Writing is often a solitary profession. I actually enjoy spending quiet hours alone in my writing cave, just me, myself, and my cats. But it’s fun to come out sometimes, too, to fellowship with fellow (sister) authors, to serve younger writers, and be inspired. I had a couple of wonderful opportunities to do all three in the last few weeks and thought I’d share a few highlights with you:
Faculty at the Northwestern Christian Writers Conference
It was such a privilege to be a part of this newer conference again this year. I taught a class on research, took mentoring appointments, and answered questions in the advice room. I really enjoyed meeting up-and-coming writers and (hopefully) being helpful. I also enjoyed spending time with local writer-friends and my old friend, Sara, who works in marketing for the University of Northwestern, St. Paul. There was such a spirit of worship and service at the conference, with a wonderful praise band, leadership from author and speaker Susie Larson, and wonderful, inspiring keynotes from two amazing women: Liz Curtis Higgs and Sheila Walsh, who shared with such beautiful transparency about their own struggles, and their experiences with our great and loving Lord. Laughter and tears abounded. Have you heard them speak? I thought they were both awesome!
Local MN writers at the conference (left). Sara and Julie (right).
Brunch with Books & Such
The day after the conference, I attended a brunch at a restaurant appropriately named Book Club. I enjoyed spending time with three agents from the Books and Such Literary Agency who were in town for the conference, as well as authors like Lorna Seilstad, Tricia Goyer, Judith Miller, Cynthia Ruchti, and Gabrielle Meyer.
Lorna, Tricia, Judith, Julie, Cynthia, and Gabrielle at brunch.
The whole group at brunch.
Meetings With My Publisher
The day after that, my agent, Wendy Lawton, and I had productive meetings at my publisher’s offices: talking about books sales, marketing, and direction for the future. I presented several ideas for new books, and they liked them all—whew! I left energized and excited to keep on writing. We also hosted a pizza lunch, and later that evening, we went out to dinner with several people from the publishing team. I am so blessed to be a part of the Bethany House family.
Raela (editor), Julie (author), Karen (editor), and Wendy (agent)
But for now, it’s back into the author cave to review final galleys of my forthcoming book (The Bride of Ivy Green, December) and to keep on writing the next one.
Do you regularly spend time with people in your profession for fellowship and inspiration?
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I agree. It was such a refreshing and energizing weekend. I feel so blessed to be part of a wonderful writing family, both our local ACFW Chapter and our international Books & Such Agency. It’s especially nice when we can gather together. (I’d love a copy of that picture with you and Cynthia.) 😊
I’ve read several books by Liz Curtis Higgs and know she is a motivational speaker. I can imagine she is wonderful.
Great hint about your future book projects. Good luck!
It was a fun, crazy, exhausting weekend! Loved Liz Curtis Higgs & Sheila Walsh–they were so inspiring! And it’s always fun to re-connect with other writers and old friends.
I volunteer in the church library and have for almost 40 years.
We used to get together for 5 days, have classes, Bible studies, 3 meals a day plus snacks, buy books from the bookstore, and also do a book swap.
It was a great time to be with each other. Several hundred fellow church librarians would attend.
Now, we have a small group that gets together once a year.
I really miss those long ago days.
With a couple of years of upheaval and big family events, I haven’t been able to fellowship with other writers much–and I so miss that! Looks like you had a great time at all your events!
Thanks so much for participating in the conference! It is always a gift to spend time with you. You did an awesome job in all your various roles – workshop, 1:1 appointments, pro advice room, etc.
Sounds like some refreshing time with old and new friends! Thanks for sharing!
Writing is currently more of a hobby for me, though I’m working toward adding it as part-time profession via screenwriting and novels I’ve been slowly working on over many years.
Both my other jobs are highly interactive: as a dance teacher I’m almost never on my own, except for occasional difficult work on choreography; and as a filmmaker, I’m working around the bustle of full cast and crew, and inside jokes and supporting each other are definitely needed to get everyone through long hours and inevitable unexpected problem solving. But it’s all worth it for sure!