Welcome to Southwest Christian Writers Studio
Welcome to Southwest Christian Writers Studio, a production of Gansky Communications and LifeWay Christian Resources. This is SWCWS inaugural year and is the sister conference to the east coast Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference (BRMCWC). Although related, the two gatherings are very different, each with its own set of goals.
My name is Alton Gansky, and it is my pleasure to be the director of this new endeavor. For the last two years, I have led the Blue Ridge conference, now we are adding a conference in the West. It is our goal to offer the best faculty, the most useful classes, and the most fun of any conference.
Our mission is simple but important: "To equip, encourage, and edify the writer who specializes in the Christian market."
SO WHAT MAKES SWCWS UNIQUE?
Writers conferences take many forms. Our Blue Ridge Conference is one of the largest in the country and offers a wide range of classes topics and experiences. Southwest Christian Writers Conference has a much tighter focus. We offer a "studio" experience. That means that you do more than sit in a classroom. While our faculty will spend part of their time lecturing, they will also be providing hands on practice and guidance. At SWCWS you do more than listen; you will be putting words on the page and getting immediate feedback.
HOW LARGE IS SWCWS?
SWCWS is—by design—smaller than most conferences. Attendance is limited to the first 100 people to register. After that, registration is closed. We limit attendance to enhance your ability to learn, to practice, and to fellowship.
THE EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE
We also offer an "executive retreat" experience. Large companies often take their executives to retreat areas to enhance creativity. We at SWCWS believe in the same thing. You will stay in comfortable rooms and eat meals prepared by a world class chef. Since we are located so close to Santa Fe, one of the country's best known art towns, you will spend an afternoon touring Santa Fe's unforgettable streets and sampling the local Southwestern food. One of our goals is to help you recharge your creative batteries.
WHAT ABOUT THE FACULTY?
A conference is only as good as the faculty, so we've sought the best. An experienced professional will lead each track. For example, the fiction track is led by a multi-award winning, multi-published novelist. This year, one of the Christian markets top agents will be teaching the professional track. We also have experts in other fields of writing. Each faculty member is a working writer, agent, or editor.
IS THERE MORE THAN JUST CLASSROOM LECTURE?
Yes, in addition to classroom time, you will be encouraged to put what you learn into immediate practice. There will also be large group "symposiums" on important topics that concern every writer. You will learn craft, technique, and professionalism. Also, no conference would be complete without time spent with other writers. Rubbing shoulders with other authors is essential to creativity and personal growth.
WHAT TRACKS DO YOU OFFER?
This year we offer the following tracks:
- Book length fiction with novelist Jack Cavanaugh.
- Book length nonfiction with author, editor, consultant, and conference director Alton Gansky, Gansky Communications.
- Short nonfiction (articles, devotions, essays, Internet, etc.) with author/editor Edie Melson.
- Industry trends and professionalism with agent Chip MacGregor,MacGregor Literary.
- Visual Media (documentaries, television, etc.) with producer Cecil Stokes, Tentmakers Entertainment.
- Freelance writing (to be determined).
WHERE IS THE CONFERENCE LOCATED?
LifeWay Glorieta Conference Center is located fifteen minutes (18 miles) from Santa Fe, New Mexico, and 75 miles from Albuquerque. The campus is nestled within the beautiful Southern Rocky Mountains which are one of the longest mountain chains on Earth, offering some of the best rock climbing, snow skiing, and white water rafting available.
Glorieta Transportation Information and Directions
LifeWay Glorieta Conference Center is located fifteen minutes (18 miles) from Santa Fe, New Mexico, and 75 miles from Albuquerque. The campus is nestled within the beautiful Southern Rocky Mountains which are one of the longest mountain chains on Earth, offering some of the best rock climbing, snow skiing and white water rafting available.
Driving Directions
From Albuquerque, Glorieta is a short, beautiful drive past some breathtaking scenery. Interstate 25 North winds through the mountains past Santa Fe, with Glorieta's facilities conveniently located just off Exit 299 (Glorieta's campus entrance is visible from the interstate exit ramp).
Rental Car
Several car rental agencies are available at the Albuquerque Airport. Check with your local travel agent or internet travel service for more details.
Airline Service
Most major airline carriers offer service into the Albuquerque airport. Smaller airlines also offer service into Santa Fe, which is located 25 miles west of Glorieta.
Airlines Typically Offering Service into Albuquerque:
•American Airlines/American Eagle
•America West Airlines
•Delta Airlines
•Northwest Airlines
•Southwest Airlines
•United Airlines
Shuttle Service
If you prefer not to rent a car, RoadRunner Shuttle offers service from Albuquerque to Glorieta. Cost is $45 one-way, $90 round-trip. Shuttle runs 7 days per week, but interested guests should call 2-3 days ahead of desired pick-up date to ensure service (505.424.3367).
Sandia Shuttle offers service from the Albuquerque airport to as far as Santa Fe. Group charters to Glorieta are available upon request through Sandia Shuttle (505.438.0687). www.sandiashuttle.com
Travel by Train
Make the trip to Glorieta a memorable adventure. Amtrak offers service into Lamy, New Mexico which is only 15 miles from Glorieta's campus. Note: There are charges for all listed forms of transportation service. Reservations and cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS?
Program costs are $315 per person.
Rooms run $69 per room per night.
An on-campus meal package is available for $108.00 per person.
HOW DO I REGISTER?
You're just a phone call away. Just call 800.797.4222 and the friendly professionals at LIfeWay will help you register.
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