When I took the Myers-Briggs personality test several years back, it pegged me as an “INFJ” type. The “I” in that stands for introverted. However, I didn’t rank far over on the introverted side. I was closer to the middle of the introverted/extroverted scale. For me, that means I get my energy from being alone. But I truly do LOVE gathering with other people. For that reason, reader/writer events have always been a highlight of my year. In my “regular” life here in Dallas, I only rarely come into contact with people who are passionate about Christian fiction. But when I attend conferences or events, I’m surrounded by fellow bookworms. We get each other. It’s a gift to be with “my people” face to face.
Before Covid, I was in a fun event-attending groove. Then the pandemic hit and all the reader/writer events went away. When they started coming back, I didn’t intentionally block off time and budget for them and ended up attending just a few things these past four years. I’ve missed gathering in a more regular way. Which is why I’m delighted to have four wonderful events coming around the corner in 2024.
First up…
On April 13th, Faith, Hope & Love Christian Writers is offering Romance in April, a virtual conference for authors. I’ll be teaching on Secrets of Writing Un-put-downable Romance and giving an inspirational talk on Your Writing Journey. If you know a romance writer (or are a romance writer), here is where you’ll find more info.
Next up…
The Cascade Christian Writers Conference will be held in Canby, Oregon June 23-26. I’ll be participating as one of the keynote speakers and can’t wait to revisit the Pacific Northwest, one of my favorite parts of the country and the setting of my Bradford Sisters series. A few years ago, we took a family road trip from San Diego to San Francisco. Prior to this conference, I’m planning to continue up that same coastline with my husband from San Francisco to Portland. So excited! Register here!
Next up…
Deep in the heart of Texas, writers and readers will be enjoying a retreat together in October! This gathering is targeted toward readers of sweet and Christian romance. Twelve authors who write in those genres (including me and Pepper Basham) will be in attendance. Readers will be able either to stay over at the venue or join in just for the Saturday activities. Registration should become available soon! Follow me on Facebook or Instagram for updates.
Finally…
In Chicago in November, I’ll be attending The Art of Writing Conference and Christy Awards on November 14th. Followed on November 15th by the Just Read Rendezvous! Rendezvous is an event for Christian fiction readers. It promises to be a blast, so if you can make it to Chicago with your mom/sister/friend–please plan to be there! Information here.
Will you be attending any of the above? What do you love most about bookish events?
Becky Wade
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You have so many fun things planned! How exciting! I love getting together with fellow readers and authors to chat all things books. The best part is that I come away with some new books on my TBR. I usually then require time to recharge as my extroverting comes in small doses. I’ve missed attending events so I’m looking forward to Rendezvous in November and PLA in just a little under two weeks.
I, too, require time to recharge afterward! I’m looking forward to seeing you in person a few times this year. 🙂
I have missed these reader-author events, and am glad that they have restarted! I met you several years ago at CFRR, which was a highlight for me. I am looking forward to events at Baker Book House in May (very dangerous to my ever-growing TBR pile) and in June, and I plan to go to the Rendezvous in Chicago. I am so looking forward to being with fellow Christian fiction readers and authors again!
I loved attending CFRR the two times I was able to go! It’s very true that an ever-growing TBR pile is a dangerous (and wonderful) side-effect of these events. 🙂
I met you at the first CFRR in Nashville a few years ago (I was the squealer!) . I attended the Reader Rendezvous in St. Louis last year and it was fantastic. There is nothing better than being with other Christian fiction lovers and gushing over books and authors. Even better is the worship time praising the Lord together. It’s extremely moving and only adds to the wonderful time of fellowship. Hoping I can get to Chicago in November, so fair warning….prepare your ear drums! 🙂
I clearly remember meeting you, Amy! I’d love to catch up with you in person in Chicago. My ear drums are more than ready. 😉
So fun! I love reader and writer events. Looking forward to more details for the Texas retreat!
Right! It’s so nice that they’re having an event like this in our neck of the woods.
If you have not visited Cannon Beach Christian Conference Center, Cannon Beach OR you really should. It is surely a touch of Heaven and Jesus, and all kinds of wonderful things. Jack and I flew out there to volunteer several times a year for about 10 years, and it so blessed our souls. Some of my fondest memories are from there.
Your plans for this coming year sound exciting. Enjoy Oregon.
Lovingly, Jane Driscoll, Sarasota FL
Cannon Beach Christian Conference Center sounds amazing! I would love to visit. 🙂