Christian Fiction Readers Retreat: A Road Less Traveled

A thoughtful post by Seeker Ruth Logan Herne

Note that I used the word "thoughtful" because today I am not scolding anyone. I'm not lifting a brow, reminding them that writing is a job and they should just do it, nor am I exalting how much I love my job (but I do!!!! To the moon and back except that would be highly unlikely for a non-astronaut like me), nor am I waving pompoms to get your attention and cheer you on because honestly... you don't need that, darlings.

Nope, today is dedicated to Seeker Annie (of the Just Commonly blog) Seeker Carrie Booth Schmidt (of the Reading Is My Superpower blog) and Beth Erin (of the Faithfully Bookish blog) and posthumously to our dear friend Bonnie Roof, whose goal was to not only see Christian fiction get the love it deserved, but to hook up readers and authors, something that used to be done quite commonly by publishers before sales dipped and the world began buying online and Amazon developed the biggest, easiest (although don't be fooled, they are not the cheapest) shopping site ever... and those special moments that publishers had arranged for gatherings and get-togethers became economically unfeasible unless you were a New York Times selling author.

Bonnie saw this gap, recognized it, talked about it with several authors and bloggers, and her dream became reality when these three Seekers jumped on board to make it happen. With Annie shouldering the bulk of the heavy lifting with her to-die-for adorable husband "Darcy", they have hosted three amazingly wonderful events... events that brought such joy to Bonnie's heart as her body waged war against cancer, and events that brought joy to authors and readers and gave us a forum to laugh and talk and discuss all kinds of things in a prayer-filled, joyful atmosphere with absolutely no agenda other than celebrating authors, readers, faith, hope and love.

They set a precedent that made a difference, so I wanted to use today's post to say how grateful I am-- how grateful so many of us are-- for the opportunity they offered. They showed no favoritism, they worked hard to cross all lines of publishers and indie authors, they were unafraid to broach topics like diversity and sexuality in stories, the "how far is too far" question that varies in answer from publisher to publisher. But in the end, they always made sure that the glory and honor was God's as it should be.

So thank you my dear beloved friends. You are good and faithful servants and I am so appreciative of what you did! You amaze me.

I'm posting some pics of my trip down.... it was a beautiful day, filled with joy, and then to gather with writers and readers for two full days, to have the opportunity to help the gals get stuff ready, and to share time with them was priceless.

Beth Jamison (daughter and free-lance editor) and I had the very best time! No one could have done it better.

Seekerville Loved CFRR!!!!
Back row: Debby Giusti, Erica Vetsch, Mary Connealy and Carrie Schmidt
Front row: Ruth Logan Herne, Beth Erin, Annie "Just Commonly"

Beautiful grotto of the Women at the Cross here in Maryland at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Shrine

We had a lovely trip down from New York, through Pennsylvania and Maryland... Look at that sky! And this beautiful statue grouping of the women at the foot of the cross touched our hearts. They walked the walk. They didn't run and hide like so many others.... they stayed by Christ's side although I can't even imagine how difficult that must have been. So much strength and honor in this visual.

And we found blossoming trees, so that brings us hope because we won't see them for a couple of weeks in northern New York, but we know that the spring roll-out is coming our way! 

And then this...

Beth took this picture after I climbed the steps. There was a spot for kneeling and/or a spot for sitting to pray. Think. Repose. And that's what Annie and the crew brought to this weekend retreat, a sincere love for prayer, faith and hope that wound its way through everything. The reminder that it's good to stop and pray.... 

And aren't we blessed to be in a country where we can do that? 

Yes! So let's celebrate with a giveaway.... I have some lovely books that Beth and I got duplicates of! One from Karen Barnett and a beautiful Love Inspired written by Lisa Carter ...

Lisa Carter is one of the cutest, funniest people on the planet, by the way. And she looks so innocent!!!! :)

Leave a comment below to be entered, my pretties and once again: Huge and hearty thanks to Annie, Carrie, Beth, Bonnie and all their posse for three of the best writerly weekends I've ever had. 

You Rocked It.

Multi-published, bestselling inspirational author Ruth Logan Herne loves chatting with readers and writers and loves writing beautiful stories that make readers smile... sigh... and sometimes cry.... but she professes that tears are quite therapeutic, thank you very much! Find her on facebook, email her at loganherne@gmail.com or stop by her website ruthloganherne.com. She'd love to chat with you!