Right now I’m planning on attending two conferences.
I could add more, but in August I will be at the Oregon Christian Writers Conference and in September I’ll attend the Southwest Washington Writers Conference. So, why am I writing about them now?
Because the work and planning have already begun.
I’ve attended the Oregon conference for more than five years and gradually become more involved. This is the second year I’ve judged short stories and flash fiction for the Cascade Award, presented annually at the conference. In 2015 my novel A Time to Endure was a finalist in the Speculative Fiction category. This year I’ve submitted three novels for consideration, Seekers of Earth and Through the Storm in the speculative fiction category and Recall the Earth in the young adult category.
The other members of the board, Jennifer Vandenberg, Amy Flugel, and Pat Thompson.
I’ve been involved in the planning of this one-day conference since it began four years ago. Now, I’m on the board of directors for the Lewis County Writers Guild, the non-profit that runs the conference. Recently the board met to decide on who would speak and conduct workshops for the fifth-annual event. The struggle each year is to line up new and interesting speakers. The first, third, and fourth year I conducted workshops but bowed out this year to allow for new voices. Still, I’m involved with most of the preparations.
As you can see from the photo we used sticky notes on the wall to set up the presenters and schedule.
The work to create a successful conference can feel overwhelming at times, but I always enjoy the event.
If you attend either conference come up and introduce yourself. I’d enjoy meeting you.