So you’re a published author now and are interested in promoting your book, attending workshops and networking with other writers and publishing professionals. A great way for you to promote your book and network with other writers is to attend any of the Christian writing conferences, book festivals, workshops and events offered throughout the year. Even if you are not a published author, a writing conference is a great way for you to work on your writing and advance your skills.
With the hundreds of events held each year, how are you supposed to budget and choose which ones you attend? WestBow Press is here to help. Browse the list of select events below, and start planning your 2013 schedule.
Women of Faith is a Thomas Nelson company based in Plano, Texas. Every year it hosts several high-quality events all over the country. These events have meaningful themes and deliver life-changing messages. Visit each event theme’s page for a full list of dates and locations.
Women of Faith themes for 2013:
Believe God Can do Anything: Expect the unexpected! This event is packed with compelling stories, dynamic music, engaging speakers, inspiring worship, Bible-based teaching and more.
Celebrate What Matters: Up Close: This event brings the excitement of the national Women of Faith event experience into local communities. The event offers a lot to do for its attendees such as music from top Christian recording artists, some of America’s favorite Bible teachers offering life-changing truths, heartfelt worship and more. Celebrate What Matters: Up Close gives women in all stages of life an opportunity to come together for an experience that will send them home refreshed, renewed and ready to face what lies ahead.
Revolve Tour: {This} is Love: This event is focused on the word “love.” It will address the issues that girls face today while keeping the event fun with concerts, worship and memorable moments. The goal of this event is to have today’s teen girl learn what it means to have her life centered on Jesus and inspire her to make a difference in her generation.
Select events by month:
January
Eckerd College Writers’ Conference: Writers in Paradise 2013, January 19 – 27
This intensive eight-day experience is designed for those who are passionate about writing. While at this conference writers will go to workshop classes, roundtables, panel discussions, readings and book signings. At the final Evening Reading Series Event, The Best of the 2013 Eckerd College Writers’ Conference will be announced. The winners will be published in the conference’s literary journal, Sabal.
February
Writers Advance! Boot Camp, Feb. 1 – 3
This year they are introducing two tracks of study for the trainees: Infantry Level for the new writer and Officer Level for the more advanced, possibly published, author. The goal of the boot camp is to help all writers improve their skills and advance their work to the next level. At boot camp it is possible to set up an appointment with an editor, agent or author to discuss your work and goals.
Writing for the Soul Conference, Feb. 14 – 17
While you are at this conference you can give your writing career a boost by meeting with editors and agents. You are also able to network with other writers, learning their techniques and tips and sharing yours.
March
Tucson Festival of Books, March 9 – 10
This event takes place on the University of Arizona campus, with free admission and public parking. WestBow Press will have a booth at the event where some authors will be signing copies of their books.
American Christian Writers Mentoring Retreat, Dallas, Texas, March 15 – 16
At this retreat you will be able to have your manuscript professionally edited and critiqued. You will learn how to evaluate, copyedit and proofread manuscripts. If this date and location does not work for you, click here for a complete list of the American Christian Writers conferences and retreats throughout 2013.
April
Los Angeles Festival of Books, April 20 – 21
The Los Angeles Festival of books is the largest and most prestigious book festival in the United States. It’s held at the University of Southern California. Look for an opportunity to have your book showcased at this event on the WestBow Press site in the future.
May
Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, May 19 – 23
This conference is geared towards both aspiring and seasoned writers. While at the conference, you will be able to interact with editors, agents and professional writers. Several workshops and continuing classes will be offered in a variety of categories.
June
Write to Publish Conference, June 5 – 8
While at the Write to Publish conference, you are available to make a 15-minute appointment with a faculty member. One unique aspect of this conference is that it pairs alumni writers with first-time attendees to help them feel more welcome and comfortable, and it gives the alumni a chance to share their techniques.
July
40th Midwest Writers Workshop, July 25 – 27
This workshop is broken down into two parts: (1) an intensive workshop all day Thursday July 25, and (2) classes and programs Thursday evening, all day Friday, and Saturday. You have the option of attending part one, part two, or both. The event takes place at Ball State University, in Muncie, Ind. At this conference you will get networking experience, hands-on tutoring with social media, attend agent pitch sessions and much more.
August
Oregon Christian Writers Summer Conference, Aug. 12 – 15
The conference will be held at the Jantzen Beach Red Lion Hotel in Portland, and the theme is Guard the Treasure. There will be two keynote speakers this year: best-selling author and speaker Liz Curtis Higgs and popular radio host Georgene Rice of KPDQ. Registration for this event opens April 1, 2013.
September
Maranatha Christian Writers’ Conference, Sept. 25 – 28
At this conference writers get the opportunity to spend quality time with professional authors. Writers will attend various sessions and workshops, and have the opportunity to network while at the conference.
October
Breathe Christian Writers Conference, Oct. 18 – 19
Breathe Christian Writers Conference is a conference for writer by writers. On top of learning the tools you need to advance in your writing career, you will also get to connect with other writers (after all, God never intended for you to travel alone). There are 24 workshops available over a range of topics, with presenters such as editors, agents, instructors and published writers.
We will be posting events for November and December later on in 2013. For an extensive list of events in 2013 click here. Make sure to check the WestBow Press site throughout the upcoming months for updates on Book Signings and Book Galleries WestBow Press might be offering. Also, make sure to follow us on Twitter and “like” us on Facebook to stay current with events and offers from WestBow Press. Plus, if you message us and let us know of a book signing you’ll be hosting we’ll be sure to post about it and let WestBow Press readers know.
Thank you for the list of Christian writers’ events. Great planning tool.