by Alycia W. Morales @AlyciaMorales

Preparing for a conference can be confusing and overwhelming. Especially when it comes to selecting which classes to take. There are so many fabulous options, and we become afraid we’re going to miss out on helpful information if we take one class instead of another. This article should help you make wise decisions when it comes to choosing classes at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference (and others!).

Before you begin your selection, let’s review some of the terminology used in our class listings.

WORKSHOPS are classes that are only offered once. Although they may be listed on the schedule more than once, the material will be the same each time it is offered. We offer them multiple times so that you have more opportunities to attend these.

CONTINUING CLASSES are classes that are offered in succession. In other words, there will be two to five workshop-length classes in a row throughout the week. These classes each contain new information that builds upon the previous class. You will be getting new information throughout two to five classes.

PRACTICUMS are workshops or continuing classes that have hands-on experiences built into them. You will usually need to bring your computer or a notebook and writing utensil to these classes, as participation will be a key. You may also need to be willing to verbally respond to questions or activities in these classes.

When you see ACT I/II/III in a class description, this refers to the level of writer that class is designed for. For example, if you are completely new to writing or are still learning the craft of writing, you will want to look for classes labeled Act I. Think Beginner. If you have been working on your writing for a couple of years and have studied the craft, maybe you have a couple of things published. These are our Act II class attendees. The Intermediate classes. If you have multiple books published, are a proficient article writer and published on websites and in print, you are considered Act III. Advanced/Professional.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at choosing classes.

How to Choose Classes and Make the Most of Your Conference Learning Experience

The first thing you want to do is to assess where you are in your writing career.

Are you writing articles and devotions? Working on a novel? Is your novel or nonfiction book nearing completion of the first draft? Are you working through edits? Are you what we fondly call a “newbie” to the writing world and have no idea where to begin?

Once you’ve assessed your current situation, consider classes that deal with topics that you are currently in need of and that are for your writing level (Remember Act I, Act II, and Act III?). Create a list of the classes you’d potentially like to take.

Other considerations when going through the class list are:

Where do you want to be in your career within the next year? Consider taking a class that focuses on that subject.

What is something you are curious about? Consider taking a class on that.

What is something you’ve heard everyone needs to know but you haven’t had the time to research? Consider a class on that, as well.

Now that you have a list, let’s look at the next steps to selecting classes.

First, pray and ask God what He wants you to do. Sometimes we think we know where we’re headed and the steps to get there but God changes our course. Be open to that happening at the conference. If you are hoping to write a novel in the next year but God opens the door for you to submit devotions, take a class on devotions and get those written and submitted.

Second, don’t solidify your class choices until Monday morning, May 31. Sunday evening, you will be briefly introduced to the faculty and have an opportunity to sign up for appointments with two of them. During that time, you will also have the opportunity to ask them any questions you may have about their classes, which may help you make a better decision as to which classes to take. Take that opportunity.

Third, ask around. Many of our conferees are alumni and have taken classes you’re interested in. Or they may be where you want to be in your writing career in two years, and they may have valuable insight into what you need to know and what you don’t. Ask fellow conferees for their advice. Don’t know anyone? Ask a faculty member. We all started somewhere, and many of us (myself included) started at the BRMCWC.

More You Need to Know Concerning Classes

1. Most classes are recorded. You will be able to opt in to purchase these recordings at the conference. If you’re worried you’re going to miss out on something, or you really do want to take all the classes, get the recordings.

2. If you enter a classroom and decide that it isn’t the class for you, don’t hesitate to leave the class. You’ll find that people come and go throughout the class times. There are many who have appointments they’ll need to leave for or be returning from, so no one will even know why you left the room. Plus, faculty members are used to it. And we all want you to get the most out of the conference that you can.

And finally, a bonus for you! To help you plan your BRMCWC schedule, we have a handy Class Planner PDF on our site for you to print off. Follow this link to get it!

We look forward to seeing you in May! If you have any questions, please join our Facebook group and ask away!

Alycia W. Morales is an award-winning freelance editor and author. Her clients have won the Selah Award, BRMCWC Director’s Choice Award, and many others. Her writing has been published in Thriving Family magazine, Splickety Love, and several compilation books. She is a member of ACFW, the president of Cross n’ Pens critique group, and a BRMCWC Conference Assistant.

When she isn’t busy writing, editing, and reading, Alycia enjoys spending time with her husband and four children taking hikes in Upstate SC and NC, creating various crafts, coloring in adult coloring books, and watching TV.

Alycia blogs at The Write Editing and Life. Inspired. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.