I have attended three American Christian Fiction Writer’s (ACFW) conferences in the past six years but this was the first year I attended the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference (BRMCWC) in Ridgecrest, NC.
BRMCWC is an annual conference billed as a premier training and networking event for both seasoned and aspiring writers and speakers. Classes covering a multitude of subjects for every imaginable genre of writing are held throughout each day of the conference. Interesting Keynote speakers address the hundreds attending each day and evening. It’s a rich opportunity to learn and meet with other writers, speakers, agents, and publishers. Each year various awards are given in recognition for a variety of published and unpublished work.
About a month ago I mentioned that A Heart Set Free was selected as a finalist in the Selah Awards for Historical Romance. This year the other finalists in this genre were multi-published, multi-award winning writers so I was honored just to have my debut novel considered. Imagine my surprise and delight when A Heart Set Free was awarded the Selah for Historical Romance.
What a special week it was to study and connect with so many people, some friends whom I’ve only known online before the conference. I’m still digesting all I’ve learned. And like most other attendees, I’m energized and motivated to continue to pursue the craft of writing.