Attend Blue Ridge Again? Absolutely!

By Mary Denman

“But you’ve already been to Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference before? Why do you need to go this year?” 

Yes, I’ve been asked that question…more than once. And my response? “Oh, let me count the ways.” 

• Blue Ridge is not a static conference. It’s not a “go once and learn all I need for my writing career” type of conference. The directors of Blue Ridge are constantly seeking to improve the conference, offering different tracks to help build our careers. They also vary and add tracks that are designed to help us grow by building platforms, starting a speaking career, learning to freelance full-time, writing articles, devotions or novels and navigating the publication process.
• Nobody is a static writer. At least, we hope not. Think back to school days. We wrote a “rough draft” for a reason, mainly because it wasn’t the best paper we could write.  The teacher helped craft our papers. The teachers at Blue Ridge do the same thing. They want to help us hone our writing craft and honor God with excellence. And let me tell you, I need that help. Graphite sharpens graphite. Okay, you get the idea.
• Rarely is anyone a single genre writer. While we may think of ourselves as a fiction, non-fiction, freelance, or screenwriter, few writers I know are locked into one genre. When I started out I only wrote magazine articles and told my novel writing buddies I would never write fiction. Never. Ever. God laughed at me. I’m into my second novel and love my characters. How will we learn what writing path God is calling us to if we aren’t exposed to other disciplines in the writing world?
• Relationships. Look, we’re a creative lot. But we sit and stare at blank computer screens and write. We tell a tale. We pour out our hearts.  And we do it alone. Our best work is created in the quiet. So relationships with other writers are so important to help us keep our perspective. We love our imaginary friends. Sorry, we love our characters who are real. (Just don’t tell non-writers that or they’ll think you’re the character.) But we still need relationships with people who can talk to us in real life and help guide us along.
• We’re an insecure lot. Stick with me on this one. Admit it. I will. I’m insecure about my writing. But being with people who are like-minded and who have been down the road before me helps so much. It keeps me going. And they will hold my feet to the fire when an editor says to send a proposal, pitch, article, script etc. Too many of us, me included, have thought, “Oh, they’re just being nice,” or “They won’t remember me.” Guess what, they don’t make that offer to be nice. They are busy people and if they ask to see more it’s because they see something in our writing. The relationships we build at Blue Ridge will help us gain confidence and follow through. 

I could keep going. We get to meet wonderful new editors, agents, publishers, authors, screenwriters, media specialists. The list goes on. But see the common denominator? It’s the people that make Blue Ridge so amazing. And the atmosphere. It’s professional and relaxed. It’s ever changing, growing and improving. And Blue Ridge is for you. To help you. Whether your career needs to start or grow to the next level, the people at Blue Ridge will help you do that. 

So, will I see you there? I truly hope so. And if you see me, come say hi.

 

Mary Denman is a writer who also loves photography. Or a photographer who loves writing. As a freelance writer, Mary has had articles published in various forms ranging from Focus on the Family publications to magazines to devotions to op-ed pieces. She has also completed her first novel and started her second. She's a member of several professional writing organizations including ACFW, My Book Therapy, and Word Weavers. 

As a professional photographer, Mary has had photos published in both print literature and online. Her shots have been used by businesses and by fellow authors alike. Her philosophy is to catch a moment that reflects God’s beauty and creativity, whether in nature, in life or in the face of her subjects. And as a writer herself, she understands what authors need in a headshot. Mary blends the two mediums of writing and photography on her blog. www.marydenman.blogspot.com. 

Married for 24 years to husband Todd, they have home schooled their five children with their eldest in college.

To make reservations for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer's Conference, call 1.800.588.7222.

To register online click here.

Don't forget to take a look at the new videos posted on the site.

 

Comments

[Vonda Skelton]

Amen, sister! Going to a good conference is NOT a one-time thing! Every year I went to BR as a conferee brought new classes, new faculty, and new opportunities to grow in the craft of writing.

Can't wait to be back!

[Cynthia Lovely]

Mary, so nice to see your smiling face! Will definitely be back at Blue Ridge this year and looking forward to seeing everyone again. Still happy with the head shots you took last year. Note: Mary is an awesome photographer and if you hate having your picture taken, she will make it a fun experience!

[Mary Denman]

Thank you Vonda Skelton and Cynthia Lovely for the kind comments. I have grown tremendously from attending Blue Ridge. And yes Cynthia, I love taking head shots! It gives me a chance to let others see what God has put in your heart that shows in your face! Looking forward to seeing you again.