Aloha from the CAN Treasurer Karen Whiting

        
I recently returned from the Florida Christian Writer’s Conference and know many friends will be leaving this week for the Mount Hermon Writers Conference in California. These are two large conferences with many editors and writers attending. Conferences have shaped my writing career.

In Florida this year I saw how some of last year’s aspiring writers have been published and where. I heard editors excited about new ideas and proposals. It’s good to know that in this economy editors are still looking for articles, devotions, and books.

            Workshops taught me about the craft and business of writing. Editors I met encouraged my writing and later gave me contracts. Authors I met became my friends and the basis of my writing network. Keynote speakers inspired me to press on past rejections and follow my dream. Agents shared the need to be part of a team in the publishing world and one I met at a conference now represents me. So many people came alongside me to offer advice, friendship, and share experiences.

            At some point I had enough published to become part of the faculty and staff at some conferences and see things from the inside. It’s amazing to be part of a team that prays for and encourages new writers. I have been blessed as I’ve seen people grow in writing and have a first book released or articles published.

Writing continues to be an amazing journey as I work on two new books this year. One is a Bible study on grace and the other is The 365 Most Important Bible Passages for Women—such significant books to write and I am blessed to be part of them. Because of the conference this year I will now be writing regularly for a new online magazine (a paying one). Every conference I have attended ended up earning more for writing that came from the conference than it cost to attend.

So, plan to attend a conference in the coming months

Save