by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Two huge perks for all conferees and faculty at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference is Genre Night and the Awards Ceremony. I want to give you an idea of how exciting this is for you!

Genre Night

Tuesday night after the keynote is genre night. Halloween is over, but this is better! Writers are invited and encouraged to dress as something that represents the craft of writing or publishing. Here are three ways you can choose a costume:

• Your book
• Your genre
• Your creative interpretation of the genre or publishing

We writers live with quirky, yet credible, and sometimes unpredictable characters. They live on in our hearts and minds long after the story ends. So why not dress like one of them? You’ll definitely want to bring your camera. That’s the joy of genre night.

I’ve dressed as an FBI agent, a movie director, a coffee book bistro, and this year I’ll be a … It’s a surprise. Edie has steampunk down to a science, and she’s been a movie director, and this year, she will be a … surprise too.

Over the years, I’ve seen fabulous historical costumes, sci-fi creations, steampunk, fantasy and portrayals of some of the finest books ever written.

There’s no competition just lots of fun and photo opportunities. I can only imagine the side-splitting laughter from those joining virtually as they view the variety of costumes walking across the stage.

Awards Ceremony

Published and unpublished writers labor for weeks and months over their manuscripts. To recognize their passion and dedication to the craft, we host contests for both published and unpublished writers in several categories. There is a place for you!

All types of dress for the awards ceremony are welcomed and encouraged. Many conferees choose gowns and cocktail dresses (for the gals). But in truth, we invite you to dress according to your tastes. The evening is to celebrate writing and those who have excelled in the craft, a treasured time. And for those of you who will be watching virtually, you can celebrate with us.

You won’t want to miss the Ice Cream and Cookies after the Awards Ceremony.

How better to conclude the Awards Ceremony than your favorite ice cream and mouth-watering cookie? Your purchase of a conference meal ticket covers your choice of ice cream flavors and cookies at the Nibble Nook. Yummmm, I want a—Nope, I might change my mind!

We writers have our sacred adventure on the way to achieving our publishing goals, and the awards ceremony is everyone’s night to shine.

Hey, writers, come join the fun at the Blue Ridge Conference. We have a spot for you!

To register for the 2020 Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference November 15-19 offered in-person or virtual, click here!

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She is a storyteller. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Suspense Sister, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and The Mountainside Marketing Conference with social media specialist Edie Melson. She teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

Follow DiAnn on Twitter: @DiAnnMills