Where two or three are gathered
The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference has been an amazing experience for me for the past ten years. Held at Ridgecrest, in the North Carolina Mountains, this premier writers conference attracts attendees from all over the United States and Canada, as well as international authors. The atmosphere of the conference is loving, encouraging, and supportive, for “where two or three are gathered…”
The Christian emphasis of the conference reflects the words Jesus shared with His disciples:
“For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them.“ (Matthew 18:20)
That’s not to say everything is easy at a writers conference, that all challenges are met with success, and everyone achieves all their goals.
Writers conferences can be terrifying
What’s so scary about a writers conference?
- It’s not easy to sit across from a publisher, agent, or editor, with our hands shaking and knees knocking, and deliver a well-prepared pitch (a short speech) promoting a book.
- With so many excellent classes and workshops, it’s challenging to pick and choose which ones are the best fit for an author’s needs.
- So much information is delivered in these great classes that we quickly go into brain overload, culminating into exhaustion by the end of the week.
- Not all of us achieve our goals. Sometimes we go to a conference just to learn more about the craft of writing. At other times we seek to achieve affirmation for work we’re submitting and strive to achieve the path to publication. Some succeed, but many of us will fail–sometimes we’re devastated by rejection.
Where two or three are gathered
Just as the beautiful hydrangeas in the above photo join together and create a lovely display, the joy and encouragement we experience is amazing when we gather together.
- Everyone wants us to succeed. Authors in attendance are not competitive with one another.
- The love, support, and fellowship among authors sets up a loving and caring environment.
- Praise and worship services at Ridgecrest fill us with joy and celebration of God’s love.
Even in the midst of rejection (when we’re told our book needs a LOT more work before it’s ready for publication), we are surrounded by God’s love and the love of His people.
We find joy and family when we gather together. We create a lovely harmony as we work together to support each other. And, most importantly, when we seek Him as we join in fellowship, our God is always with us.
When has your heart been touched by God’s love as you gathered with others? How do others support you when you’ve felt rejection? On what occasions do you feel closest to God in group fellowship?
What a lovely description, Katherine. Christian writing friends make such a difference.
I believe we writers are truly blessed by the community of support authors have created. Thank you, Diana.
How true Ms. Katherine. I see, once again, we’re having similar thoughts ma’am. While “post-processing”, creating a mental “After Action Report”, or decomposing my week at Ridgecrest, there are many highlights of my visit. Among them is my realization of just how starved my writer’s soul was for fellowship with other writers. While we can Zoom and meet remotely, there’s nothing like that real connection made over a meal or during a passing conversation. What a blessing it was to see you and so many of our Christian writing friends this past week. Thanks for a reminder of the importance of fellowship ma’am. God’s blessings.
One of the best parts was seeing people in real life. You have often encouraged my heart, and I am so grateful we met. I ended up sick and missing part of the conference, and felt that loss as I’d wanted so much to spend more time with you and others. But, I’m oh so grateful for the time I did get and the lovely friendship seeds sown.
I’m sorry, I didn’t know you’d gotten sick, Sylvia. I hope you’re much better now. It was good to see you and your sweet hubby. I’m so impressed he comes to conferences with you. What an awesome partner! Peace and blessings, my friend.
When we gather together as authors and Christians our souls are fed and it’s such a blessing. I’m still feeling the love we all shared at Ridgecrest. Such a pleasure to meet you in person and I really enjoyed being a farmer with you on Genre night. I agree–there’s no substitute for face-to-face interaction and the love and support we authors give to each other. Wishing you good health and joy and much love to you, your lovely bride, and everyone on the Cross-Dubya.
Katherine you’ve expressed great reflection of what it means to attend BRMCWC. Intimidation, apprehension, and rejection are experienced along with joy and excitement. It’s a multifaceted fellowship. One is certainly left with many emotions to sort through and much information to put into practice! Build your platform, learn the craft, join a critique group, and more! Thanks for sharing!
You are right, Lisa, there’s so much to do and learn at a writers conference that it soon becomes overwhelming. When you mention “put into practice,” I confess that is the hardest aspect for me. Absorbing the tremendous amount of material, bringing it home and sorting it all, and following through to put it into practice–that’s the key. Thank you for reminding us and encouraging us to remember to–PUT IT INTO PRACTICE!
Yes. Writing conferences are always a challenge. I leave worn out but always inspired. However, the fellowship with other writers is the best. This is my tribe.
I’m so glad to be a part of that tribe, too, Suzanne. I’m trying to do my follow-up from the conference, but the task seems overwhelming. I’m so grateful for the encouragement our fellow authors and mentors give us. Wishing you joy and blessings!
You described the facets of the writers Conference beautifully. It’s more than classes and opportunities to pitch projects, but a family of cheerleaders. And beyond a doubt an opportunity for a writer to hear from God. Hope to see you at the next one. I’m looking forward to it already!
I’m still processing all the information that went into my brain. It was so good to see you and our other fellow writers face to face. I hope it won’t be so long again.
I’m still trying to process mine, too, Barbara. I was able to get a few things done today, but still have a long list. So great to spend some time with you at Ridgecrest. Wishing you a week filled with joy, peace, and success in accomplishing some of your follow-up. Blessings!
Family–that is so true, Marilyn–we are a family. I’m so sorry I missed seeing you when you visited and yes, I hope we see each other soon. I hear you have a new book coming out–that’s great news!
Ditto to everything J.D. just wrote.
Connecting with fellow writers was a huge encouraging boost for me.
I enjoyed your post, Katherine.
It was so good to see you, Connie, and enjoy a face-to-face conversation. The encouragement we share and receive at conferences is a blessing. Wishing you a wonderful week!
I’ve been to that conference and hope to attend next year if the Lord allows.
Glad you got to have the experience. I’ve made lasting, important connections at conferences. Looking forward to a smaller, closer one in a couple of weeks.
Thanks for your insights on BRMCWC. God bless!
Nancy, I hope we get to meet at a conference soon. It’s a joy to know you online, but a face-to-face meeting would be awesome. May God bless you and your ministry.
Everything you say is true for me. Blue Ridge is such a worshipful, praise-filled experience. God blesses me every time I am able to attend. I came home feeling saturated with His love. It was so good to see you again.
“Saturated with His love.” That’s such a wonderful description of what happens to us at Blue Ridge, Candyce. I’m so glad I was able to see you there. Congratulations on your award.
You’ve described the writers conference well, Katherine. For me, it was all of the above. That’s a lot to process, but I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. Thanks!
I thought this year’s conference was the best ever. So much love and encouragement shared on the mountain. Wonderful to see you and join in fellowship. Thank you for sharing your faith, Annie. You’re such an inspiring role model.
It was so wonderful to connect with you at the conference. And you’re correct about our time spent together with others of faith offers so much encouragement. Thank you Katherine
So wonderful to see and chat with you, too, Yvonne. I thought this was the best BRMCWC ever and so much of that joy was because of being with all of you. Wishing you continued blessing in your ministry. I look forward to your blog each week.
Being with fellow Christian writers encourages and stimulates me. What a great time!
Yes, BRMCWC was awesome this year. So good to see you! Wishing you continued blessings in your ministry, Debbie.