by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden
I hope by now you have taken time to set some new goals for your writing for 2020 and figured out what you’d like to accomplish. When we assess our writing goals, we need to take a look at markets, article and book deadlines, and creative ways to sell our work.
But don’t forget education. Writers need to continue to grow and learn more of the craft of writing. One of the best ways to do that is by attending conferences. In 2020 there are many great choices—Asheville Christian Writers Conference, Carolina Christian Writers Conference, Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, and many, many more.
If you are serious about your writing (or thinking about getting serious) I would like to personally invite you to the Carolina Christian Writers Conference. This conference takes place at the Hangar (youth building), First Baptist Church, Spartanburg, SC, March 27-28 and this year the faculty and staff are the best yet. (I know I say that every year but I really mean it!)
Every year as I assemble the faculty, I look for folks in the publishing industry who I know will encourage our writers. Whether a brand new writer or a veteran writer, I am sure you are anxious to take your writing to the next step. We would like to help you do that.
Courtney Johnson and Kelli Wolfe will will be leading our worship accompanied by Teresa Holliday. They are professional in every way and never fail to lead us in a meaningful time of worship.
If you have ever wanted to write fiction, now is the time to learn from the masters. Lynette Eason, Edie Melson, Misty Beller, Larry Leech, Sally Apokedak, and Craig von Buseck will be there to share their expertise in that and other areas.
Rhonda Robinson will lead an early bird class Friday morning. “Gathering Your Tribe: How to Grow an Email List from Zero to 1,000” is an optional class (there is a small additional charge) but gives you two and a half hours of intense training as you prepare to market your work. This hands-on class will show you how to rapidly build an email list that connects with your readers. An email list is your direct contact people who want to hear from you. In this step-by-step class Rhonda will take you through every stage of the process, from setting up your email, creating content, and strategy, to cultivating a tribe of readers eagerly awaiting your next book. This is an invaluable time and will take you quickly to the next step in your book publicity and platform building. Don’t miss it!
Also available on Friday morning at 11 o’clock is a “Welcome to the Conference” orientation. This is particularly if this is your first conference. There is no charge for this workshop.
Other faculty members include Edna Ellison, Jimmie Davis, Jayme Hull, Michelle Cox, Nancy Lohr, Rhonda Robinson, Les Stobbe, Dalene Parker, Tammy Karasek, Karen and George Porter, Gerry Wakeland, Molly Jo Really, Beth Fortune, and Beth Patch. All bring different areas of expertise to the table and are anxious to meet with you and help you grow in your writing.
Lori Hatcher is our conference chaplain this year and she and her team would love to pray for you and with you. She and her team members will be wearing a button that says “How may I pray for you.”
Many publishers will be represented. All are eager to consider your work for their publications or give you direction as to where might be a suitable, prospective market. Meetings with the professionals to pitch your work are included in your tuition as is Saturday lunch. Lots of opportunities will be present for spending time with the faculty. Manuscript critiques and scholarships are also available. Details are on the website.
There will also be a panel, Lightning Learning, Genre Groups and much more. We will end our time together with a special time of worship led by recording artist and author Dana Russell.
TWEETABLE
Carolina Christian Writers Conference - @LindaGilden on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
I love how those "Lightning Learning" sessions cut right to the chase. They are a fast-paced, no nonsense way to pick up practical tips that cover almost every area of writing and publishing. I won't make CCWC this year, but can't wait to come back for many years to come. If you're new to writing and publishing, or just want to reconnect with old friends, there's something for everyone at this weekend conference. Lots of prayers for faculty and attendees.
ReplyDeleteCarolina Christian Writers Conference in Spartanburg is one of my favorite conferences. I attended last year. I found new friends, great contacts and tons of valuable information about writing, editing, publishing, marketing and more. I can't wait to attend this year. :-)
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