Attending
Mount
Hermon Christian Writers Conference is like drinking from a fire hose. My
mind is swimming in a whirl of post-conference thoughts.
For
five glorious days, I learned fiction writing from Davis Bunn. I took workshops taught by wonderful authors
like Barbara Curtis, BJ Taylor, Brandilyn Collins, and many others
whose names don’t start with B. I met agents and editors who are very
intimidating by reputation, but very personable and encouraging face to face. Bill Butterworth taught every night.
I laughed, I cried, it moved me!
I
met several of my “virtual” friends from blogs, Facebook and Twitter. I enjoyed
getting to know Mary Hampton, MelodeeMelodee
(I never did learn her last name), Cheryl Ricker, Cheri Williams, Jan Kern, Tricia Goyer and Sharon Souza. It turns out they are all
real people. And really terrific people.
Prayer
was an important element in this year’s conference for me. I prayed with the Inspire writers constantly, even with
one who didn’t come. We kept in touch by phone. I know the other members of
Inspire were also praying for us.
I
pitched my grief devotional book and received some very helpful feedback from one
agent. She told me my writing was too safe and I need to put more of myself on
the page. And you know, I did not take her words personally or feel defensive.
I actually appreciated her comments and told her so. For those of you who know
me well, you know this shows some growth on my part. So I will re-work the
manuscript until it is permeated with my blood and re-submit it.
I
also pitched a novel that I recently started writing and received a very
favorable response from another agent. She wants to see the project when half
the chapters are completed.
So,
I have my marching orders. I will be a busy writer for the foreseeable future.
I’ll
keep you posted.
Gratefully,
Beth
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