by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Here at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference our passion to help writers grow is reflected through the many opportunities we provide. Today I’d like to highlight some of them so that you know what’s available and what to expect.

This isn’t an exhaustive explanation of each opportunity, just an overview so you can plan and budget for your conference experience.

Our umbrella event is the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference May 29 – June 2, 2022. Registration is now open and more are signing up to attend every day. I recommend calling the Ridgecrest conference center directly to get signed up—especially if you have specific requests or intend to share a room. The phone number is 800.588.7222.

NOTE: the very last day to register for the conference is May 20, 2022.

Before and during the conference we offer some other things to help you along the writing road. Here are just a few:

Blue Ridge Conference Writers: This is our private Facebook group. In this setting, you can ask questions, network, and get to know others before you arrive on site. There are also valuable training opportunities held in this group through Facebook Live Events. Just click here on Blue Ridge Conference Writers and request to join!

Foundations Contest: this specific contest is only for attendees who have not been published in the category they wish to enter. For example, if you’ve had an article published then you wouldn’t be eligible to enter an article in that category. However, you could still enter the devotions category, assuming you had not had a devotion published. This contest closes on April 1. All the categories and the rules are listed on the CONTEST page of our website. Only those who are registered for the conference are eligible to participate.

Mentoring Moments: This free program is headed up by Edwina Perkins, Assistant Direct of BRMCWC, and Karynthia Glasper Phillips. Edwina and Karynthia hold regular Facebook Live events, between now and the conference, covering everything from business cards & one-sheets to what to pack and how to stay organized. Along with these FB Live events, there is a weekly blog post every Wednesday on some specific aspect of getting ready for a writers conference.

Paid Mentoring by our Faculty: Under the heading of Mentoring Moments, Edwina & Karynthia also enlist faculty who agree to take a small number of conferees to mentor—specifically to help you get ready to attend the conference. The fee for this chance to meet with a faculty member for an hour BEFORE the conference is $70. You’re able to send them your questions and material in advance and then receive specific advice, critique, and recommendations. There will be a list of faculty on the Mentoring Page of the website in March so you can sign up then. Only those who are registered for the conference are eligible to participate.

Paid Critiques: Many of our outstanding faculty also agree to take a small number of paid critiques. The fee for this is $35. You will submit your manuscript before the conference and you will meet with the faculty member during the conference at a 15-minute appointment. The advantage to a paid critique is the fact that the faculty member has a chance to evaluate your submission before the conference, instead of hurrying through it while on site. Each category has specific formatting and the number of pages to be submitted. All the instructions, along with a list of faculty will be on the Paid Critique Page of the website in March so you can sign up then. There is no limit on the number of paid critiques you can sign up for. Only those who are registered for the conference are eligible to participate.

Free 15-Minute Faculty Appointments: Every attendee is guaranteed 2 faculty appointments (most choose to meet with more). The sign-up for these free 15-minute appointments happens Sunday night, after the large group session. There are no advance sign-up opportunities. Only those who are registered for the conference are eligible to participate.

Conference Audio Recordings: These are only available to those attending the conference. Almost 100% of the classes and keynotes are recorded. The practicums are not and occasionally a class has copyright issues and is unable to be recorded, but everything else is. These recordings are sold only DURING THE CONFERENCE and are $85, Cash only. No checks will be accepted.

These are some of the things we provide to help you improve your writing, become more familiar with the publishing world, and network with other professionals. Feel free to ask questions or make suggestions in the comments section below.

Blessings,
Edie

Call Now to Register for the 2022
Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference
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.