Attend a Writing Conference and Grow with God

Jennifer Noel Wilson
17 hours ago
5 min read

Are you nervous to attend a writing conference? So was I! I guess I lucked out with my first conference being virtual. In 2020 that was the only option. I just started writing in the fall of 2019 and had no clue what I was doing. Thankfully, a friend sent me information about an on-line conference. Even though it was virtual, I was still nervous! But it was a great way to get my feet wet. Those first couple on-line conferences I attended were better than I imagined. I learned how wonderful the Christian writing community is, met some amazing people, and learned a ton! They say attending a Christian writing conference is like being fed through a fire hose! No joke! But, it’s worth it!

Why should you attend a conference?

Not only do you learn a lot to perfect your craft, but the people. Wow! The worship! Bigger Wow! Growing closer to Jesus—the ultimate Wow! I had no idea how God would use these conferences to grow me, not only as a writer, but spiritually.

Worship and devotions are the best part. Do not skip this. Go see what God is going to teach you and how He’s going to work in you. He will take you out of your comfort zone, but the journey is worth it as you grow closer to Him. I am not the same person I was before I started this writing journey. God has done a work in my life I didn’t even know I needed and had no idea I could accomplish. He has been graciously guiding me one step at a time, one day at a time. When He opens a door, walk through, one door at a time. He will be there with you.

Network with other authors. They will become sisters/brothers in Christ. They cheer you on, teach you, pray for you, and pick you back up off the floor when your down. God has provided me with some amazing friends/sisters-in-Christ. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t still be writing. Plus, they make this journey so much fun!

Gain Feedback. One-on-one appointments and entering contests are scary. Putting yourself out there takes a huge leap of faith. Know that other authors, editors, and agents really do care about helping you succeed. They want to help you become a better writer for Jesus. Go to the appointments, enter the contests, get the feedback, pray, and then get back to writing.

Sharpen your writing skills. Go to as many classes as you can but also don’t go to all of them. Prepare before the conference by looking and praying over the schedule. Ask God for wisdom. When you start feeling overwhelmed, take a break, skip a class, go pray, and sit still before God. Journal with God. My times just sitting still, praying, and sometimes journaling with God at conferences, were very rich. Those were the most precious, valuable times I’ve spent.

Florida Christian Writer's Conference with my awesome critique group

What do I bring to a conference?

· Business cards and/or bookmarks

· Comfortable clothing and shoes: sometimes there can be a lot of walking

· Semi or Formal wear for awards ceremonies

· One sheets (learn more here)

· Copies of your story

· Printed copy of the conference schedule

· Laptop and chargers

· Notebook, pens, pencils

· Books to sell (if applicable)

· Motion sickness patches (for those of us that need them for airplane, bus, or car travel)

· Water bottle/coffee mug/Yeti

· Electrolyte packets for your water

· I always bring my own tea bags, since sometimes these are hard to find (unlike coffee)

· Snacks for your room or travel

· I also like to bring my travel massager for sore neck and back

· Scent Free: many conferences ask to not wear perfume or other scents due to possible allergies of other attendees

· Ear plugs or sleep buds can also be very handy 😉

· Airpods

· Umbrella or raincoat (for those conferences where you do a lot of outdoor walking)

· Mints (make sure you have good breath talking to all those editors, agents, etc.)

· Hand sanitizer

· Spending money for the bookstore (great opportunity to buy some excellent books and support your fellow authors)

Are you ready to go? Are you ready to see what God will do? Below are my top 3 favorite conferences I’ve attended as well as a list of conferences to consider. Pray over the list, check each one out, mark out some time on your calendar, and go. My goal is to attend 1-2 conferences every year. If you don’t have someone to attend with, be sure to request a roommate. They just might become your new best friend and prayer partner on this journey. Go have fun, make memories, and grow! Also, if you see me, come say hi. I love meeting other authors.