Ever Wonder What Goes On at a Writer’s Conference?

I just returned from the Mount Hermon Writer’s Conference and it was the best one ever! Do you ever wonder what goes on a writer’s conference? Writing? A lot of musing? Well, perhaps, but not necessarily. It can be a place to hone your writing skills, meet others who write in your genre or out, meet industry professionals and even pick their brains about what is happening in publishing!

There is a difference between a Writer’s Retreat, where one might spend their days writing, musing and being inspired, and a Writer’s Conference where the emphasis is on learning the craft and networking with agents, editors, librarians, freelancers, un-pubbed and multi-pubbed authors. At the Mount Hermon Writer’s Conference both can happen.

Located near the lovely ocean-side town of Santa Cruz, CA, Mount Hermon is a Christian camp and event center nestled among towering redwood, flowering dogwood, pink cherry blossoms and a bazillion azaleas. Fragrant roses and a meandering brook complete the scene. Accommodations vary from cabins to hotel-style rooms. With a dining hall (we were well-fed!), chapel, post office, book store, conference hall, coffee shop, soda fountain, fitness center, and numerous meeting rooms it is a complete village. Hiking trails through the redwoods abound and a special treat is a hike up the mountain to the cross. Each year the Writer’s Conference is held over Palm Sunday, and that hike at sunrise is awesome. And for those who are daring – miles of zip lines! Whether it’s the quiet solitude found in nature or outdoor activity to get your blood coursing that gets your muse talking, there is ample opportunity for both.

Cupcakes at Mount Hermon

But truly the inspirational surroundings are the icing on the cake. The reason writers flock to Mount Hermon is the opportunity to learn from the brightest in the industry about the writing craft; have agents, editors,freelance editors and multi-published authors listen to your ideas or evaluate your manuscript; learn from publicists, marketing and social media gurus about what pre-pubbed and published authors can/should do to promote themselves and their books; enjoy the lovely mix of old friends and new.

Though the day officially begins with an 8:00 am breakfast, at 7:15 am literary agent Karen Ball starts our day with a song/prayer/devotional time. I’ve always admired her love, enthusiasm and diligence in leading our first hour of the day, and this year she won the Pace Setter award. There are many reasons she deserved it, but in my mind it’s the special hour of devotion she spends with us.

There are morning tracks that range from an intense workshop, to a week of critiquing and mentoring – all the way to

Library Insider’s Judy Gann

the career track, so there is something for every level of writer. The first year I attended (2009) I went to Mary DeMuth’s Bootcamp 101. And yes, she got us all in good writing form!

In the afternoon there are two workshop sessions, with a full menu of classes to pick and choose from. The marketing class I took, taught by Michael K. Reynolds, featured a spotlight of the  Library Insider with librarian Judy Gann. Sandwiched between the last workshop and dinner you can usually find an agent panel, and editor panel, or some other panel to attend and have the chance to ask questions. All afternoon the Hospitality Center is available for you to sit  with an author  or other industry professional for 15 minutes and have your work critiqued or ask for advice. After dinner there is a general session and keynote speaker. This year it was the awesome Glenna Salsbury. After the general session there is still opportunity to learn at volunteer “Night Owl” sessions with a multitude of publishing topics.

You have to know how to pace yourself and give yourself permission to nap if need be or relax with Dave Talbott’s beautiful music, but I don’t believe you will ever go home feeling like the week did not measure up to your expectations. Many writers come to get away from the crush of responsibility at home and just spend time with God and their writing. Many enjoy the chance to journal or sharpen their writing skills for self-publishing their work. Still more seek traditional publishing, and many just want to see what direction they want to take with their writing. Thank you to Rachel and Roger Williams, Dave Talbott and Simon, and all those who taught and mentored for a wonderful week of beautiful inspiration and incredible workshops. The meals were delicious and dining room staff delightful. The atmosphere is truly a community of believers and writers who care and strive for excellence.

Have you ever been to a writer’s conference? Did it meet your expectations? Do you have a favorite conference or a favorite story about a conference you attended? I’d love for you to share it here!

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditations of mine heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord my strength and my redeemer.  Psalm 19:14, Geneva Bible 1599.