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...

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...

(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...

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...

Not long ago, I featured this popular review of Morning Moments with God by Grace Fox along with a contest to win my review copy. Today, I’m interviewing the author as part of my Words with Friends blog feature. So far, Grace is a virtual friend in that we’re both members of both AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) and CAN (Christian Authors Network) but have yet to meet in person. I enjoyed getting to know her better and hope you will, too. Make sure you read all the way to the bottom for the BONUS below! Welcome, Grace! How did your writing career begin? My husband and I served as missionaries in Nepal for three years in the 80s, and our sending agency asked us to write monthly newsletters to our supporters. I enjoyed finding creative ways to write these letters, and our readers made comments such as, “Your descriptions make us feel as though we’re right there with you.” Their enthusiasm lit a spark within me to seriously consider writing something other than missionary newsletters when we returned to North America. In 1998, I decided to try publishing a line of greeting cards. I attended the Florida Christian Writers Conference and showed my cards to a Dayspring editor. She politely rejected them, but that only pointed me in a different direction on my writing journey. I attended several workshops about writing for magazines, and several months later mustered the courage to put into practice what I’d learned. That’s so interesting, especially since I’ll serve on faculty at that same conference next week. But I know you speak as well as write. Can you tell us about your speaking ministry? I speak regularly at women’s retreats and conferences in North America and mostly Eastern Europe. My passion is to connect the dots between faith and real life for my audiences – to help them understand how Scripture is relevant to everyday life. My audiences are ages 19-80 – singles and marrieds alike. I address universal issues such as how to overcome fear and how to develop an intimate relationship with Jesus amidst a busy life. Your readers can learn more here: http://www.gracefox.com/speaking-events/ Because of my own interest in missions, my blog often has an international focus. Please share with our readers a little about the global aspect of your work. My husband and I co-direct International Messengers Canada, a non-profit mission that offers creative short-term and career ministry opportunities. We have 180 career missionaries now, working in 14 countries. The bulk happens in Eastern Europe because that’s the work began more than 30 years ago. Our philosophy is, “How has God hard-wired you? What are your passions? How can...

You’ve made the commitment. You’ve obeyed God’s calling and signed up for a mission trip. Maybe you even paid a deposit. And now, the work begins. You have what looks like a ton of money to raise. Maybe you have a schedule with challenging goals to meet. So what to do? First, you pray (you’ve been doing that already, right?). And then, you get to work! Tuesday’s blog listed some real-life fundraising ideas from Never the Same Peru 2013 missionaries, and I’m including a few more below. I hope some of these will work for you or that you’ll adapt them for your own use. Remember: God owns it all and can move His resources to send you where He wants. Just make sure to stay faithful with your part. He’s more than capable of taking care of His (which also includes empowering you for yours). Photo Bomb: Shelagh, 22, combined her love of photography with missions-trip fundraising. She offered photo shoots to friends and family on a donation basis and put all the funds toward her missions trip. But Shelagh also had the most unusual fundraising story I heard this past year. A woman who bumped Shelagh’s car in a parking lot insisted on sending her a $500 check (although Shelagh told her she owed nothing since she drives an older car). That $500 was the same as Shelagh’s final payment toward the Peru trip. [Note: Neither Shelagh nor I advocate putting your car in harm’s path as a means of fundraising. But God often works in unusual ways!] Group Effort: Sisters Hannah (17), Emily (16), and Ella (14); along with friends Lauren (16) and Molly (14) conquered their fundraising by working together. Calling themselves “Passion for Peru,” the five girls made a fundraising Facebook page, did group babysitting at their church, did housecleaning, waxed boats, and held two benefit concerts at which they gave presentations about their upcoming missions trip. All in all, their passion brought in more than $25,000 and sent them all to Peru, in awe at God’s provision. Sales Team: Garage sales or rummage sales can often help raise large amounts of money in short amount of time. One group of Never the Same missionaries from San Antonio led by a wonderful leader named Jill (read more about her here) hosts a huge garage sale every year. As part of their sales promotion, they post pictures and descriptions of large or unusual items n social media and even offer to ship some items. This group also has monthly Bible studies and spends time praying for and encouraging one another as they move toward the field. No wonder Jill brings more missionaries to the Never the...