Yearly Archives: 2019

My Experience at the Blue Lake Christian Writers Retreat

By Susan Neal

Blue Lake Christian Writers Retreat is settled in the heart of the Conecuh Forest and overlooks a majestic lake. This retreat center is the site of many ongoing events and is prayed over regularly. From the moment you walk in the door, you can feel the spiritual presence of the Lord in this ideal setting.

Every year I look forward to this retreat because I get to know so many different individuals personally. This is a retreat, not a conference. When you leave you feel as though you have been bathed in the presence of the lord and have a better idea of what you are supposed to write for the Lord. You begin to understand His mission for you.

In addition, you are trained by top-notch authors regarding the craft of writing. In 2019, you get to meet with one of the best Christian publishers in the industry—New Hope, and with one of the most sought after agents—Bob Hostetler. You get all this for a very reasonable price. If God has inspired you to write, take this opportunity to pursue His God given dream.

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A Restful Retreat

By Jennifer Hallmark

When my friend, Lisa, mentioned the word “retreat” I was immediately interested. I try to take in a writer’s conference each year but in 2018 I was tired. A lot had been going on in my life and the larger conference I’d considered going to just wasn’t right.

Blue Lake was perfect. The retreat was large enough for me to gain valuable knowledge, and small enough for me to make life-long friends. The relaxed setting combined with a less hectic schedule was what I needed.

So instead of a conference trip, why not try a retreat? You’ll enjoy it. And maybe you and I can chat over coffee. I’m already signed up for 2019 🙂

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An Eye-opening Experience

By Alice Murray

It was a no brainer for me to recognize that, if I wanted to be an attorney, I had to go to law school. But when it came to me wanting to be a writer, I was initially resistant to the idea of attending a writers’ retreat. Why did I need to attend Blue Lake Christian Writers Retreat (BLCWR), I naively thought? I already knew how to write. I’d had articles published and been told that I write well. Although skeptical of the value of the opportunity, I finally broke down and registered to attend BLCWR. That choice was one of the best decisions I ever made in my life.

Being in the picturesque setting at Blue Lake Camp gave me the opportunity to reflect on the whole idea of writing. The absence of the hustle and bustle of everyday life allowed me to be still and consider that writing is a God-given talent. God had a purpose for gifting me with that talent. What did He want me to do with my talent? How could I be a good steward of it?

BLCWR offered exactly what I needed to develop as a writer. First and foremost, the praise and worship sessions each day connected me to God. What better source for finding out what to do with His gift to me than connecting with Him and listening for His direction?  Second, the retreat offered the opportunity to be a good steward of my talent by improving it. Classes and workshops offered by seasoned and experienced writers imparted invaluable tips, guidance, and suggestions. Third, the small nature of the retreat allowed for me to interact on more than just a superficial level with other attendees and faculty members. The connections I made at the retreat led to friendships, encouragement, and writing opportunities.

The positive impact of having attended BLCWR was beyond what I could have imagined. I thank God that He provided me with the chance to attend the retreat and that He did not let my silly idea that I didn’t have much to gain from doing so prevent me from going. I can’t wait to be at the 2019 BLCWR because I am certain God has more wonderful things in store for me as I go down the writing path which He has directed me. BLCWR is the write and the right place to be!

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So glad I came to Blue Lake CWR

By Steve Duke

Last year, several people from Crosspoint invited me to come to Blue Lake for the Christian Writer’s Retreat.  Even, my better half, Belinda encouraged me.

I sent my check, received my registration confirmation, packed my suitcase and pointed my truck northward.

There are not enough superlatives to describe that three-day experience.  I met some fabulous authors, editors, bloggers and others in the publishing industry.  I made dozens of new friends.  Collectively, they have been my Barnabas.  They have encouraged me to try to new things, to risk stumbling and to push on.

Thanks to editor Susan King, I have been published in Short and Sweet Takes the Fifth.  Children’s writer, Michelle Medlock Adams penned the Dinosaur Devotions which I gave to me eight-year old grandkids as a Christmas gift.

For anyone with a hint of an interest in attending, I say this.  “Do whatever you have to do to come to our retreat in March 2019.”

I will tell you how positive I was.  When registration for 2019 opened, I was the first to send my check.  My office staff has already been told that I will be absent for those three days.

Bring your cameras and cell phones.  The beauty of Blue Lake is fantastic, especially at sunrise.  Plenty of photo-ops.

The food is very good.  The keynote speakers are beyond inspirational.  There will even be a laugh or dozens.

Yes, it is that great.  Come join us.  I feel confident you will feel the same.

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