I’ve finally unpacked and sorted through my memories of the 2011 Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. In past years, I’ve tried to update my blog during the conference with updates, but things were just too hectic this year. That, and I couldn’t seem to get my computer to stay connected to the internet for more than ten minutes at a time. There is something about Mount Hermon (nestled in redwood-covered hills) that always makes me feel like saying, “YES! I can do this writing thing.” It gives me the strength and encouragement to keep going for another year.
Last September, (after meeting at MH in 2009 and 2010) I signed a contract with agent Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Agency. Since she was there to give me some pointers this year, I felt much better prepared. I brought a brand new book proposal and spoke to four different publishers who responded with varying levels of enthusiasm. I got a variety of answers from “No, thanks” to “Not right now,” and then–from two of them–the much desired, “please send more.”
Other Highlights:
- I was able to talk a writing friend into coming along with me this year and it was pure delight to watch her enjoy the Mount Hermon experience for the first time. It was also a joy to have her as a roommate because (several times) she made me laugh so hard that I had to wipe tears from my eyes!
- My friend Sarah Sundin won Writer of the Year. I was so thrilled for her that I barely heard her acceptance speech, I was so busy snapping photographs.
- I got to meet the amazing author, Lauraine Snelling. She even critiqued my manuscript for me (and liked it, woo-hoo!). That was such an honor.
-
Bill Myers served as our keynote speaker. Several times he referred to how we Christians try to get out of the car and push…trying to help God’s plan along. I am constantly doing that. It was a wonderful reminder to sit back and wait for God’s timing.
- It’s always a treat to see friends from previous years and learn what amazing things God has been doing in their lives.
I tried to insert some photos from the conference, but they are mucking around with my blog formatting, so I will try to place a slideshow in the sidebar. If you receive this via email, just click over to my blogsite (http://www.cannotbeshaken.blogspot.com/) to see the photos.
If you are interested in learning more about the Mount Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference, check out their website. If you start socking away $20 a week, you will have enough to attend next year. It’s a worthwhile investment in your writing career. Don’t miss it!
It was great meeting you, Karen! It was so funny to learn how we are on such similiar paths. And we probably wouldnt have had the chance to talk if I could throw an airplane farther than two feet 😀 I look forward to hearing how your writing journey continues.
Blessings, Joanne
I feel exactly the same way, Joanne. I’m very thankful you can’t throw a paper airplane, otherwise we might not have connected! And don’t worry, my plane nosedived (nosedove?) straight into the floor as well! I guess God meant for us to be writers, not engineers or pilots.
Belated congratulations on all of this, Karen!!! I am so, so thrilled for you!! Can’t wait to hear more about where your journey takes you. I’ll always be grateful to meet you at Mt. Hermon and hope to get out there again some year!!! Keep rockin’ the pen, friend!
Thanks Amy! When you do come, we’ll have to make the trek to the cross again. I have wimped out the last two years and haven’t done it.
Thanks for this look into Mt. Hermon. I hope to attend for the first time next year.
I look forward to seeing you there, Janalyn!