My first attendance at a W2I Conference was in March of 2017. I landed a scholarship which helped me enjoy the whole weekend.
I brought a notebook of questions that God answered in every workshop I attended. I still have that notebook with notes. Reflecting on that wonderful weekend, I wonder, should I have been so surprised by how God showed up? I mean, as believers, we know God’s Word is truth and we can recount those scriptures that read, “Seek God’s Kingdom first and all these things will be added unto you.” God does help us have the desires in our hearts as we live for Him. The first thing I gleaned from this conference was a personal renewing of a desire to write about godly things for children and their families.
CONNECTIONS
The second thing I learned about writing, and freelance writing in particular, is that people you meet at conferences can help change your life. Asking a question about poetry led me to meet with Brenda Covert during our one-on-one time. Brenda introduced me to Union Gospel Press and she urged me to apply with them as they were open to new authors. Months after submitting my application, I was offered an assignment. They asked me to write devotions for singles. So, I did. Yes, this was a “paid and published” opportunity for me, a small step into a much larger world of writing and publishing.
RESOURCES
A third benefit is learning about various links, resources, and publications where I can continue to pursue writing projects. Currently, I have no assignments with a publisher, but I have been busy this summer entering writing contests and submitting poetry and short stories to magazines. I have been able to re-ignite my personal blog, and I have had some critiques done on a YA fantasy novel I ‘ve been writing for most of my life. So my writing journey continues even to today. Who knows what God may have for me around this corner of my life?
Diane Buie celebrated when she saw her articles in print. These included devotionals for children and pre schoolers; beginning with ages PreK up to 4th and 5th grades. A few of the submissions to Union Gospel Press were Bible related games or activities to enhance faith development.
What about you: How have writing conferences impacted your writing or creativity? How did attending this year’s W2I Conference in September change your life?