This conference is truly awesome, especially if you’re trying to break into the Christian fiction genre. Last year was the first year that I attended and I had a great time meeting authors, both old and new. Among the few I met last year were Irene Hannon (author), Tiff Amber Miller (author), Lee Hough (agent), Steve Laube (agent), Stephanie Broene (editor, Tyndale House), Liz Curtis Higgs (author and keynote speaker), Brandilyn Collins (author and speaker), Marilyn Griffith (author and ACFW Board Member), Claudia Mair Burney (author), to name a few. I’m sure there are others whom I met at last year’s conference whose names I can’t recall, or my cluttered brain may just be too crowded to remember!

Since this conference focuses on fiction only, that’s why I find it appealing. If you go to the link, you’ll see just about every major CBA publishing house will be present, as well as a host of editors and agents.

I’m a fan of writers conferences since attending them allowed me to enter the realms of commercial publication!

I recall going out to dinner with the MidAtlantic chapter of ACFW! We had tons of fun eating at a restaurant that served huge portions! Some of the people present at this dinner were: Linda Windsor (author and friend), Cynthia DiTiberio (editor of Avon Inspired and editor to Linda Windsor), Laurie Alice Eakes (author), Dani Pettrey, Christy Barritt (author), and probably a host of other people whose names I can’t recall.

The Harp and Bowl was wonderful, and it was great to sit and worship while listening to the music. I also enjoyed eating lunch with editors and agents who sat at assigned tables at lunch. Talking about books, writing, rejections, and publishing experiences made the conference worthwhile for me.

So, if you’re an aspiring (or published) Christian Fiction author, I highly recommend this event! You don’t want to miss this!

Cecelia Dowdy
www.ceceliadowdy.com