If you ever find yourself in the company of creative people, you soon find out they’re a bit quirky. Put 400 of these eccentric souls in one mountain retreat center and you’re in for a lot of fun. Such was my experience at the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference this past week. I felt right at home with the creative and quirky. These are my people.
You see, writers are an odd group of individuals. We see the world through a different set of lenses. We listen for story lines through conversations in the grocery and keep note pads next to our bed to jot down ideas that come to us in the night. Finding just the right word excites us. It’s difficult for a us to read a book for simple enjoyment. We can’t help but ask, “Now why did the author do this in the story?” We’re always learning a better way to craft our words.
In his book entitled, Story, Robert McKee states: “Most anyone can tell a story but few can really write one.” It’s not an easy task. The great majority of writers admit it takes years of arduous, often lonely work before they’re ever published. Perhaps this is why many people dream of writing a book but very few actually do it. Rejection lurks around every corner, especially in the mind.
The main message I distilled from the conference was this: Don’t Quit. Carry through with the calling God put on your heart so your words will count for good and bring him glory. Even if your writing is never published widely, don’t worry. God will get your words to those who need it. Keep writing.
So as I drive off the literal mountain back into the valley, I feel encouraged in my writing journey. Agents, editors and publishers offered affirmation for my work as well as suggestions to improve it. I understand I have a long way to go yet to hone my craft. But when I speak with new writers, I realize how far I’ve come. I’m thankful to now be in the position to offer advice and encouragement to people starting out as I was 5 years ago. I’m coming full circle and enjoying every minute … at home with the creative and quirky writers of the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference.
“Changing the world … one author at a time.”
