Four Years ago, a friend invited me to go to the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference… and that invitation changed everything. My friend has turned into the most wonderful mentor and Blue Ridge has become a highlight within my year.

It isn’t just the classes, though the teaching is fantastic. And it isn’t only the appointments with industry experts, though they have all been exceptional. And it’s not even the friendships forged through shared struggle, though the most precious kinships have flourished. The magic of Blue Ridge is wrapping all of those miraculous things together and placing at the center an unwavering focus on the Lord. It is uplifting, and inspiring, and all together wonderful! And I can’t wait to see what the Lord teaches me this year.

Now, I feel compelled to warn you, if you attend a writer’s conference, you will experience side effects. Namely, your productivity will spike in spring every year. I know mine does. I’m not sure how other writers approach things. I have only ever been me, and I suppose I can speak for a close friend that also attends Blue Ridge annually. Here is what our texts look like approaching the end of May:

Friend: “How are you doing? Forget that… what are you doing?”

Me: “Ohhh man, I’m writing the first three chapters of a new book. I’m planning it as a duology. It’s flowing great and I’m excited. I’ve got a rough outline, but I want to have a chapter-by-chapter breakdown by the time I get to the conference. I still need to make up a one-sheet, but I’m excited about that. The world is striking and beautiful and I can’t wait to capture what I’m thinking. Then I need to get a loose proposal together. So, I’ll need to research comparables but think I have time to get that done. How about you… where are you at?”

Friend: “I’m going through every speaking engagement and book signing and compiling my sales numbers, so I have them on hand for my appointments. And I’m cleaning up an old manuscript that I haven’t pitched there yet. You’re starting a whole new series?”

Me: “Yepper! And I’m super excited about it! Man, I love writing, LOL!”

Friend: “You’re such a nerd! Do you have a dress for the gala?”

Me: “Negative! I’m pretty sure that will be a mad dash the week before.”

Friend: “It literally is the week before!!!”

Me: “Pretty much, I guess. Do you have your dress?”

Friend: “Nope, LOL!!!”  

That’s a little window into the flurry that accompanies the wonderful privilege of attending a writing conference. I figure, if my sweet, supportive husband is going to hold down the fort with my kids and parents, and pay to fly me to the States, I need to make the most of it. I need to squeeze every drop out of the classes and hone my craft the best I can. I need to pitch a new concept and make the very most of the facetime with industry experts. Above all, I need to pray for God’s amazing grace to flood over the entire week so that everyone in attendance is first concerned with sharing His love through prayer, and truth, and kindness. He always supplies far more than I deserve!

So, if you are an author, and considering attending a writer’s conference, I highly recommend it! Pray about it and then feel free to message me. I’d love for you to join me at Blue Ridge!