How Early Should a Writer Attend a Writer's Conference? {+10 Christian Writing Conferences to Attend!}

I was sixteen when I told my parents that I wanted to attend a writing conference.
I knew writing was the career I wanted to pursue. I'd been writing since I could hold a pen at 3-years-old, and any time someone asked me that all-important question -- what do you want to be when you grow up? -- my answer was immediate: an author. There wasn't any doubt in my mind that it would happen, either. I don't know why, really -- I guess you can call it childlike faith. ;) I felt as though writing was woven into my being. I couldn't not pursue it.  


So, I decided to take it seriously when I was 15. Rather than only writing in my free time, I wanted to treat it as a priority. I took writing courses, read craft books, wrote the first version of Purple Moon, and began this blog. It's also during that time that I learned about writing conferences -- this magical place where writers could meet other writers, learn about the craft and industry, and pitch to professionals. I knew I had to find a way to attend one.

You can imagine my excited when I found a Christian writer's conference (BRMCWC) that was only an hour and a half drive from where I lived. =) Although my parents were (and still are) supportive of my writing, they weren't extremely convinced I should go, mainly because they didn't know anything about the industry at the time -- and, of course, conferences can be pretty pricey. But, to make a long story short, my mom's mind was changed during a sermon my pastor spoke one Sunday about seizing the moment. She felt a nudge. Needless to say, if it wasn't for that sermon, I wouldn't have attended that all-important first conference. (Thanks, Pastor Mark!)   

Now, I've heard other writers advise newbies to wait until they're mature in their writing before they attend a conference. I don't think this is an entirely bad idea. Again, conferences can get pricey, and you'll most likely receive more out of it when you have a project or two to pitch. 
But I am so very thankful my parents didn't hear that advice when I was 16. 
Every writer's journey is different. I know this. You may not have an opportunity to attend a conference any time soon. But please, at least consider it. Conferences are valuable -- not just to new writers either, but to writers who are on any stage of the writing journey. 
Since I attended that conference seven years ago (it feels like longer!), I've attended almost fifteen conference as a conferee. 

2010 -- Very first conference! With my special writer friend and fellow author, Katy Kauffman

2014 -- Award's banquet. Purple Moon was a Selah Award finalist in YA Fiction & Debut Novel! 

2015 -- At an appointment

2016 -- With my agent (and boss), Cyle Young, and my author friend, Caroline George.

2016 -- At the campus coffee shop, Clouds! 

Let's see how different my career would look if I hadn't invested in these conferences...

• My debut novel, PURPLE MOON, wouldn't have been published by LPC Books. 
• I wouldn't have signed with my agent. 
• I wouldn't be a Jr. Agent for Hartline Literary Agency. 
• I wouldn't be a YA Acquisitions Editor for Illuminate YA. 
• I wouldn't have several of the writer friends I have today. 
• I wouldn't know half as much about the craft/industry as I do now. 
• I wouldn't have the opportunity to be on faculty of 5 conferences this year.
• My blog wouldn't have placed 2nd in the blog category in the BRMCWC contest in 2013.
• I wouldn't be a columnist for Broken But Priceless Magazine.
• Most importantly, I wouldn't have the special conference memories that I've made over the years.

Conferences aren't just about contracts. 
They're also about divine connections. Making new writer friends.  Learning about the craft and industry.  New opportunities. Gaining education and experience. And receiving inspiration, encouragement, and motivation to continue the journey.

Conferences are the college for today's aspiring author, and that's why I recommend them to every aspiring author I meet. 
So if you're on the fence, struggling to decide whether or not to attend a conference this year -- take it from someone who has jumpstarted their writing career thanks to conferences: It's worth it. 
Of course, spend time in prayer before you make the move. But if you do feel peace about registering for one, here is a list of Christian writing conferences that take place throughout the US:

 

• Carolina Christian Writers Conference -- March 2017 -- SC
• Mid-South Christian Writer's Conference -- March 2017 -- TN
• Write 2 Ignite -- March 2017 -- SC (I'm on faculty this year!)
• Blue Lake Christian Writers Conference -- March 2017 -- AL
• Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference -- April 2017 -- CA
• Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference -- May 2017 -- NC (I'm on faculty this year!)
• St. David's Christian Writers' Conference -- June 2017 -- PA
• Southern Christian Writers Conference -- June 2017 -- AL (I'm on faculty this year!)
• Socal Christian Writers' Conference -- June 2017 -- CA (I'm on faculty this year!)
• Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference -- July 2017 -- PA (I'm on faculty this year!)

  

This is only a handful of Christian writing conferences; I recommend doing research to see if you can find one near your area. Remember: There are conferences on a larger scale (about 3 - 7 days), then there are smaller ones that can last for a day or two. 

For more posts on writing conferences, {click here}.

Here's to hoping that we'll have a chance to meet over coffee at a conference someday!

Question for you...
Have you attended a conference? If so, in what way(s) did it impact your writing career? If not, when do you hope to attend one?

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