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7 Surprising Bonuses of the Colorado Christian Writers Conference

Dear Friends (especially those who love to write), If you read this blog even once in a while, you know I’m a big fan of writers conferences. I attend, I teach, and I always learn. In fact, I encourage those who tell me they want to start writing for publication that a good writers conference is the best investment they can make. A writers conference brings together experienced authors, editors, and agents, all with vast knowledge of the industry and eager to share their wisdom with writers at any stage. A conference can lead to fresh ideas, industry insights, article and devotional sales, signed book contracts, and the growth of relationships that last. That last item may seem small, but it has a big impact. The industry relationships I’ve built have brought me a literary agent, a publicity scholarship worth several thousand dollars, book contracts, and (lest we forget) the opportunity to teach at writers conferences, too. The Colorado Christian Writers Conference (CCWC), though, offers something extra. Let’s make that several somethings:                                                                    Colorado. Because mountains. Need I say more? YMCA of the Rockies. The CCWC’s unique conference home blends rustic with comfortable and also boasts a gracious, caring staff. Hundreds of college students as well as senior volunteers work there every year. The writers conference keeps us busy (go figure), but the Y offers all sorts of available activities including mini-golf, swimming in an indoor pool, arts and crafts, and more. Consider bringing a spouse or (better yet) the whole family. In addition, the cafeteria offers delicious food, including gluten-free and vegetarian options, and again—the staff members are helpful and eager to serve. Rocky Mountain National Park. The 415 square miles of this gorgeous park, only a few miles from the conference center, encompass some of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen. Every year, our conference staff manages to take a few breaks from our work and spend time exploring its wonders. Last year, one of the conferees, an experienced trail guide, offered a post-conference hike on one of the park trails after the conference ended (hope he receives this as a hint to do it again). The photos included here came from that experience. Don’t miss it! Estes Park. I can’t mention the CCWC without mentioning the small town that rests only a few miles below the conference center. Should you choose to visit, Estes Park offers lots of great dining (shoutout to Poppy’s Pizza and Grill) and fun shopping alongside the rushing Big Thompson River....

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Sam-I-Am and the Colorado Christian Writers Conference

Dear Friends, Some of my earliest writing was poetry. It wasn’t good, but it rhymed. And working on the words helped me learn more about language, rhythm, and meter at a young age. Thanks to a supportive teacher, I was a published poet in the seventh grade and won a national writing award for my poetry that same year. So when I wanted to blog about the Colorado Christian Writers Conference in a fresh way (read last year’s “Top Ten Reasons NOT to Attend the CCWC”) , I went back to my old standby: verse. This won’t win any awards, but I hope it does convey at least a bit of the joy of the CCWC as well as the foolish excuses that keep people from attending. Enjoy–and I pray you will “meet me on the mountain” in a few more weeks! For His glory, Marti Sam-I-Am and the Colorado Christian Writers Conference (with apologies to Dr. Seuss)   ©2015, Marti Pieper   That Sam-I-am He wants to go To a writers’ conference Don’t you know? Which should he choose? What will it be? He’s headed off to CCWC! In Colorado, So you say? 13th-16th Days of May? Sam-I-am, I Can’t come with you I’ve got too many Things to do. Oh sure, I like to write and all But share my words? That’s not my call. Now, Sam-I-am Don’t mess with me I will not come Just let me be. I’m sure the setting’s Gorgeous, yes. I’m sure the teaching’s Bound to bless. And agents, editors, Authors, too Are all prepared To meet with you. But Sam-I-am I don’t know how I can afford it. Tell me, now. Marlene says God Will make a way? Since she’s in charge, I’ll have to pray. And if I go I’ll learn so much And use my words The world to touch? Oh, Sam-I-am I just don’t know How I could come to Colorado. But yes, I long To see God do Great things in me, Great things in you. I want to write What others need. I want to offer Truth they’ll read. So Sam-I-am, I’ll go with you, To Estes Park The conference, too. We’ll listen, learn We’ll pray and praise, We’ll see God’s glory, Learn His ways. But one more question, Sam-I-am. Does the dining hall serve Green eggs and...

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