There's More To Writing A Book Than Writing A Book!
By Jeremy Reynalds (05/23/05)
While this year's Colorado Christian Writer's Conference is history, the effects are eternal.
Jesus was glorified, friendships were made and the Kingdom of God was advanced.
Prior to the event, Colorado Christian Writers Conference (CCCW) Director Marlene Bagnull wrote in part (www.writehisanswer.com/Colorado), "We are living in critical and yet exciting days. Now more than ever we need to ‘Hold Forth the Word of Life.' Whether He is calling you to write a novel or short story, a nonfiction book or article, poetry or prose, for children, teens, or adults, CCWC's goal is to ‘encourage and equip you to write about a God who is real, who is reachable, and who changes lives!' ... At CCWC you can expect to meet the Lord and meet others who are seeking to serve Him through the ministry of words. CCWC blends a spiritual retreat with in-depth, practical instruction from gifted authors and editors who are available to meet with you one-on-one."
Did those heartfelt sentiments occur? After being back from the conference almost a week and assessing its impact on my life, I can say an unequivocal "yes!"
But I wondered how others felt, so with that in mind I asked my as-yet-unpublished son Josiah, 14, who accompanied me to the conference, Connie Strasheim, who is working on her first novel, and veteran author Cecil Murphey (www.cecilmurphey.com) who has authored almost 100 books and more than 600 articles.
Josiah said, "I learned that there's a whole lot more to writing a book than writing a book."
I thought that was good advice and when I told Murphey what Josiah had said, he agreed. (Incidentally, please keep Josiah in your prayers. He has some great ideas for a book).
Then by e-mail, Strasheim told me, "(The conference) made me think about new ways to minister to a postmodern society, and share my own faith struggles with a hurting world."
I completely agree with that sentiment. While the gospel never changes, the ways of best presenting it do.
And then there was Murphey, who as an instructor had an obviously different perspective. (Incidentally, his presentation kept Josiah captivated – not just once but through a continuing series of workshops). By telephone, he told me that the CCWC and other similar events are invaluable.
"For those individuals who are serious about writing it tells them just how difficult the whole thing is," Murphey said. "It isn't easy. Some people go away and say ‘I can't do that.' But you don't know that unless you're exposed to it."
Murphey, who has a real desire to help aspiring writers get published, said he had the opportunity to talk to a lot of people at CCCW.
"I think (many) people thought (all they had to do) was write a book proposal, sell books, and make money," Murphey said. "Then (others thought) if they can just find the right agent. that's all they need to do.
"But real writing is being willing to write it ten times if you have to," Murphey said. "That's why I think a lot of would be writers will never make it. They're not willing to put the time and the effort into it. It's work and something you keep working at over a period of time."
Murphey said he would encourage both aspiring and already published writers to attend conferences.
"They inspire and encourage people and help them to write more when they get home," he said. "That is important. They are also a wonderful way to network with agents and editors."
I asked Murphey to tell me a high point of the conference for him.
"People came to me (who attended) both my class and key note address on Friday and said, ‘I was touched,' he said. "One woman said, ‘I felt as if you were telling my story.'"
In addition to that, Murphey said, since arriving home he has gotten a number of very appreciative e-mails from people who heard him at the conference.
Murphey said he loves conferences arranged by Bagnull.
"There is just something (special) there," he said. "I find she brings an openness and a vulnerability and creates (a special) atmosphere."
I agree with Murphey and feel honored to have been a part of this year's CCWC. It is well worth attending and I hope to see many of you there next year.
However, if you are unable to wait that long, Bagnull has also put together another very exciting Christian writers conference in Philadelphia from Aug. 18- Aug.20. Information about that event is available at www.writehisanswer.com/philadelphia/index.html.
Additional information about Bagnull and her ministry is available at www.writehisanswer.com/about.html
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