Are you Coming?

Maranatha Christian Writers’ Conference will hold their 35th annual conference on the shores of Lake Michigan, near Muskegon.  The 2012 conference, which takes place Sept. 24-28, is an opportunity for writers to improve their writing and consult with authors, agents, editors, and publishers. Each day is jam-packed with information and inspiration. The schedule enables participants to come for the entire week or for a shorter time.

Maranatha Christian Writers’ Conference is the largest annual Christian writers’ conference in Michigan. The conference features pestigious keynote speakers and other experts who teach a multitude of genres at elective sessions. The five keynote speakers for 2012 are Eva Marie Everson, Dave and Neta Jackson, Kathi Macias, and Cecil Murphey.

“Our full-time faculty members come for the week, and each shares a specific area of expertise.” Verna Kokmeyer, conference co-director said. “Other experts join the conference fewer days..”

On the first day, attendees will hear several keynote speakers. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings begin with a panel discussion.  Each panel features a different genre such as fiction, nonfiction, or writing for magazines and periodicals. Mornings also include continuing courses for a more in-depth study of a favorite genre, while afternoons focus on an opportunity to choose from 43 elective workshops and a manuscript make-over session. Evenings feature speakers who have used writing skills to share their unique stories. The Friday morning Scramble gives participants an opportunity to learn from a number of faculty members during a short amount of time.

“We include in the tuition personal consultations with the various editors and publishers,” Kokmeyer said. “The process of getting your work published can be difficult.  Publishing companies don’t always accept unsolicited proposals, but our conference can provide direct contact with a publishing company.”

Many attendees have benefited from meeting editors and speakers one-on-one at the conference. In 2010, attendee Glenys Nellist had been looking for a conference and decided to attend the Maranatha Christian Writers’ Conference after finding an internet advertisement.

“I was hoping to meet one-on-one with the editor from Zondervan, to show her my proposal for my children’s Bible story book,” Nellist said. “I took my proposal back to Zondervan, and my book will be published in 2014.”

However, becoming published is not the only goal of the conference, according to Kokmeyer. “We want to help writer’s improve their skills,” she said. “Maranatha Christian Writers’ Conference is a laboratory for learning. Publishers are looking for good writing and when writers excel in their craft, publication opportunities often follow.”

The conference continues to grow as writers of all skill levels attend. Although writers who come often write for the business or secular market, there is a common bond in using talents to the glory of God.

The conference has online registration.  Scholarships and discounts are available. .Contests as well as a free book contract are featured for early registrants. Detailed information can be found at www.WriteWithPurpose.org.

Lindsey Smart