Write His Answer

What others are saying . . .

“New writers should absolutely go to writers conferences. The best two are Mount Hermon and the Colorado Christian Writers Conference.” – Lee Hough (former literary agent, Alive Communications; now with the Lord)

“The Colorado Christian Writers Conference was my introduction to writing professionally. It’s the reason I published my first book. I learned more at CCWC and made more contacts there than any other conference. I plan on returning every year as long as God gives me breath.” – Debbie Hardy (faculty member)

“I’ve been to a half-dozen Colorado Christian Writers’ Conferences over the last decade. I went to my first one–hesitant, uncertain of my abilities, and intimidated by the superstar lineup. All of those inadequacies went away over a few days as I realized that these people loved God and wanted to help me tell my story. I’ve shared meals with publishers, went hiking with an agent, and laughed and prayed with seasoned writers. And I have also made friends with others–people who just had some words within them and didn’t know where to start.

“After finding a measure of writing success lately, I feel just as comfortable going to the conference now as a vet as I was a rookie. There’s literally something for everyone. If you have just one story to tell–you’ll find a place to tell it. Or if you’ve already told 1,000, you find another.” – David Rupert (conferee)

“Not only did I learn about the craft of writing, but I sat in God’s presence. I came home encouraged and changed. – Pam Halter, New Jersey (former faculty member)

“For several years I have had the privilege of joining the faculty of both the Colorado Christian Writers Conference and the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference. As faculty I attend writers’ conferences anticipating how I will be used to encourage and assist writers along their journey. I love teaching workshops and being able to share one on one during our 15 minute appointments. It is such a joy!

“At the Write His Answer conferences I have come to realize that God uses these conferences as an intense time of spiritual growth for me too. As I sit in general sessions and am cared for by Marlene and her fantastic team, I am challenged, convicted, encouraged and changed. Personally and professionally I have experienced profound moments at both conferences, forever impacting me, SuzyQ and my ability to help others.” – Suzanne Kuhn (faculty member)

“I came away from the Conference with HOPE and a to-do list. I believe that God allowed me to meet with exactly the right people. I ended up speaking with eight people, as God kept directing, and orchestrating.” –  Becki Reiser (conferee from Ohio)

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Top Ten Reasons NOT to Attend the Colorado Christian Writers Conference
from faculty member Marti Pieper’s blog – www.martipieper.com

Anyone who reads my blog or posts with any degree of regularity knows I’m a huge fan of writers conferences. I’ve had the privilege of teaching and representing  Sisterhood Magazine at several through the years.

But today, I decided to take a different tack. I’ve seen plenty of posts, including my own, touting the advantages of one conference or another. So here are my top ten reasons not to attend the next conference where I’ll teach, the Colorado Christian Writers Conference May 14-17, 2014.

10. Extras: The Saturday Night hayride, bookstore packed with a writer’s dream library, and Early Bird (Wednesday, May 14) Workshops are all unneeded add-ons. Why trouble yourself with bonuses that add value to your conference investment?

9. Delicious, Varied Menu: The YMCA of the Rockies offers more variety (including vegetarian and gluten-free options) than any conference where I teach. Who wants to make choices? When it comes to meals, bland and boring is best.

8. Critique Me Not: The CCWC offers the opportunity for paid critiques with industry professionals. But why? “Critique” sounds like “criticism,” and you sure don’t want anyone evaluating your baby book or article. Let Mom do your critiquing. She likes everything!

7. Scholarships: Privacy, Please. Conferences cost. But you wouldn’t want anyone to know about a financial need, would you? And why take advantage of someone else’s generosity by applying for a scholarship? Besides, your ship will come in someday, and you can hire someone to push your wheelchair around the conference.

6. Continuing Sessions and Clinics: Don’t  get serious about your work when when you can just dabble instead. The continuing sessions and clinics push you to examine and evaluate your work under an expert’s personal tutelage. Why bother?

5. Workshops: Why? The CCWC offers more variety than ever, with workshops on topics ranging from Author Promo to Deep POV (point of view) to How to Book Speaking Engagements. But why improve your craft or writing business when the status quo feels so comfortable?

4. Teens Write (mini-conference for teens): Why challenge young people to write for God’s glory? They’re better off with their hands on their game controllers or taking selfies for social media. Who cares about the future of the publishing industry?

3. Agents and Editors. Mehhh. Every conference has them, but the CCWC has an abundance, offering four one-on-one appointments with faculty of your choice (five for the first 75 registrants). But why put your work in front of people who could publish it when hiding behind your computer is easier and safer?

2. Nature. Who Needs It? Anyone with a passion for the beauty of God’s creation will want to avoid the CCWC. We can only take so much blue sky anyway, right? And breathtaking views of the Rockies: really? Wouldn’t you rather watch them on TV?

1. Justice, Schmustice: The CCWC and its sister conference in Philadelphia have a strong, spiritual focus on “writing his answer” to touch societal needs. Let’s keep our Christianity in a box. Why take it outside the church?

Believe it or not, I’ve heard or witnessed most (if not all) of these reasons not to attend in my communication with writers through the years. Read through them again and see if you sense the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Is He calling you to use your words to make a difference? Is He calling you to the beauty of His creation and the power of professional expertise applied to your words? Is He calling you to write His answer? If so, I hope to see you at the CCWC!

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Me, too! There’s still time to register and, if needed, to request scholarship help and/or time payments.

Keep writing and living His answer!