Top ten reasons to attend Blue Lake Christian Writers Retreat/Conference

by James Watkins

10. The three secrets to successful publication are: Networking. Networking. And, networking. For just four days pretend you’re an extrovert and meet with editors, agents, professional writers and fellow writers. You’ll receive all kinds of help moving to the next level.
 
9. You can pitch your proposal directly to an editor. With so many publishers going to “agented only” submissions, here’s your end run around that policy. Sign up for appointments, meet with them face to face at meals. (I can trace virtually all of my 20-plus books and over 2,000 articles back to a meeting at a writers’ conference.) Caveat: Do not pitch in the restroom!
 
8. Seminars will provide practical ways to break into a publisher’s office—legally! 
 
7. I’ve been in this crazy business for 40 years (I started in college) and can help you avoid all the mistakes I made.
 
6. Writing is the only profession where you can work at 3 am in your underwear—well, at least legally. It’s the perfect “work from home” job! And it offers great tax advantages.
 
5. You’ll receive the inspiration you need to continue writing through networking (see 10) and hearing inspiring stories from the platform, dining hall tables and dorm rooms! I’m sharing one of my favorite keynotes Saturday morning: Keeping Your Dreams Alive.
 
4. You will be so encouraged! (Writing can be so encouraging.)
 
3. You will be surprised with what God has planned for you at the conference. (And, it’s not going to be anything you expected! Ephesians 3:20)
 
2. Freebies! Lots and lots of free magazines, writers’ guidelines, and books!
 
1. Not only will Blue Lake be inspirational and educational, it’s going to be one of the spiritual highlights of your year.
 
I can’t stress enough that attending a conference is the key to getting published. You can’t spend all your time in front of your computer. At least once a year, get a shower, get dressed, get out and get connected to what’s new in publishing. (And this business is changing at gigabyte speed!)
 
Blue Lake is one conference I can highly and whole-heartedly recommend.
 
Jim is an award-winning author and speaker who taught writing at Taylor University, as well as serving as an editor and writing consultant.