One of the things I always advise writers to do is attend some writers’ conferences. It’s the best way to begin meeting editors, agents, and other writers; it’s a great place to take workshops and learn about the craft of writing and the business of publishing; and it helps you feel like you’re doing more than sitting at Starbucks in front of your laptop—you’re actually part of something real. Once you get to know some published authors, you’ll realize that many of them make it a habit to attend conferences at least a couple times a year.
If you're unpubbed and/or unagented, you should know that writers' conferences are the single best way to make a personal connection that can lead to agency representation and/or publication. In addition, generally the only un-agented manuscripts that editors accept are those they've requested at a conference. So... you decide. Can you find the time and the money?
To make it easier, here is a list of a few annual Christian conferences, with links to their websites. Please note this isn’t a comprehensive list! (And I am NOT going to be at all of these.)
Christian Writers Conferences
January: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Writing for the Soul (Christian Writers Guild)
February/March: Bradenton, Florida
Florida Christian Writers Conference
March/April: Mount Hermon, California
(Annually on Palm Sunday weekend)
Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference
April (even-numbered years only): Grand Rapids, Michigan
Calvin College Festival of Faith & Writing
May: Asheville, North Carolina
Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers conference
May: Estes Park, Colorado
Colorado Christian Writers Conference
May: Seattle, Washington
Seattle Pacific University—Christian Writers Renewal
June: Wheaton, Illinois
Write-to-Publish Conference
July: Portland, Oregon
Oregon Christian Writers
August: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference
September: varying cities (Minneapolis in 2008)
American Christian Fiction Writers Conference (ACFW)
September: San Diego, California
San Diego Christian Writers Guild
September/October: Maryland
Sandy Cove Writers’ Conference
October: Glorieta, New Mexico
Glorieta Christian Writers Conference
***Sally Stuart has a more comprehensive list on her website. Click here.
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3 comments:
Thank you, This is very helpful.
If you could only choose one conference, which one would you recommend? I've heard positive things about Mount Hermon. What do you think?
Hello Rachelle,
My name is Gail Smith and I'm an assistant to Cecil Murphey's personal manager and assistant. When I saw your list of writer's conferences I wanted to tell you about one here in the Midwest that may not be well know but is an excellent opportunity, with nationally known speakers. I will just include the web site and I hope you will consider again posting your list of conferences and including the Quad-Cities Christian Writers Conference, March 27 & 28, 2009, in Eldridge, IA.
http://www.gottatellsomebody.com/pages.asp?pageid=65854
Blessings on you!
Gail P. Smith
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