CCWC

I attended the Colorado Christian Writers Conference this past week and had a fabulous time. It always amazes me what the Lord has in store.

Of course I learned a ton about writing. But part of what I learned as well is how far I've come since my first writing conference in 2006. Back then I was easily intimidated by other writers, especially those famous ones teaching at Glen Eyrie. But I was also easily discouraged by my lack of understanding about writing techniques. I have always learned things fairly quickly when I put something into practice on a regular basis but back then, any word of critique set me to wondering if I was supposed to write.

This time, I still see how very far I have to go and how many basic things I still need to get under my belt. But it didn't discourage me in the least. It only made me more certain. King David once said that he wouldn't offer the Lord something that cost him nothing. Guess I have learned that about writing. It will cost me time and practice, and even more importantly, it will cost me vulnerability. Something I am not overly fond of. :)

Back to this year's conference: I learned so much from instructors like Jeff Gerke who was very knowledgeable as well as a laugh a minute. But I must say my favorite was getting to know Angela Hunt and Nancy Rue. What incredible women! We talked of writing, families, and many other things. These ladies know how to delve into deep and sometimes painful things, and write of them in a way that brings life to others. They also know how to see humor in everyday occurrences. We laughed till tears were rolling down my cheeks.

Another "God" moment was connecting me with an editor of a magazine that wants me to write for her. I couldn't have planned it or orchestrated how naturally this happened.

The next couple of weeks will be spent regrouping, studying, reading, and analyzing before I begin more serious writing using the building blocks I learned this past week.

Blessings,

Don't fall off your chair...I'm back

Well, it's been way too long since I posted on the blog. Life has been hectic, confusing, and just generally bogged down in many areas.

Right now I am racing to finish getting ready for the Colorado Christian Writers' Conference up in Estes Park next week. Today I am trying to hone my one-page pitch sheet to show to editors and agents. I know I am not ready for a full proposal since the book is only about 2 chapters long with several other scenes written for later in the book.

As I have spent time contemplating the book, I have had to go back and rework several areas including the first chapter since the book is now going a different direction. And I have struggled to make my characters real instead of flat. Part of what I hope to learn up at Estes Park.

I truly look forward to the time away (not just to escape the busyness!) because I have seen how the Lord has used each one I have gone to previously to encourage me not only as a writer, but as His follower. About three years ago, I went to a small conference at Glen Eyrie not really sure what I was going for or what it would accomplish...just knew I was to go. That's where I met my writing buddy, Jackie.

At first we met regularly and then that fell away as we both got pulled in different directions. We lost touch with each other for almost a year, but began meeting again this past fall. What an incredible blessing she is to me. She encourages me and gets me as a writer. That is the gift I came away with from Glen Eyrie.

Last year's conference with the writing guild was huge and pretty intimidating. However I learned a lot and came away better equipped.

Now I am going to Estes with Jackie. I know I will learn and be challenged and convicted as a writer and a woman. I am eager to go, though I don't know if Jackie and I will sleep since we get along so well and never seem to run out of things to talk about. Course we'll also be exhausted from the days that start at 7:00 a.m. and run until after 10:00 p.m.

Well, gotta run!
Blessings!