This past weekend Ken and I attended the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference in Springfield, Missouri. Our own Angie Hunt, Cara Putman, and Karen Witemeyer were there also, all teaching workshops or continuing sessions. Because I had no real responsibilities at the conference this year, other than a book signing on Saturday morning, I was able to attend five different workshops, including one that Karen taught on adding humor to your writing. It was excellent, as were all the classes I took.
Our book signing was open to the public this year and we were blown away by the attendance! I wouldn’t be surprised if we broke some fire laws in that ballroom!
The highlight of the conference is always the Saturday night gala where the contest winners and other awards are announced. Below I’m with my wonderful husband, Ken; with Robin Jones Gunn; and with my literary agent, Steve Laube.
We were so blessed by Robin Jones Gunn, who was not only the conference keynote speaker, but also the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award. It was so great to celebrate with her, and so sweet that Robin’s husband, Ross, sent her a lei from Maui (where they used to live) all the way to Missouri in honor of her award.
One of the highlights of each conference is the opportunity to worship together with others in the publishing industry. Such a privilege.
I came away refreshed and ready to dive back into this work God has given me to do. With great joy!
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Oh yay! I’m so happy to see such great attendance for the book signing!
It was truly amazing and so fun to see so many people excited about Christian fiction!
Looks like you had a wonderful time!
It was a great weekend! Wish you could have been there!
Hi Deb, it was a great conference. I thought the workshops I attended were some of the best ever. It was encouraging to see so many writing friends and meet new writers. That book signing was wonderful! I’m already looking forward to next year in Memphis TN!
It was so good to see you, Carrie! And I agree with the classes (of course, I rarely get to attend so MANY workshops, so that was a treat!)
Thanks for sharing the photos.
Haha! I could have shared about 40 times as many, Robin! 🙂
I’m so glad it was a wonderful time! I hated that I had to miss it!
Missed seeing you, D’Ann!
Sounds like a great conference! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Betty. It really was!
Since I didn’t attend this year, it was wonderful to get a glimpse of the conference through your pictures, Deb. 🙂
You were missed, Becky!
Sounds like it was a lovely time! So glad you had fun. I remember my very first ACF(R)W back in Kansas City in…2001 or 2002, was it, so very fondly. It’s when I met YOU! ; ) Welcome home. Now get to work on the all crits I’ve sent you, woman! 😉
That conference in 2001 was a gift, for sure! And I’m working, I’m working!
Looks like you had a blast there!
Crowded conference rooms–I’ve been there. I’ve also sat on the floor as an attendee at library conferences–somehow it was comfy than the chairs in the room.
Elisa, I actually love that image of you sitting on the floor at a conference. Sounds cozy to me! (But somebody might have to help me up OFF the floor! Haha!)