WRITE: A Few of My Favorite Things—Reflections on the Florida Christian Writers Conference, Part II
Last week, I shared some highlights of the Florida Christian Writers Conference held Feb. 26-March 2, 2014. Travel and lack of wi-fi kept me from posting the next installment before today. So here are a few more blessings (besides the fact that it’s held in my central Florida backyard) that make this conference one of my favorites: Teen Track: led by the indomitable Bryan Davis, the teen writers get more hours per dollar than anyone else at the conference. They work from early morning until early morning (no, that’s not a typo) to offer teaching, critique, companionship, and what looks like lots of fun. Bryan always invites brave adults to join the group as well. Balance and Variety of continuing classes and workshops. The offerings change each year, but the quality of instructors, experience, and teaching remains excellent. Conferees have the opportunity to study one topic for extended periods via the continuing classes and also to get shorter bites of information via individual workshops. Keynotes: Can you say fantastic? That’s the quality of the keynoters who address the FCWC each year. I loved hearing from a real-life screenwriter, Brent McCorkle, about his process as well as having the opportunity to view his product, the film Unconditional, with his added commentary afterwards. Ellie Kay was nothing short of amazing in her hard-hitting, biblical approach to the life of those who seek to make a difference through their words. And although snowstorms kept FOX News commentator and author Todd Starnes away, this year’s loss is next year’s gain. Word Weavers Connection: After twenty-five years under the capable leadership of Director Billie Wilson, the FCWC is now owned by Word Weavers International, LLC. The influence of this organization, dedicated to helping writers improve their craft, gives the conference a special focus on critique along with discounts for its members. Evening critique groups led by Word Weavers mentors allowed interested conferees the opportunity to participate in peer critique sessions. An extra first-page critique session in which the first pages of anonymous works were shown on a screen and critiqued by a team of experts added additional value. Extras: The FCWC is planned and executed by experienced, working industry professionals. As a result, the conference offers a number of meaningful bonuses for writers of any level. These include: a Meet-and-Greet reception at the start of the conference; the opportunity to purchase a flash drive containing folders (bios, class and workshop handouts, extra information) from each faculty member; keynote breakfasts that afforeded extra opportunities to hear from our keynoters; and a Saturday night Banquet/Awards Ceremony honoring those who submitted in a variety of categories. In case you can’t tell, I enjoyed my time at the FCWC and am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Conference Chaplain for the past two years. What a blessing to have a top-notch conference like this in such a wonderful location with a dedicated team working to make and keep it the best. Please join me in praying for FCWC 2015. I’m confident it will be the best yet. Did you attend this year’s Florida Christian Writers conference? Please share your thoughts and impressions in the comments below. I’d love to hear another perspective ...
read moreWRITE: Reflections on the Florida Christian Writers Conference
It is finished. The conference we worked for, waited for, and prayed for is now history—at least until next year. So in the wake of the conference and as I prepare to leave on another trip, I thought I’d share some highlights. Every good writers conference offers appointments with editors and agents as well as all sorts of workshops and continuing classes. I won’t take time to go over those except to say the FCWC shone with a glittering array of publishing stars. I heard so many comments about caring teachers, excellent handouts, and wonderful choices. Kudos to Directors Eva Marie Everson and Mark Hancock for putting it all together with the assistance of amazing manager Sarah Bulls. So what made the FCWC unique and extra-special? Directors’ Banter (with an undertone of caring) between Eva Marie Everson and Mark Hancock. I knew both these people prior to their conference leadership, but never realized their potential in stand-up comedy. These two made even announcements fun. Large-group worship under the leadership of Robert Gorini, lead singer of Nonparell. His sensitivity and passion set the tone for our times together. Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center. I must give a shout-out to the location near my own central Florida home. The beauty of the grounds is matched by the excellence of the food (with gluten-free and other options available) and the warmth of the staff and volunteers. LYBCC offers plenty of room and technology in classrooms and in the worship center, with free wi-fi throughout. Some of the rooms have been updated while others await their makeovers, but overall, it’s a pleasant stay. Shuttle Service: Instead of asking you to arrange your own transportation to and from the airport (1.5 hours away), the FCWC provides shuttle service for a reasonable fee. This removes the guesswork from conference travel planning and allowed for worry-free trips for faculty and conferees. Weather: It’s Florida. And even when rain hits—as it did on the first day of the conference—it’s Florida. I caught several conferees sitting in the sun by a convenient fountain or otherwise enjoying His beautiful creation. After a winter like the one most parts of the country have endured, the FCWC makes a fantastic place to thaw out and improve your writing at the same time. I’ll add to my list later this week. And in the meantime, did you attend the FCWC? Do you have some additional comments? Or, if you couldn’t come, do you have something you’d like us to know? I’ll be sure to share your responses with Eva Marie and Mark, so let me know your...
read morePRAY: Prayer for Those Who Don’t Know Where to Start
New things. Depending on our personality, new occasions, experiences, and people may carry with them great fear, great excitement, or great joy. I’m feeling a bit of all three things here today at the Florida Christian Writers Conference. As both a writer and intercessor, I’m an observer of people. I’ve already met some who can’t wait for the real conference (we’ve had pre-conference classes, intro sessions, a meet-and-greet, and even a karaoke time so far) to begin. But some are not sure whom to speak to (or not), not sure where to find their classes, not sure which classes to take, and not sure what to do with their work. They don’t know where to start. Today, I’m praying for them–and for you if you’re in a similar situation (even if you’re not at a conference). Will you join your prayers with mine? Father, today I lift up those who don’t know where to start. I ask You to draw near to them, to bring them Your peace and protection. Help them know they are not alone. Thank You for being so big yet so warm and personal. Thank You that you care about the big picture and the small one, the mighty and the lowly, the knowledgeable and the clueless. And thank You that no matter where I fit in to those descriptions, You care about me. Lord, I thank You that You are Lord over every person, ,every circumstance, every encounter, every appointment. I thank You that You are not only completely in charge but completely loving and completely holy. Thank You that You are perfect and Your ways are right. We don’t know what to do, Lord, but our eyes are on You (2 Chron. 20:12). We don’t know where to start. Our task may seem impossible Lord, the obstacles we face insurmountable. But You promise that as we acknowledge You in all our ways, You will direct our paths. This is what we ask for today, our King and our God. Direct our paths in ways that honor You. Align our steps in ways that bring You glory. And secure our boundaries in ways that keep us ever close to You. We want to go where You go and live where You live. We want to turn where You turn and stop where You stop. Give us the blessedness of Your presence as we start first, last, and always with You. In Your holy name I pray–AMEN. Are you confused about where to start? Do you have a praise or prayer request? Feel free to share it in the comments or send me an email via the link at the top of my page. And thanks for sharing in my...
read moreWRITE: The Introvert’s Guide to the Writers Conference
(Tomorrow, I’m headed to the Florida Christian Writers Conference, where I’ll teach, represent Sisterhood magazine, and serve as chaplain. This post originally appeared on their faculty blog, but I thought I’d repost it today in honor of the many introverts who will attend this or another writing conference now and in days to come.) It took me years to attend my first conference. And I do mean years. In fact, I’d already published three books with traditional publishers before I attended any writing-focused event. I didn’t intend to keep to myself. Not exactly. My career exploded from miniscule to much, and I was climbing a learning curve that seemed more like a mountain. I was far too busy. Or so I thought. And I may as well admit it: I’m the classic introvert. I love people, but I get my energy from my alone time. I prefer fewer, deeper relationships to a large number of shallow ones. My favorite writing time is late at night when the house is quiet. I can almost hear my spirit inhale as the ideas take shape. If I’ve just described you, welcome to our quiet club. I’d also like to welcome you to the conference world. A conference offers us introverts the same benefits as other writers. But how can we maximize our time while minimizing the frustration and exhaustion that often accompany this type of public event? 1. Pre-select workshops and clinics. You’ll feel more confident and comfortable without last-minute decisions. And this way, you can choose offerings that match your needs. At first, you may want to avoid interactive sessions. Give yourself permission to glean before you give. 2. Make a wise roommate choice or pay for a single. I learned this the hard way. A sweet-but-talkative roommate processed her days by telling me stories (and more stories–and more stories) each night. Another year, a more thoughtful choice allowed me to recharge in the quiet. 3. Take a break. Your conference fee doesn’t require you to attend every session. If you feel overloaded, skip a workshop and pay for the flash drive or CD. Plan your own free time if you need more than the general schedule allows. 4. Don’t try to process it all. Resolve to go through your notes later and content yourself with receiving even without full comprehension. Enjoy the sumptuous information buffet and ask God’s help to digest it afterward. 5. Treat your editor or agent appointment as a consultation, not a tryout. You attend a conference to hear from the experts. Instead of putting yourself in performance mode, consider your meeting a career consultation. Remember: the experts came to help you. 6. Take some risks. Speak to that author you’ve always admired. Attend the session that scares you. Sit with one or two strangers at meals and ask about their conference experience. You may make a new friend. And you may see God change your life. 7. Remain open to what God might want to do in and through your unique personality. He loves to pour His power through your weaknesses (2 Cor. 12:9). His plans may surprise you, but they’ll always be good. As you head off to your conference, ask God to speak, and then listen. That’s something every introvert can do well. Do you respond to the world as an extra- or introvert? Do you...
read moreWRITE: Tips from the Pros: Anne Greene
Greetings! I’d love it if you would join me over on the Christian Authors Network (CAN) blog, where I’ve posted an brand-new interview with author Anne Greene. Head there for a great introduction to her novels along with some of Anne’s hard-earned marketing wisdom. And don’t forget to leave a comment here for a chance to win Grace Fox‘s newest release, Tuck-Me-In Talks with Your Little...
read moreWelcome
I've asked God to use my writing and speaking to count for eternity. I'm passionate about relationships and creativity.
