by Katy Kauffman, @KatyKauffman28

Going to BRMCWC feels like Christmastime to me. Yes, I won’t sleep much. Yes, my brain will be fuzzy by the end of the week. And yes, I will eat too many sweets from the cafeteria line. But the joy will be out the roof. The connections will be God-made, the keynotes encouraging, and the classes timely. I’ve discovered that my attitude before the conference and during it can make all the difference.

Instead of anxiously wondering where I fit in among all the writers at the conference, I have learned to shift my focus to which person I can meet next. Instead of dreading a critique in case my writing isn’t “perfect,” I’ve learned to implement feedback and tweak my writing.

So in addition to packing comfy shoes for your next BRMCWC (or other Christian writers’ conference), be sure to pack the right attitudes. The right mindset and perspective can turn stress into peace and the “unknown” into an adventure.

5 Attitudes to Pack in Your Mind and Heart

Attitude #1: “I’m entering sacred ground.”

The meeting of believers in Christ in which we worship God, hear encouraging keynotes, and fellowship with each other turns a beautiful North Carolina mountain into sacred ground. The worship year by year at Blue Ridge has been incredible. As you pack your shoes and clothes and One Sheets, remember that you’re about to meet with spiritual family and learn more about how to contribute to God’s kingdom and plan of redemption through your writing. This takes our conference experience to a whole new level.

Attitude #2: “I’m steer-able.”

(I like to make up words, and I think that one is warranted.) You may know what your next step is in your writing career, or you may be heading to Blue Ridge to find out. Stay steer-able. God’s dreams for you may be bigger than your dreams for yourself. He may know how to publish your book and articles in ways you would never have guessed. He may open doors you thought were locked or lock doors you really wanted opened. Whatever His plan, it’s a good one. So keep an open mind and a listening ear.

Attitude #3: “I can’t wait to add something to my creative arsenal.”

Wherever we go on campus, we can listen for ideas and instruction on what to add to our creative arsenal. Arm yourself with writing principles that will enhance your blogging, your longer projects, your marketing, and more. Having a “I’m here to learn” mindset takes the edge off of the “I wonder if they know how little I know and whether I will measure up” tendency. We’re all here to benefit from each other and contribute to one another’s writing journeys.

Attitude #4: “I will say no to discouragement.”

The bully called “Discouragement” likes to roam the halls and classrooms of every writers’ conference. Personal doubts, inner fears, and something spoken unintentionally (or intentionally) can steal the wind from our writing sails. Don’t let it happen to you.

If you hear some advice that sounds discouraging or “iffy,” it’s OK to get a second opinion on your writing or your plan of action. But when the advice turns out to be sound, don’t hesitate to implement it. Objective feedback is invaluable in our writing journeys. (I’ve seen people get published because they listened to advice, and I’ve seen the opposite happen as well.)

If you’re told something that wasn’t warranted, hand it over to God and release yourself from any emotional upheaval the advice may have caused. Talk to a friend and keep moving forward. Don’t let discouragement keep you from all that God wants to do in you and through the conference.

Attitude #5: “I will stay with no matter what.”

With God and with people. That’s what life is made of. A writers’ conference, too. Stay close to God no matter how many notes you take and how much information fills your brain. Stay close to Him when fear or doubt try to take over, and let His wisdom and strength reign instead.

Get to know the people you eat with and room with. Swap business cards with those you meet. Keep a “we’re in this together” mindset, and let peace settle in your heart. You may not get enough sleep during the conference, but a “with” mindset will keep the joy strong and be a motivating force when you get home.

What attitudes do you like to take with you to a writers’ conference? Tell us in the comments below, and may God bless and enrich your next conference experience.

Winner of the 2016 Selah award for Bible studies, Katy Kauffman is an editor of Refresh Bible Study Magazine and a co-founder of Lighthouse Bible Studies. Her next compilation—a Bible study on godly character—releases in the spring of 2018. Katy’s writing can be found at CBN.com, thoughts-about-God.com, PursueMagazine.net, two blogs on writing, and in online magazines. She loves spending time with family and friends, making jewelry, and hunting for the best decaf coffee. Connect with her at her blog and on Facebook and Twitter.