What I Learned at the Carolina Christian Writers Conference

I have been to several writing conferences since I decided to pursue my dream of writing. I was so excited to find that this one was extremely affordable and would be hosted in my hometown. 

Some of the information I’ve heard before. Writers write. Write what you know. Perseverance is the key; you must show up. Writers read. After all, how can you write if you never read?

The keynote speaker was Carolyn Stoddard Goss. She was amazing. Three questions you should ask yourself if you want to be a writer.

1. Are you an observer?
2. Do you tend to your mind?
3. Do you write?

The answer to all three for me is yes in varying degrees. Most of the time I feel like I am an astute observer, but the other day I was passing through town only to realize that the old movie theatre is no longer there. I’m not sure when that happened.

I try to tend to my mind. I do read quite widely. While contemporary women’s fiction is my favorite genre. I read across many. I also read writing books, biographies, memoirs, and just about anything that catches my attention. I love the fact that with e-books I can sample several pages before committing to a purchase.

I have been writing a good bit lately, but I am preparing my senior thesis. My novel in progress is beckoning me, but I jot ideas down and throw them in the box. One thing at a time.

And time management is something I feel is important for every writer. It is easy in this day of technology to get caught up in other things. Sometimes you have to turn it all off and just write.

So if you want to be a writer, go to writers conferences. As Vonda Skelton said, “It is wonderful to be around other people, who are weird like me.” For if you’re a writer, you take no offense for you know exactly what she means.


And then there was Edie Melson. Thanks to her, I am no longer terrified of twitter, Facebook, or blogging. I came away with some valuable information and I can't wait to put it to use. She also has a wonderful ebook that you should check out for the bargain price of 99 cents and it is perfect for newbies, who are just beginning to dip their toes in the social networking pool.


My blog is a work in progress. I have several changes in mind for the near feature. I plan on implementing scheduled topics and some design changes. I am also navigating hoot suite to make better use of Twitter and Facebook.