Conference is a great place to meet fellow writers too

I learned when I began writing for print just how much I didn’t know. There’s more to it than knowing about good spelling and grammar, though those things are very important. My first conference, God Uses Ink, in 2001, opened my eyes to the world of other writers, to the importance of presentation in our writing, communicating with editors, learning about writers’ guidelines, and that it’s okay to write for oneself or family.

I also recognized that I was among people who thought as I did, who loved words and reading. I learned that writing is a gift and if I work hard at it, I can improve my writing. Unlike the steward in Jesus’ parable, who hid his talent (money from the boss), it’s not a gift to store away, but to use. My gift, if used well, can help others. It can inspire, convince, console, entertain and encourage others.

God Uses Ink conferences were about to come to a close, since the governing body had decided to end its sponsorship. Oblivious to the decision at my first ever conference, I learned some months later of a new organization that was forming and that would sponsor future confererences so that writers could continue to hone their craft, and so that publishers in Canadian publications would have writers equipped to write for those publications, and others too.

I was not in the middle of that decision, but I have indeed been part of The Word Guild, formed in 2002,  for Canadian writers and editors who are Christian. Having been in various positions such as archivist/historian, membership registrar, editor of Write On newsletter,and now as a member of the Revision online critique group, I can say that my educational curve shortened by sharing  with and learning from other more experienced writers. The goal of  this organization is to equip writers in the craft, ministry and business of writing. While we may not all write expressly for Christian publications, we are all of a Christian world view.

The conference, sponsored by this organization, is for writers wishing to improve their writing, and to continue to learn and meet editors and agents whom we may wish to write for. This year will be my 6th or 7th conference. I have attended as a learner, a  faculty member, and in many of them, have offered my time as a classroom assistant, leader of an early morning reading session, and in offering grace at mealtimes. A conference is a busy place of learning and takes many hands to make it run efficiently and to make the conference a good place to be.

To learn more about this conference or to register, go to Write! Canada.
I have  things to do to get ready. See you there!