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Why a Writers Conference is a Must -- with Giveaway

Suzie Waltner • Oct 21, 2023

Join me today as I welcome author and blogger Suzie Waltner as she shares about why writers conferences are important for writers, and she has graciously offered a free paperback copy of her book to one lucky winner. Read on through to learn how to enter the random drawing.


Last week, I attended the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Since I haven’t been to a conference in a year and a half, I was so ready for this one. Ready to connect with other authors and spend a couple days learning from those who have gone before and for the encouragement and motivation that always comes from a conference.


If you are a writer (or want to become one), a writers’ conference is a must. Yes, you can learn the craft and all about marketing from books. But there is something special about spending a couple of days with others who really understand you. You get to worship and pray for and share with each other. You find new friends and while you get to lift up others, they are lifting you up at the same time. If you aren’t sure you want to write, a conference might help confirm that call in your life.


Now, if you’ve never been to a conference before, they can be somewhat overwhelming. There is so much information given to you in a short amount of time. You’ll be tempted to write everything down and do all the things. But take some time for yourself. If you have to mission a session and spend time in the prayer room, that is okay.


If you have to find a quiet corner and digest something you’ve heard, then do so. And then, when the conference is over, set everything you learned aside for a day or two. After that, you can process what you’ve learned.


Writing conferences of all sizes are happening throughout the year. If you are feeling intimidated by the larger conferences such as the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) annual conference or Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, a smaller conference is a great way to experience a conference on a smaller scale. There are several of these conferences around the US, so ask other writers in your area about any they’ve gone to and enjoyed.


No matter what conference you attend, be ready and open for divine appointments, meeting new friends, encouragement from the faculty, and lots of information to add to your author arsenal.


Question for readers: Have you been to a writing conference? If so, what are some of your most memorable moments? If not, do you have your eye on one for the future? Leave a comment below, along with your cleverly disguised email address (so the 'bots don't get you), to enter a random drawing. For example, donna AT livebytheword DOT com

 

About Suzie:

Suzie Waltner is a lover of fiction and is first and foremost a reader. She writes contemporary romance with deep friendship and touches of humor. Suzie resides in a suburb of Nashville, TN and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers as well as Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers. Midnight Blue was a 2022 Holt Medallion and Maggie Award Finalist. Sign up for her newsletter and get a free novella at https://suziewaltner.com/join-my-newsletter/.


Connecting online:

Facebook: https://facebook.com/suziewaltnerwrites

Instagram: https://instagram.com/suziewaltner

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nashpredsfan


About Red Velvet (Love in Color Book 2)

Pretending to date is no piece of cake.


An influential catering job could be the stepping-stone Cassidy Cagle needs to expand her business and reach her dream of owning a bed-and-breakfast. However, when the source of her high school humiliation steps into the kitchen, all her hard work crumbles like a dry biscuit.


Dissatisfied by the blatant flirting from women only interested in his celebrity status, Seth Mason wants nothing more than to find someone who sees beyond his role in a popular country music band. When yet another social climber corners him at a gathering, he escapes her clutches and inadvertently puts Cassidy’s career in jeopardy.


Hoping for a second chance, Seth comes up with a plan to make amends and solve both their problems. He’ll use his connections to bring her more business while, as his fake girlfriend, she can discourage the unwelcome female advances. As the two spend time together, attraction grows, but deciphering between what’s just an act and what is real becomes impossible. And when Seth’s secrets clash with Cassidy’s stubborn independence, their harmonious future hangs in the balance.

 

Purchase https://www.amazon.com/Red-Velvet-Love-Color-Book-ebook/dp/B0CJC29X6Z

 

 

 

 

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