On the iconic episode of “Parks and Recreation”, characters Tom and Donna announce their inaugural event known as “Treat Yo’ Self Day.” In what’s become an annual event on the show, they allow themselves to indulge in massages, mimosas and more. Not only did the phrase catch on, but “Parks and Rec” fans now celebrate October 13 as “Treat Yo’ Self” Day around the country.
It’s been a long year and a little “Treat Yo’ Self” is in order! While October 13 is already past, Christmas has not. So, today’s post includes a “Treat Yo’ Self” style Christmas List of 2021 Writer’s Conferences that you can either buy for yourself or ask for as a Christmas gift. It’s not too early to register!
Wait.
You don’t like the idea of attending an online writer’s conference?
You want to wait until in-person conferences come back?
I don’t want to over spiritualize but, could it be that what the pandemic meant for evil has actually worked out for your writer-career good?* If tough times bring out the best in us, then this is the best time for us to work on our writing careers!
Here’s four reasons why online conferences are one of the biggest blessings of the pandemic year for writers:
- You have more opportunities to attend more conferences since online conferences cost substantially less.
- Since you don’t have to leave home, there are less logistical and financial barriers to overcome in order to attend.
- Many online events have substantially expanded their workshops offerings since physical space and time are no longer limitations.
- Online events are tailored for busy schedules with many online conferences offering viewing access for a certain time period after the event.
With all of these benefits in mind, I have just one question for you:
Is it time to “treat yo’ self”?
Let’s face it, you’ve already got your debit or credit card out buying for those that you love. Give yourself permission to show your writing career some love, too. By “too” I mean sign up for two writer’s conferences. See what I just did there?
Treat Yo’ Self to hearing fresh and inspiring keynote messages from authors that you admire.
Treat Yo’ Self to experiencing more online workshops topics that will move you one step closer to your next writing or publishing goal.
Treat Yo’ Self to an opportunity to pitch your next proposal to an agent or publisher face-to-face online (preferably to one of our fabulous Books & Such agents).
For those who regularly attend writer’s conferences, in-person or online, use this year as an opportunity to sign up for a different writer’s conference. Discover new voices and participate in new workshops in order to spark fresh, new energy into your writing.
Yes, we do miss in-person conferences and all of the planned and impromptu special moments. Likewise, we must also acknowledge the financial wake that the cancellation of certain conferences has had on the hosting communities, venues, paid staff and vendors. All of that should be mourned. But, we should also continue to move forward to honor the spirit of those events, too.
2021 Writer’s Conference Christmas Wish List
- West Coast Christian Writers Conference – February 2021
- Publishing in Color – April 2021
- Renewal Conference (Northwest Christian Writers Association) – May 2021
- Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference – May 2021
- She Speaks Conference – June 2021
- Northwestern Christian Writers Conference – July 2021
- Speak Up – July 2021
- ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers Conference) – September 2021*
- The Art of Writing/Christy Awards – Fall 2021
- Festival of Faith and Writing – postponed until March 24-26, 2022
COMMENTS: Is your favorite writer’s conference mentioned? If so, tell us what you love about it and why others should attend. If your writer’s conference isn’t listed, tell us about it below (and it would be great if you could drop in a link for others to check out).
*Super-stretch reference to Genesis 50:20.
Thank you, Barb! I love the Renewal Conference. It is the closest to me (only 3 hours away) and for many years this wonderful conference provided my only time during the year to connect with other Christian writers. I have also had the honor to attend the ACFW conference twice and loved the experience both times. But you forgot the Oregon Christian Writers (OCW) summer conference, a new discovery for me back in 2017 which is becoming a favorite! https://oregonchristianwriters.org/
Thank you for posting about the Oregon Christian Writers Conference – and sharing the link! I knew that I would miss a few so thanks for helping me out and sharing with others!
Oregon Christian Writers had a great 2021 summer conf planned but recently decided to cancel .
Love this! Thank you for the list.
Thank you for this list! I attended three online conferences this year and learned so much at each of them. Like you said, I was only able to make it work because they were online.
One more for your 2021 list is the Asheville Christian Writers Conference, Feb. 26-28. They’re planning for an in-person conference but hope to also offer an online option if enough people register for it (I think they need 50 participants). Several of my friends have attended in years past and loved it.
https://ashevillechristianwritersconference.com/
Thanks Barb. And congrats on becoming a literary agent with Books & Such. I loved your recent interview on the Pastor Writer podcast.
Last spring, I was all set to attend the Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conference for the first time. I had won a scholarship, snagged cheap flights, and was looking forward to pitching my book on Holy Week during Holy Week. It all felt providential. Then the conference got cancelled.
But, like you wrote, good can come from bad situations. I’ll be attending the virtual West Coast Christian Writers Conference in February. For the price of a one-way ticket to CA, I get to join the live sessions, access all the workshops, get a critique, and meet with two editors/agents. All in all, I call that a great deal!
I’m so sad because the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference won’t happen, possibly ever again, because the conference grounds have been leased out. I was supposed to be on the faculty in 2021.
http://Www.kychristianwriters.com
The Christmas Wish here is different, and I’m sorry.
I see the lights on houses’ eaves,
in windows I see trees,
and I wish I could believe
that time, for me, might freeze,
but the future’s looking grim
and fell demons shriek
that I should not look to Him,
and what’s to come is bleak.
If only I could draw full breath,
and breathe pine-scented air,
if only I could banish death
from every moment’s care…
Lord Jesus, won’t you see my fear?
For God’s sake, GET ME OUT OF HERE!
THANK YOU for this. Have put writing on the backburner (still speaking) while looking to build a potential ministry platform. This year, even with some virus going around, we nearly doubled the number of cities/regions we are in, doubled to be in all 50 states plus DC, and our overall online reach (social media + emails) more than doubled to top 25,000.
Time to revisit the writing side, with a topic that has significantly improved during a few years of “hibernating.” I was surprised how much I enjoyed a couple of the conferences I attended online this year – certainly missed the face to face networking into the evenings, but the price was right to attend more than normal.
Time to review each of these!
Great idea for a post, Barb! I’ll be teaching “How to Write Any Nonfiction Genre” at the West Coast Christian Writers Conference in February–one of the workshops I taught for the nonfiction track at Mt. Hermon last year. I break down the form of various genres–Christian living, gift books, Bible studies, devotionals, memoirs–and teach how to put the pieces together.
And for anyone wanting something more personal, I will be offering the four-day Sierra Valley Writers Retreat next year in my home–basically teaching the whole nonfiction track with opportunities for personal critique. I have spaces for four people at a time–each with own room and two-per-bathroom. That information will first be released to my newsletter subscribers in January. Anyone interested can email me at janetmchenry@live.com.
I attended my first conference in 2019, the Blue Ridge Mountain conference, and absolutely loved it! Everyone was so friendly and welcoming and I made some writer friends I expect to have for life. I received such encouragement through my appointments with professionals and a second place contest win. Just the confirmation to keep writing that I asked God to provide before I attended. I also attended the 2019 ACFW Virginia conference in person.
Just as you mentioned in your post, with the virtual option I’ve been blessed to attend several conferences this year I wouldn’t have been able to in person. I thoroughly enjoyed attending She Writes for Him, Kentucky Christian Writer’s Conference, the ACFW National Conference, and the ACFW Virginia conference from the comfort of my own home.
Although the online conferences are great, I’m really looking forward to meeting in person again. Hopefully in 2021!
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Thank you for this list. This is great!
Please include the Mid-South Christian Writers Conference. http://www.MidsouthChristianWriters.com
Date: March 19-20, 2021. We’ll be virtual via Zoom. Get all the details from the site.
As much as I love the in-person conferences, I’m liking the virtual just as much.
The Mid-South Christian Writers Conference will be virtual, March 20, 2021. The cost is $49. Our keynote speaker is Rachel Hauck. We have a diverse faculty and offer sessions on topics including fiction writing, poetry, selling free-lance articles, writing devotionals, web design, and marketing. We’ll have an editors/agents panel and attendees may submit one sheets to be forwarded to an agent or editor. All sessions will be available to view for 6 months after the conference. We’ll also offer some additional workshops Friday, March 19. Check it out at midsouthchristianwriters.com
My favorite is St. Davids Christian Writers’ Conference in Grove City, PA. We’ve had to cancel last year and this year but have a FB group where we share tips, advice, and we’ll be doing some online workshops this year! Can’t wait to get back in person though. http://stdavidswriters.com/
Mt Zion Ridge Press Christian Fiction online conference is May 13-15 with James Rubart, Rachel Hauck, and many other. It also has agents and editors to pitch to. Here’s the link. https://www.mtzionridgepress.com/writing-off-the-beaten-path-confere
Kentucky Christian Writer’s Conference – June 17-19, 2021. https://kychristianwriters.com
In 2022, the Writing with Grace Retreat will be back! It will be held in the Chicago area, and will have agents and editors in attendance for Christ-centered writers. It’s my favorite! 🙂
http://www.WritingWithGraceRetreat.com
The 2022 Mid-South Christian Writers Conference will be a virtual event, Saturday, March 19, 2022. We also have some bonus workshops available Friday, March 18. Early bird registration is as low as $40, & scholarships are available. With the theme of Timeless Truths, the conference will feature 2 keynote speakers, Alice Faye Duncan, who writes for children about events related to the Civil Rights movement, and Craig von Buseck, whose books include biographies of Ulysses S. Grant and Harry S. Truman. https://midsouthconferenceonline.com/