MOUNT HERMON Christian Writers Conference

On Thursday, my savvy and very cool critique partner, Myra Johnson, and I will be heading to Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference near Santa Cruz, California. Oh my. It feels like a dream come true—five glorious days and nights with four hundred writers pursuing our craft, laughing, learning, and hanging out. The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of getting ready. Submissions for critique. Query letters. One sheets that showcase my novels. Research of the agents and editors who will take appointments. Reading about the many authors who will present workshops. Deadlines. And still trying to go forward with my current project—a mystery that creeps into every crevice of my brain not occupied with conference prep.

Great news. I am ready. Ready for whatever God has for me this week. Ready for the mountain air and to walk among the giant redwoods. Ready to breathe in the inspiration and restore my sense of balance in this crazy writing world. And . . . accept the challenges laid before me.

It reminds me of a similar feeling several years ago when I was chosen to attend the Guideposts Writers Workshop in Rye, NY. The setting—an historic chateau on Long Island Sound—took my breath away. Lush green lawns rolled down to the water’s edge, inviting us to sit for a moment of reflection. Five days of classes, getting to know the other participants, working, eating, and praying together flew by in a blur. I came away trembling with possibilities, a bevy of new friends, and confident that my writing had promise.

That’s my goal for Mount Hermon. Recharge my writerly instincts. Connect in new ways with writers, teachers, agents, and editors. Listen for God’s voice.

I’ll be taking a break from blogging while I’m away, but promise a full report when I get back. Hopefully, I’ll get some good pictures, too. Y’all behave while I’m gone.