As I write this, I just returned from a wonderful Christian writers conference. As an author, agent, and speaker, I schedule four or five every year (back in the day, I would do as many as eleven or twelve a year, but these days other commitments make such insanity inadvisable).
Christian writers conferences offer many benefits: You get to meet famous and accomplished writers like me. (I can hear you laughing, you know.) You have the opportunity to learn from experts about the writing craft, the ins and outs of publishing, etc. You can be inspired by stirring keynotes. You can even schedule short appointments with authors, editors, and agents to pitch your project or simply pick their brains. And more.
But there’s one benefit of a writers conference that you will probably never see on the conference brochure or website. Yet it’s the greatest blessing I’ve enjoyed after attending hundreds of writers conferences over the years: friendship.
Sure, sure, we all want to have an editor or agent take us on at a writers conference and set us on the path to fame and riches. But, honestly (not that I’ve been lying up till now), I think the oft-hidden but most precious benefit of writers conferences are the friends you meet–and remeet.
Many of my best friends are people I met at a conference. Their laughter, tears, and prayers have supported me many times. Their encouragement and even referrals have enhanced my writing and publishing ministry. And those people are by far the main reason I keep going to conferences, so I can renew in-person fellowship with some of the best people on the planet.
So go ahead, book a writers conference for yourself. And then another. And another. Soon, you’ll know (if you don’t already) just what I mean.
Amen to friendship, Bob!
I’ve also met other Christian writers online (even on this blog) who have become precious friends. Much as I love my dear family and closest friends, it takes a writer to understand the ups and downs of a writer’s life. The encouragement and prayers of other writers … better than silver and gold.
You are right, Shirlee. A writer understands the ‘behind the scenes’ for lack of a better term of writing. The number of family and friends of mine who think writing means sitting down for a few minutes and, then, presto, you’re a world famous multi-billionaire always amazes me. They’re still wonderful, but it takes a writer to understand a writer’s life.
This is so true, Bob!! In 2002, I met Nancy Rue and several writers when Nancy led a mentoring clinic. We all cliqued so incredibly well, we formed a private group, including Nancy. We met for the first time as a group in 2003. We met once a year for a weekend because we lived scattered from each other.
We are still together, even though we lost our place to stay for a weekend. We keep in touch via email and on Zoom. And those of us who live close together still get together.
I would have given up without this group. We writers need each other!
Agreed. It’s the main reason I go. Yes, the learning is fabulous, and even though you’re hearing concept “X” for the seventeenth time, it reinforces the validity of the concept. But the interaction with those who are very dear to us … you cannot even put a number to the value of that.
The waking nightmare of each day,
the battles simply can’t be fought.
Hopes and dreams, they fall away,
and my friends are all I’ve got
to see me through these awful hours,
with me through Slough Of Despond.
They point ahead to glit’ring towers
that shine from golden heights beyond.
They’ll walk me to that bejeweled gate,
bump fists, and thus we’ll say farewell,
and I will turn and contemplate
that though we had to walk through hell
and that it took my all from me,
I did it in grand company.
Bob, would you be willing to share some of the writers’ conferences you most enjoy attending? Or are most recommended? There are so many options, both Christian and not, that it becomes overwhelming to try and choose!
Liz, see my reply below to Ronald Ulrich.
Amen to that, Bob.
Morning, Bob,
Thanks for the laughs and the info.
Have you done – or could you do – a post listing some Christian writers’ conferences?
I’m fairly new to the business and have never been to one.
Thank you!
Anne, see my reply below to Ronald Ulrich.
My success and longevity as an independent filmmaker for twenty-eight years and a writer for ten has been due to my ability to connect with people via networking at such events. You must be willing to approach, start conversations, hand a business card, and then stay in touch.
I’m bummed you won’t be at WCCW–I had to bow out(2024) at the last minute and didn’t get to meet you, but I’m excited to attend this Nov. (it’s an hour’s drive from my casa)
Such a helpful and detailed piece of information! I appreciate you providing these important facts about insulation film manufacturers. Keep us posted with more valuable updates. Thank you!
1. With “Liz” (above) I, too, would like to know
a) your short-list and/or
b) longer-list of ones you favor…or
c) the ones you chose to attend in 2024.
2. Whose writers’ contests do you recommend? – – and why.
Oh, dear. Y’all are determined to get me in trouble with my many friends who run the many Christian writers’ conferences out there, aren’t you? Okay, let me try to answer: most years, I attend Asheville (Feb), Mt. Hermon (Mar), Blue Ridge (May/Jun), Write to Publish (Jun), and Florida (Oct). But that’s not to leave out Blue Lake (Mar), the Renew retreat (Apr), The Well (Apr), Kentucky (Jun), Cascade (Jun), Taylor U (Jun), Montrose (July), Maranatha (Sept), West Coast (Oct), all of which I’ve done in the past and hope to do in the future, and that’s not even a complete list….which is why everyone should subscribe to The Christian Writers’ Market Guide, which has a constantly updated and comprehensive index of Christian writers’ conferences, retreats, and seminars. That’s my story and I’m sticking with it.
1. With “Liz” (above) I, too, would like to know
a) your short-list and/or
b) longer-list of ones you favor…or
c) the ones you chose to attend in 2024.
2. Whose writers’ contests do you recommend? – – and why.
Darn good thing you didn’t leave out the Vision Christian Writers Conference at Mt. Hermon, Bob. We might have had words. 😆 This year it’s in April, though (it’s usually in March, however, so you get a pass … we’re always the weekend before Easter, wherever it falls). See you there in 2025!!!
Oh, and the speaking section of my website (www.bobhostetler.com) lists my speaking engagements for each year (the 2025 engagements will go live in December).
I knew it’d be risky. Thank you.
I supposed your “cred” is strong enough.
I’m grateful you (probably) sighed and hit “send” anyway.
I have heard so much about you that I can’t wait to meet you at the Florida conference.
Agreed! I love catching up with old friends and making new ones at writer’s conferences. Love my tribe. 💙