conference for just about any interest you have. If you've never wanted to spend the money, especially if it isn't work related, now may be your chance. Plenty of conferences are going virtual and a virtual conference usually means a much less expensive one. So, what kind of conference would you attend if you could? I'd love to hear about it in the comments.
I hope you are having a very Happy Monday and that the rest of your week is fabulous! I'm so glad you read to the end and I appreciate your support more than you know. May the Lord God bless you and your family with faith, hope and love. In Jesus' Name.
In Christ,
Sandy
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