by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

We are about a month-and-a-half away from the 2024 Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. We’re super excited and neck-deep in plans, prayers, and details.

Genre Night is a favorite tradition at the Blue Ridge. Once again, we are inviting everyone who attends the conference to dress in a creative costume on Tuesday night. This is an option, but we encourage you to participate. Even the faculty joins in. We conclude all the laughter and photo-taking with a faculty book signing.

What kind of costume should you have? The options are limited only by your imagination, but the categories include:

• The genre you write.
• The genre you love.
• Some clever spin on being a writer or the writing life.

For those that know me, it will come as no surprise that in years past I’ve had a Steampunk costume. I packed up my hatbox with my favorite top hat, along with plenty of velvet and lace. My costume this year hasn’t yet been decided—but I have some fun ideas!

For those who write spec or historical, this is pretty easy to figure out. For those who write in a contemporary genre, it might mean dressing up as a cowboy, or DJ, or even a rock star. The only limit is your imagination.

And the most important part is to have fun.

Here’s how Tuesday evening’s schedule will play out:

Wear your costume to supper Tuesday evening, then proceed to Spilman for the evening group session. After the keynote, we’ll invite everyone to take part in a costume procession across the stage. This gives all of us a chance to see the costumes. Finally, we’ll have time to visit and take pictures during the faculty book signing, which will also take place in Spilman.

This isn’t time to be shy. Begin now thinking about how best to illustrate the genre you love by taking part in our annual, Blue Ridge Genre Night.

To make reservations for BRMCWC 2024 please call 1.800.588.7222

Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.