It’s almost here! All those attending Blue Ridge conference are making last minute preparations. Thinking back on conferences I’ve attended I remember the excitement, the anticipation, and the total exhaustion at the end of the conference. If you attend a conference this year, whether it is Blue Ridge (one of the best!) or another one, here are two suggestions:
1. Though it’s a difficult decision, skip a class, a workshop or one of the evening meetings.There is so much to absorb and the quiet time away will put you back on track and ready to learn more.
2. Spend part of that quiet time in prayer and reflection.Taking time out to draw close to Jesus will bring everything into perspective and bring your emotions back to a healthy balance.
Learn, Study, Network, Enjoy – but remember to keep the Lord as your focus and your conference time will be blessed!
Question: Are you attending a writers conference or retreat this year? Which one?
I’m going to the Southern Christian Writer’s Conference in Tuscaloosa. Can’t make it back to Blue Ridge. But I agree totally. I took some time to see the sights and rest and it was worth it…
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Comment by Jennifer Hallmark — May 19, 2012
Jennifer,
Hope you have a marvelous time at the conference! Sorry you’ll miss BR but a new conference will be exciting. Thanks for stopping by…
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Comment by admin — May 20, 2012
You’re so right: the past few writing conferences I attended I finally gave myself permission to skip a workshop/event and the end of the world did NOT happen! I’m a quiet person & need quiet to recollect myself.
Blessings at BR!
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Comment by Elaine Stock — May 19, 2012
Elaine,
I had to learn the hard way. The constant buzz of energy is great but I must have some quiet time!
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Comment by admin — May 22, 2012
Hi Cynthia!
A great post, and some most helpful advice 🙂 Thanks!
I’m attending the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) conference in September. I’m from Victoria, Australia and this will be the first time I’ve ever attended a writing conference OR been out of Australia. So, exciting times ahead and lots to learn 🙂
I was planning on going to as many classes as possible and cramming in as much as possible and taking copious notes… but I may skip a few after this advice. My rationalising was/is: I would have travelled so far and on a limited budget so I’d want to get the most as possible out of the conference. But, as you’ve pointed out, getting the most out of something can also mean taking quiet time away to refresh my perspective to then continue getting the best from whichever conference it is I’m attending. 🙂
Thank you and all the best as you write for His Glory,
Lucy
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Comment by Lucy Morgan-Jones — May 23, 2012
Hi Lucy,
I’m sure you will enjoy the ACFW conference. I’ve heard so many good things about it. I had to follow my own advice this week at Blue Ridge but it was worth it. Very tired when it ended but not totally exhausted. I would list the most important classes you want to attend and work around that as the week goes by. Conferences can feel like an emotional roller coaster so it is wise to have some quiet time even for a short period. Wishing you all the best. Let me know how it all works out for you!
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Comment by admin — May 25, 2012
Hi Cynthia and all,
I love Blue Ridge. Those of you writing a novel might consider the Novel Retreat held in October at Ridgecrest. It’s relaxed, for beginners and published, and no editor/agent appointments. Just focusing on learning and writing the novel. If interested, email me: yvonnelehman3@gmail.com – Loved meeting so many of you at BRMCWC.
Yvonne
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Comment by Yvonne Lehman — June 2, 2012
Yvonne,
This was my sixth year at Blue Ridge. I started attending while you were still the director, I think that was the year you came in handcuffs escorted by a policeman : ) Thank you for establishing such an awesome conference. The Novel Retreat sounds wonderful and I can’t imagine how beautiful the Blue Ridge Mountains are in October colors – definitely inspirational!
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Comment by admin — June 2, 2012