BACK FROM MOUNT HERMON

Well, another year of the Mount Hermon Christian Writers' Conference is behind us. As always, it was a time of inspiration, excellent instruction, a great times with old and new friends. It occurred to me during the conference that it was about the 30th time I've attended this conference. I can't think of another single event that has had such a profound impact on my life--both business and personal. I can't begin to express how the friendships I have made over all these years have enriched my life.

This year, the keynote speaker, Liz Curtis Higgs, kept us laughing--and often crying--as she brought the Book of Ruth to life in a way none of us had ever heard before. Those messages will be life-changing for those who heard them.

Again this year I was the coordinator of the Career Track--a major morning session geared especially to the published author. The criterion for attending is that they have had at least two books published by a traditional publisher in the last five years. Some had many more than two. The teaching for the track is done primarily by three of the top literary agents: Janet Kobobel Grant and Wendy Lawton (Books and Such Literary AGency), and Karen Ball (The Steve Laube Agency). The curriculum is geared to the advanced needs of these published authors at a level not achieved by any other conference. When Liz Curtis Higgs attended the class the last day to share how she juggles her personal and professional life, she commented that published writers often think there is nothing for them at writers' conferences, but that the Career Track is certainly the exception. The topics covered are exciting and relevant.

I've been compiling information from our exit evaluations and am excited about some new topics and directions we'll be going next year. We depend on the input from our professional writers to continue meeting their needs from year to year. This year 75% of the attendees were alumni of the class--a testimony to the value of attending year after year and knowing that each year will focus on their current needs and concerns.

Information about the next conference will be available in December, so be sure to check out their Website at www.mounthermon.org/writers. You have a whole year to save up to attend this conference next year--whether you are brand new or a seasoned veteran of the writing game. I guarantee you won't be sorry.