Why Should I Attend a Writers' Conference? By David Kitz

Almost two weeks have passed since the Ottawa Christian Writers' Conference. In that time I have had time to reflect on why I thoroughly enjoy such gatherings. Here are seven reasons why attending such an event can be hugely beneficial to you.

1. Fellowship— Being a writer, specifically a writer on Christian topics or someone who writes from a Christian perspective, can be a lonely affair. Sometimes I feel like I'm a whale. Writing forces me to dive deep into my story or topic. I'm swimming in the depths for long periods. But whales and writers need to come to the surface at some point. It's wonderful when you can come up for air and be surrounded by other writers who share your passion and interests. There is genuine fellowship in that.

Writers need times of refreshing — Tay River, Perth, ON

2. Learning— I have been tinkering around in this business for many years now, but there is so much to learn. The truth is I know so little. I love learning from experts in their field. There's nothing like that 'eureka moment' when the light finally goes on in my thick skull. Often it takes more than one exposure to a concept to fully grasp it and then learn to apply it. That's why I love these learning opportunities.

3. Connect with Professionals—
Attending a writers' conference provides you with opportunities to connect with professionals who can advance your career. At Write Canada Conferences I have met with agents who have placed my manuscript in front of large American publishing houses. I have pitched my books and book proposals to acquisition editors. This allows you to learn the process and build relationships with industry insiders.

4. Networking— Where will you meet someone who can edit your work? Where will you find an illustrator for your children's book? Where can you chat with someone about the merits and pitfalls of self-publishing? The logical place to find such people is at a writers' conference.

Clarity for the Road Ahead  — near Calder, SK

5. Cross-pollination— Though we think of writing and writers as self-isolating, the truth is a lot of collaboration is required. This is particularly true for those who write books, but it's also true for article writers, editors and news reporters. Our ideas are sharpened and refined as we discuss them with others. 

6. A Supportive Community— When I am stuck or have a writing-related problem, I want a supportive community that I can turn to for advice and encouragement. You become part of that community by attending conferences and workshops where you meet like-minded people who share your passion for writing.

7. Inspiration— Let's face it, we need inspiration—that special something that fuels creativity. Inspiration can have many sources. Ultimately, Christian writers trace their inspiration back to the Lord. But I believe the Lord can use a writers' conference to put fuel in your tank and a fresh spark plug in your brain. 

Ottawa River — all photos by David Kitz

Whether you attend one of the regional conferences that are springing up across the country or the Write Canada National Conference in Toronto, there is much to be gained by attending such an event. God can open up new horizons for your writing.

David Kitz is an award-winning author and blogger. Visit http://www.davidkitz.ca/

Piece by piece—Carolyn R. Wilker

I’ve always admired the craftsmanship that goes into quilting, especially those quilts that look like works of art. Like the quilts auctioned off at the Mennonite Relief sale each spring.  My style, up to the last quilt project, has always been hand stitching around the design elements of a fabric panel.

My eldest daughter asked if I would sew a quilt for their new baby’s crib.  She wanted a fairly simple design that wouldn’t take me endless hours to complete, but with colours that match the baby’s room. One day before Christmas, we went to the Creative Sisters Quilt Studio in Kitchener. A young woman named Jemcah helped us find suitable fabrics. We had a lot of fun playing with the fat quarters, arranging the colours and patterns.  When we came upon the design she liked best, my daughter took out her cell phone and snapped a picture.

I found a background fabric. “What do you think of this?” I asked. The large pattern mirrored one of the small print squares. My daughter loved it. Jemcah and another shopper I happened to know helped us to figure out the amounts of fabric to create the design. I was getting excited about sewing it.

            My goal was to have the quilt done before the baby was born. Like carpentry, one measures several times and cuts once. Unlike carpentry, the fabric had to be washed first. I got it done in time, enjoying the process and the final product. It gave me the itch to try something else, eventually.

quilt on baby's bed

 

A particular quilt shop is offering the chance at making a mystery quilt. You get all the fabric at once and the first set of instructions. Each month, the shop sends a new set of instructions until you have the whole set.

I was thinking of signing up, but with Write Canada conference coming up and being on faculty, I didn’t know if I should take on an extra project, so I decided to wait.

 Good news came on Monday—the deadline has been extended to June 20^th.  After conference, I really could drive out to Shakespeare and pick up my packet. Hmm.

 I can choose from a main colour in red, blue, brown or some other colour. Then someone at the quilt shop will choose coordinating fabrics in light and dark to go with it. What colour shall I choose? What will this quilt look like when it’s done. Ah, but that’s the secret.

The newsletter promised that the pattern only requires basic cutting and piecing skills. So what is there to worry about? Except that I like to see what I’m getting myself into and have that next book to finish.

What does quilting have to do with faith? At first glance, unless you sew, it may not be immediately obvious. It's about the stitching together of many parts. In our faith, we have to do our own stitching. Not literally, but we put the pieces together out of what we know and learn. We may have guidance of a pastor or parent, but we don’t just get it handed down from our parents. We have to do our own work.  

 A small child can only handle the simplest concept, such as “Jesus loves me, this I know.” Sing the song as young as three or four for the first time—or much later. Even adults often grapple with that one when troubles crop up.

As we grow, though, we start to “get it,” especially at the “head” level. It can take awhile for it to reach our heart, and if we’re brave, we ask a whole lot more questions and try bigger leaps of faith, just as I’m considering with this mystery quilt. Maybe.

This may be a lesson for me too. I’m not sure this is the right time for me to take on such a daunting project. Writing is a piece by piece project too, in a way. A collection of poetry or chapters for a book, created one at a time.

 There will be other quilting projects to tempt me come fall and winter. This summer I plan to write and spend time with family and friends. And garden.

 Until next time, remember, whatever you’re learning, to build it carefully, piece by piece.

 

Carolyn R. Wilker is a southwestern Ontario based writer and editor with an interest in gardening, sewing and, of course, her family. www.carolynwilker.ca

Lessons of the year 2013—Carolyn R. Wilker

Like others in my circle of friends and acquaintances, I could write a gratitude post—which could also be a blessing post— and that would be alright, for the year is ending on a stronger note, business-wise, and it’s a good thing to be looking ahead. Instead I will write about what I’ve learned this year.

I’ve learned:

·        Using some of that time when business was slow, I did more writing which was also a good thing, because engaging the creative brain is a stimulus to new ideas. It also allowed time to redecorate the living room in our home, and while the upheaval is challenging, the putting back together in a new way is rather enjoyable.

·        Networking pays off, if we keep at it. New leads have come for work and speaking. We most want to work with those we know and trust. It's something people have known long before the Internet became a hive for social media.

·         Unexpected blessings come our way, new friendships and reconnecting with those we haven’t seen or spent time with in years. There have been new opportunities I had not thought possible only a few years before. A business owner in my networking group produced business cards, bookmarks and even Christmas cards for me, and the benefit of working with her was getting to know her much better and learning that her values and beliefs are much like mine.

·        Books I’ve read over the years have been a great asset in my editing work. Some of those projects have also stretched my thinking so that I am always learning new things each time I work with a writer.

·        As long as we are willing to try new things and engage in new activities and meet new people, we are the richer for it.

·        The more we work together, the better we do. I knew that before, but each year brings reminders and new situations in which we help our “brother and sister.” It comes in helping neighbours, friends and family.

·         Spending time with my grandchildren means looking at life through their eyes and makes me feel young, that is, if I’m not too tired after helping with their care.

·        And another thing I often need reminders of is God’s care: how he blesses us and works through others around us when we need prayer, work, and their friendship.

May the peace of the Lord be with you all as you celebrate the birth of Jesus, God’s gift to us.

You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Luke 2:12b