“I can’t go to a conference. It’s expensive, and I can’t get the time off,” my friend said.

She was right. A conference costs time and money. If you ask anyone who has attended one, however, they will say it was worth every penny – and second – they spent.

In the fall of 2014, I asked God to prove to me that He wanted me to write. I didn’t want to write. It’s hard, and I’d been out of school for a decade.

Lori Roeleveld encouraged me to apply for a scholarship to the New England Christian Writers Retreat.

Lord if you want me to write, I will get the scholarship. I threw out my fleece and applied.

Not only did I go to that retreat, but God also enabled me to attend three other conferences within a year.

During those conferences, I met best-selling authors, made great friends, and learned from the best writers. I even won an award.

God did not hand me scholarships to all the conferences, but He enabled me to find ways to make extra income. I had to P.L.A.N. for every conference.

P: Pray.

Our Heavenly Father desires to hear from his children. He knows our desire to attend a conference. If God called us to write, He will make sure we get the education, contacts, and experience we need to complete the work He ordained for us.

L: List ways to make money.

Yard Sale: Most of us have items that collect dust or clutter our home. Sell them, and at the same time, meet your neighbors. If you are published, have a few books out too.

Consignment: Jewelry, clothes, and furniture are sold at your local consignment store. Take your items to the local shop. It may take time, but if you start now, you can build your conference bank account.

Get a part-time job: Christmas season is a great time to make extra money.

Pick up extra shifts: My husband worked extra hours so I could attend the conferences.

Save a year in advance: Fifty dollars a month adds up to $600. This could cover your food, lodging, and conference fee.

Write: Send articles and blog posts to magazines that pay. Enter writing contests. Some give cash prizes, and if you win, it looks great on your bio and resumé. The money will add up.

A: Ask!

Don’t be shy.  When family and friends ask, “What do you want for your birthday or Christmas?” tell them you want money to add to your conference account. They desire to give you what you want. Ask your boss for the time off a year in advance.

N: Never give up!

If you can’t go this year, save up for next year.

Meanwhile, search the web. There are plenty of free writing websites where you can learn the trade. YouTube has great teaching videos. Listen to podcasts to sharpen your writing skills.

Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are great places to find writing friends who understand you.

Many conferences have scholarships. Apply for one.

I hope to meet you at a conference.

How do you P.L.A.N. to attend a conference? Please join the conversation in the comments below.

Cherrilynn Bisbano is the founder of The Write Proposal book proposal services.

As managing editor of Almost an Author, she helped the website earn the #6 spot on the Top 100 best writing websites for 2018 by The Write Life and Top 101 Websites for writers with Writers Digest.

Cherrilynn is a speaker with Women Speakers. Her topics include leadership, book proposals, and the Bible. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

She is a two-time winner of Flash Fiction Weekly. You can find her published in Southern Writers, More to Life (MTL), Christian Rep, Christian Voice, Refresh and other online magazines. Cherrilynn is a contributor to Selah-nominated Breaking the Chains, Heart Reno, and Chicken Soup for the Soul-Miracles books.

Cherrilynn proudly served in the Navy and Air National Guard, earning the John Levitow Military leadership award.  She lives with her sixteen-year-old son, Michael, Jr., and husband of 20 years.

Cherrilynn loves Christ, chocolate, coffee, and cats.

Follow Cherrilynn on Twitter: @bisbanowrites