My guest today—fellow Faithful Writer and author Mary L. Hamilton—has generously shared her report on the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference she attended last month (April 2019).
Live events can be extremely valuable for writers, but with so many to choose from, it’s hard to know where to put your time and money. I’m grateful to Mary for sharing her experience in case this event might call to one of my fellow writers.
by Mary L. Hamilton, Author
The reputation of Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference for mentoring authors attracted me for many years, but this was my first chance to attend. The experience far exceeded my expectations, beginning with the shuttle ride from the airport. Eight strangers became friends on that hour-long ride, and continued to check in with each other during the week to see how things were going.
The preconference by itself would have satisfied me, with its small class size and the one-on-one time with an experienced author/instructor. But God had so much more in store for me. I had questions I couldn’t find answers for at home. I needed input on thoughts and plans about my path forward.
Throughout the conference, God brought people to me with little or no effort on my part. Whether in class, at meals, or simply relaxing on the plaza, I met and chatted with authors I’d admired and looked up to for years. Through them, God answered my every question and confirmed my every plan.
Because each attendee is at a different point in their writing journey, it’s difficult to boil things down to one or two writing tips. The classes and workshops offered instruction and marketing ideas for both the beginning writer and the experienced, for writers of fiction and writers of non-fiction, as well as speakers. Author mentors, agents, and editors were available for private consultations as well as additional conversation during mealtimes. And of course the mentoring applied the instruction on an even deeper personal level.
The one thing I took home from this conference is the conviction that the story I’m working on is important to God. I don’t know why, but He really wants it to be written. Why else would He have gone to all the trouble of getting me to the conference, answering my questions and confirming my plans?
I’ve been to other writers’ conferences, each with its own purpose and character, but Mount Hermon is in a class by itself. My roommate said so much prayer goes on there that you can’t help but sense God moving. Another friend described Mount Hermon as way more than a writers’ conference; it’s a mountaintop experience and the afterglow lasts for several days.
I couldn’t have written it better myself.
Author Mary L Hamilton drew on her experience growing up at a Christian youth camp to write her Rustic Knoll Bible Camp series for middle-grade readers. Currently, she writes adult contemporary novels set in Texas where she makes her home. When not writing, Mary enjoys reading, knitting, and a little phone photography while watching sunsets over a lake. She and her husband have three grown children and one awfully cute grandson.
Website: https://www.maryhamiltonbooks.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryhamiltonbooks
Instagram: mlhamiltonauthor
Amazon author page (for all books): https://amzn.to/2NuVPum
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I just found this post – sorry it took me so long. But enjoyed reading about your wonderful experience at the Christian Writers Conference. Sounds like it was set up beautifully so each writer could explore the Spirit within her while she wrote, and then share the joy with others there.
I agree, Pamela — Mary’s account of the Mount Hermon Writers Conference made me understand why it’s enjoyed such popularity and longevity.