CAFE: A gathering place. A place of refreshment.

Thirsty for the latest releases in Christian fiction? Ready for a peek into the world of publishing and writing conferences? Hungry for spiritual and real-life nourishment? Pull up a seat; you're in the right place, and I'm so glad you've stopped by.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

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.

7 comments:

Anne Mateer said...

Have a GREAT time, Carla! I love Mount Hermon. It was the first conference I ever attended. I went three years in a row but I haven't been able to make it back for a couple of years now.

Myra Johnson said...

Yikes, girlfriend, you sound more ready than I am! I made good progress yesterday on sorting through clothes, etc., for packing. Today it's down to the wire! Can't wait to spend the next several days with you at one of the best writers conferences around!

Bonnie Way aka the Koala Mom said...

All the best! I'm drooling... :)

Erica Vetsch said...

I can't wait to read all about your wonderful experience! I'm counting down the days until ACFW this year. :)

carla stewart said...

Mount Hermon is a dream come true. I am very excited. There will be two firsts for me this year--Mount Hermon and going to Minneapolis to the ACFW conference. I've never been to Minnesota and just get goosebumps when I think about it. Thanks, ladies, for your comments.

Gina Conroy said...

Can't wait to hear all about it!

Anonymous said...

I've been toMount Hermon. It's great. For a smaller conference with exceptional guests, try Maranatha Christian Writers' Conference in Michigan.

www.WriteWithPurpose.org.