Conference Recap

We were blessed with a great conference this year. Our numbers were down some but our spirit and enthusiasm was off the charts (cliche intended). I'm still receiving e-mail and Facebook posts of praise. Thank you for that. Those short notes are reminders of why we do what we do and see us through the pressing, stressful days leading to the conference. 

In the days ahead you can expect to see:

1. Photos of the events. Feel free to send you photos to me or post them to Facebook. (By doing so, you are allowing us to use the photos.)

2. Words of praise from conferees.

3. Names of contest winners.

4. Maybe a little video here and there.

5. Announcement about recorded sessions.

6. And more stuff.

There were some real highlights for me this year. Major Jeff Struecker was fabulous and his message on point. Hearing Jim Rubart sing a bluesy song about pizza will never be forgotten. Kicking it with conferees and faculty in the after hours is always fun. Talking writing with new writers and experienced professionals. Making new friends in the profession was an added bonus.

We added two new contests, something made possible by the work and planning of Eva Marie Everson. The Awards Banquet was the jewel in the crown. The LifeWay staff did a remarkable job and Jane Herzog was hilarious. Giving awards is fun.

Edie Melson was remarkable in all respects, from her administration to the devotion she gave. Her contribution made this year's conference possible.

I'm back in my office now finishing up detail work, editing, starting another book, and planning my lessons plan for a teaching expedition to Southern California. Yes, I'm back in the Here & Now. And so are you. That's not a bad thing. A conference is a place to learn, recharge batteries of creativity, and get a spiritual lift--then it's back to work. 

In some ways, the end of a conference is just the beginning of a new leg of the journey. Look down the road. What course will you chart?

So, what was the highlight for you?

Stay tuned. There's more coming about this conference and the New Mexico conferences.

Alton Gansky, Director.

Remember. this blog site is your year-round source of encouragement and information about writing. 

Comments

[Alycia Morales]

The entire conference was a highlight for me! It's difficult to choose just one aspect of it. The keynotes and devotions each confirmed what God has me walking through in this season. The faculty presented material that inspired new developments for the WIP I'm writing. I had amazing appointment results, and I look forward to doing it all again next year! Thanks, Al and Edie, for a wonderful time in the BR Mountains! You're the best!

[Lori Stanley Roeleveld]

There were many highlights for me:
a)Cecil Stokes amazing offering to intercede for my family so I could spend my time with God completely tuned into His voice, trusting that someone else was praying on their behalf. So refreshing to be truly alone with God b)Talking with other creative minds about ideas, creating Christian art, and writing techniques (even if they have bad taste in football teams). For an isolated Christian New England writer, the conference is an oasis in a long, long desert, and c)receiving and giving encouragement to others who write for God. It's heartening to see one's self as part of a team - some veterans, some rookies but all playing for the same coach.

[Christine Hoover]

I enjoyed the conference and the opportunities it gave me to learn, meet with publishers and agents, and meet other writers. Thank you for putting it together!