7-28-11<\/p>\n
Back in 2004, I was already the author of a few dozen books, and some experience as a writer of articles and interviews and columns. Now that I start thinking about it, I had done a lot of political cartoons and columns too; essays for journals and liner notes for albums. In between those things, I had been an editor, a publisher, and art director too. And I taught creative writing and ran workshops. Yes, I can keep jobs. But I just love all aspects of writing \u2013 communicating. God had blessed me richly.<\/p>\n
I received an invitation from a Christian Writer\u2019s Conference to speak and hold workshops. I had just been canned from a job at a Christian publishing house, and I wondered whether I would be appearing under false colors. Well, I thought, maybe I can share with aspiring writers how to cope with being let go. Frankly, I was uncomfortable. But I opened morning devotions \u2013 an assignment tossed to me by Director Marlene Bagnull, who always knows what she is doing \u2013 and I told the audience that I should let them know I was no longer an editor at that publishing house\u2026 that I left on account of sickness\u2026 (pause) you see, the boss finally got sick of me.<\/p>\n
I don\u2019t know about the audience, but it broke the ice for me. To tell the truth, I was quite all right with my situation, but that didn\u2019t stop dozens and dozens (and dozens) of people that week, coming to me, encouraging me, praying with me \u2013 strangers, aspiring amateurs, and idols in my field. It was like family. Christian conferences should be like that\u2026 Heaven will be like that\u2026 and Marlene Bagnull\u2019s Christian Writer\u2019s Conferences are ALWAYS like that.<\/p>\n
That is a personal story. I will now tell you some \u201cbusiness\u201d details that can have a very personal impact on your life.<\/p>\n
The next of Marlene\u2019s conferences is the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer\u2019s Conference, on the campus of Philadelphia Biblical University outside Philly, Aug 10-13. Short notice, but not too late, worth the effort to attend! \u201cWrite His Answer\u201d is the evergreen theme, and for anyone with creative urges, a struggling career, a passion to communicate; eager to meet famous and accomplished writers, industry professionals including editors, agents, and publishers; or to network with other aspiring writers \u2013 this conference will be pure gold.<\/p>\n
The guest list includes (among a faculty of almost 60) Cecil Murphey, amazing author or collaborator on more than 100 books including 90 Minutes in Heaven; Ted Baehr of the Christian Film and Television Commission and publisher of MOVIEGUIDE Magazine; Dan Wooding of the essential ASSIST News Service; Steve Lawson of Regal Publishing, who will hold a seminar on Christian persecution and social justice; and professionals including Craig Bubeck (editor, Wesleyan); Dave Fessenden (editor, CLC Publishing); Hope Flinchbaugh (author and publisher, History Maker press); Jeanette Windle (missionary and author); Tim Shoemaker (author, youth minister); and Becky Spencer (singer, songwriter, author). I will speak on creative peoples\u2019 response and responsibility to a culture in decline. There will also be a day\u2019s program for young writers, a Teens Write track.<\/p>\n
Worship\u2026 workshops\u2026 seminars\u2026 classes\u2026 devotions\u2026 critiques of writing samples\u2026 all types of holy synergy. Get thee to the Conference if at all possible! You will profit in uncountable ways\u2026 and you don\u2019t even have to show a pink slip to show up and be blessed!<\/p>\n