or Another Faith-Based Audience
Are you squirming because a story leaks out of you bit by bit onto sticky notes? Is your stack of journals growing taller by the day? Or do you wish your brain could burn calories because your racing thoughts and ideas would earn you a better workout than your best day at the gym? If this sounds familiar, you are probably confident someone needs to read your story. And you are probably correct. Now the question is, what next?
When I asked myself what was next, I considered buying a bigger house with more walls to post my sticky notes. So you don't go to the added expense of a larger home, I will continue with how my writing journey developed and provide some resources to encourage you to take your next steps because I am sure someone needs to hear your story.
I shared a manuscript I had written with a friend, and when I told her I had taken it as far as I could, she advised me to attend a writers' conference. Luckily, the writer's conference recommended to me suited my most significant concern of finding someone of faith to work with since my project was for a faith-based audience. And I could make the time and location work.
So, why should you go to a writer's conference?
To get out from under your journals and sticky notes? That’s a start, but there is more reason. Writer’s conferences offer valuable opportunities to pitch book proposals, attend workshops, and network with publishers, editors, and writing and platform coaches—as well as other writers and authors.
When choosing a conference to attend, in addition to considering the best time and location for you, it's important to think about the following:
- Which publishers will be represented?
- What workshops will be available?
- Is there an opportunity to have a professional critique of your work? (usually for an additional cost)
What's Next for the Writer?
Once you have found a workshop that suits your needs and have registered, take the time to carefully review the schedule and prioritize the workshops and professionals that you believe will best suit your needs. It's important not to wait until you arrive to figure out what and who is available. Go ahead, get excited about who you will meet!
Then, polish a few pieces of your writing in preparation for opportunities to present them to editors for publication—short stories, devotions, etc. You will have these opportunities. And don’t be surprised if you end up with a few publishing credits because you put your work in front of someone.
Collect business cards from everyone you speak to. You'll build a useful collection for immediate and future connections. One more thing: Dress professionally. You don’t have to overdo it; you will walk a lot, so keep that in mind. But represent yourself as a professional, so don’t dress like it's housecleaning day or time to do yard work. Remember, you'll be representing yourself as you share your work.
Throughout my journey of working on my main project for single Christian women, I took breaks to write off-topic short stories and other smaller projects for a well-needed mental recess. And I got a few of them published. Don't forget that writing is a process of release. It's where we share our stories, thoughts, and knowledge—our minds and hearts. If we don't take in healthy information while releasing it, we will be drained, empty, and mentally exhausted. It's like physical exercise: If all you do is work out but don’t fill yourself with nutrients, you will become weak and exhausted. The same goes for writing. Take in healthy knowledge, stay up on your Bible studies, and continue to invest in your relationships. Stay balanced so you are able to produce healthy words on paper or, nowadays, on the screen.
If you're still burning with the urge to turn your ideas into something tangible for your faith-based audience, consider attending a writer’s conference where you can participate in workshops and meet people. Or, if you are ready, go all in and learn how to pitch your work to a publisher. There is probably a workshop at the conference to help prepare you.
The support and guidance you require can be found through the opportunities available at the conference. Did you know that some publishers only accept submissions at conferences? In today's digital age, I encourage you to make the most of the chance to connect with others in person to discuss important matters so you can express your heartfelt thoughts in writing the best way possible.
Other Opportunites When Writing for Single Christian Women
If you are hesitant, you can gain experience and confidence by pitching to be a guest on a podcast about your subject—possibly a podcast like Single Christian Women Speak.
You'll gain experience being in front of your audience and through the pitching process. Do you have a story or a testimony, or are you an expert in your field from which single Christian women can glean hope and encouragement? If so, you can get more information when you reach out using the Contact Me tab.
Tell Your Story to a Faith-based Audience
Let's recap. If you feel overwhelmed by journals and sticky notes, find a writer's conference that suits your needs. Focus on polishing a piece or two of your other writing. Or solely focus on your main project and determine where you need to move next, what resources you need to take it to the next step, or pitch it to a publisher. Make an effort to meet people face-to-face in the writing world. Remember to take care of yourself while writing by maintaining a healthy mindset and relationships to keep the momentum going.
Maybe you don’t want to author a book. Magazines, devotionals, and short story publications may also be represented at a writer's conference. The Christian Writers Market Guide is an additional resource. A new edition is updated annually, and many publishers are looking for articles, books, devotions, greeting cards, etc. Check it out. Again, you will find some of those publications represented at writer’s conferences where you can meet in person.
If you are a new writer and have questions, please use the Contact Me tab. Based on my experience, I will answer your questions as best I can. Happy Writing!
Resources:
This is the Resource Hub for single Christian Women. I want them to have all the information they need to live their best single life, and that may be through sharing my experience with you to encourage you, as a Christian writer, on your writing journey. Whether you are a married or a single Christian woman writing, may these resources help you share your story of encouragement and hope and build your writing team. Frequently, writers' conferences now offer speaking and podcast workshops, too.
I've gathered a few resources to help you begin your search. I have not attended all these faith-based conferences, but you can find them and more online. Even if the physical location won’t work, spend time on each website. While I was checking the links for accuracy, I found a few articles that were helpful to me. Enjoy!
Resources for Christian Writers Conferences:
Write to Publish Writers Conference https://writetopublish.com/
Asheville Writers Conference https://ashevillechristianwritersconference.com/
Blue Ridge Mountains Writers Conference https://www.blueridgeconference.com/
West Coast Christian Writers Conference https://www.westcoastchristianwriters.com/
Southern Christian Writers Conference https://scwguild.com/
Kentucky Christian Writers Conference https://kychristianwriters.com/
Cedar Falls Christian Writers Conference https://www.cfcwc.org/
Additional Resource: Christian Writers Market Guide.
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