Central Houston IWA!

I remember my investment as well as the return on the first Christian writers’ conference I attended. The cost of my accommodations, airfare, and registration for the 2007 Glorieta Christian Writers Conference exceeded $1,000. I took time off from work and attempted traveling shortly after receiving an autoimmune disease diagnosis.

What I gained at my first conference for Christian writers far surpassed what I spent and imagined. My knowledge of writing and publishing certainly increased. I also met many wonderful, creative people. The serene setting of mountains and trees bathed in fall colors provided much needed refreshment for my body and soul. Most of all, I received specific instructions and inspiration for my lifelong writing journey.

Maybe you are thinking of going to a conference or workshop for Christian writers. The price and time commitment might seem a bit much. But the notion persists. Below are some reasons to consider as you make your decision.

Develop Your Writing Skills

Attending conferences and workshops for Christian writers is a fantastic way to develop your writing skills. You can learn proven methods for writing fiction and nonfiction for different ages and genres. Other common teaching topics include how to edit your work and draft book proposals, marketing content, and query letters.

Lots of conferences and workshops offer more than faculty presentations. Some provide the chance to work firsthand with writing mentors. There are also opportunities to receive critiques on your works-in-progress.

Fellowship with Other Creators

These kinds of conferences and workshops bring Christian creators together. The Bible speaks of the importance of assembling with other believers (Hebrews 10:25). Meeting together with spirit-filled writers can bring about clarity, innovative ideas, and powerful partnerships.

These gatherings allow us to connect with people who can impact our writing journey in profound ways. Some may become enduring friends. Others may be agents, editors, and publishers whom we get to speak with one-on-one.

Recharge

Recharging is another benefit of attending conferences and workshops for Christian writers. The labor of writing along with our other everyday jobs and cares can drain us. Taking time away from our daily routine can help clear our mind and restore our energy.

The event setting can refresh us too. I’ve enjoyed the mountains at conference center sites in California and North Carolina as well as New Mexico. Even smaller, local conferences and workshops offer an inviting place that has been specially prepared for us.

Receive Direction and Encouragement for Your Journey

Christian writers’ conferences and workshops help us find what we are seeking. First, we can meet with God and hear what He is saying to us. Second, we can find wisdom for our journey. This wisdom may come as we listen to speakers, pray, read the Bible, sit quietly, or worship.

Seeing and hearing from others who share our calling can kindle our passion for writing to bring God glory. We learn that we are not alone in the challenges we face from day to day. We receive encouragement to press on as Christian writers.

My hope is that you will find the right Christian writers’ conference and workshop for you in every season. Each year, the Christian Writers Market Guide provides an updated list of the many options that exist. Central Houston Inspirational Writers Alive! offers half-day workshops in August and May. Feel free to ask another Christian writer for suggestions too.