On Wednesday, November 6, 2019, a few of us Seekers attended The Art of Writing Conference and The Christy Awards Celebration Gala held in Nashville, Tennessee! We'll be doing quite a bit of chatting in the comments about our personal experiences and perspectives over the weekend and perhaps into early next week (depending on interest) but let's start with some general information about the events and where you can learn more!
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| Melanie Dickerson & Laura Frantz |
Learn more at ChristyAwards.com/conference.html
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| Annie, Beth, Ruthy, and Beth |
In addition, the legacy of bestselling author and pioneer of inspirational fiction, Janette Oke, was honored in the 40th anniversary year of Love Comes Softly and the impactful lives of C.S. "Jack" Lewis and his wife, Joy.
Learn more at ChristyAwards.com/Gala.html
The Christy Award Finalists and Winners
A complete list is available on the Christy Awards website (and check out the Hall of Fame, too) but especially be sure to congratulate our own Melanie Dickerson! The Warrior Maiden has been named as the 2019 Young Adult category Christy Award winner!!!
Seekers in attendance
Ruthy Logan Herne, Melanie Dickerson, Annie, and Beth were among the few hundred industry professionals (and a few readers, too) who participated in The Art of Writing Conference (and/or PubU, an ECPA publishers conference held just before the writers' conference) as well as The Christy Award Gala. |
| Melanie & Mesu Andrews |
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| Beth & Morgan Busse |
Please join us in the comments with your questions and personal perspectives!
Did you (or would you like to) attend these events? We'll share some more pictures here and drop in to share our highlights and answer questions about our experiences as we return to our normal schedules!
Let us know if you'd like to enter for a chance to win your choice of one book from Beth's bookstash!
And a little addendum from Ruthy!
And a little addendum from Ruthy!
I was supposed to add my thoughts here, so I'm breaking in with a Public Service Announcement, LOL!
This mini-conference is a wonderful experience for authors, whether or not you're a Christy finalist. The chance to chat and talk with numerous industry professionals, to hobnob with wonderful authors, to get a glimpse of what publishers are seeking and to have a chance to visit and stay with Seekers... to talk writing and publishing and life and love...
It's an amazing and very affordable opportunity. Next year is the 20th anniversary of the Christy Award, named for the character in Catherine Marshall's award-winning, bestselling book. Am I planning on going again?
Yes, ma'am!
Because it is an experience that does not disappoint!
Ruthy
Oh this looks like a good one, especially the "affordable" part. My husband retires next year, so that's how I'm thinking. Love the idea of "next level" classes.
ReplyDeleteIt was supposed to snow last night and my area didn't get any, but it is bitterly cold. Yes, we've turned that corner. Sigh.
KB
Piling on the throws in New Hampshire
The cost and proximity is a big factor for me but also the intimacy of the gathering! This was my third year and each year has been even better than the last as far as logistics so that tells me that the ECPA is dedicated to doing it right.
DeleteIt sounds like it was a wonderful conference. Love the photos. And congratulations Melanie on your win! How thrilling and humbling at the same time. I would LOVE to attend one of these conferences - mainly the ACFW conference in early fall. And yes, I'd love to win something from Beth's bookstash! :) Lee-Ann
ReplyDeleteYay! You know, I think there's probably a good fit for everyone. We're all looking for different things in an ideal conference experience. I'd love to send you a book from my stash, Lee-Ann! I'm putting your name in the draw!
DeleteThank you for adding your thoughts, Ruthy!
ReplyDeleteThis conference is on my bucket list! It sounds like next year would be a great year to go with the twentieth anniversary coming up.
ReplyDeleteBut I can't believe the Christy award is only twenty years old! I thought it had been around a lot longer than that!
Enjoy your trips home, Seekers!
And super-huge congratulations to Melanie!!!!!
I'd love to see you there, Jan! I thought the same thing.
DeleteOh, how wonderful!! I want to go next year! Thanks so much for sharing, ladies. It was so nice to see these photos. :)
ReplyDeleteYay! I hope you do, Missy!
DeleteOh, and congratulations again to Melanie!
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ReplyDeleteMajor congratulations to Melanie. Wonderful that you could be at the conference with your daughter, Ruthy. Hard to believe the Christy Award is only 20 yrs. old. Last night viewed another of Ms. Oke's novels made into a film. Such a remarkable person. This conference sounds like one of the best. Safe travels home, Seekers. Wonderful weekend, everyone.
ReplyDeleteJanette Oke has definitely influenced Christian fiction and our society in a positive way!
DeleteIt was a WONDERFUL event! I'm so thankful I was able to attend! I plan on going again next year :) you all are not rid of me yet. Congratulations to Melanie and all of the finalists/winners!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you could be there, Courtney!!! I hope we are both able to attend again and again and again!
DeleteIt looks like such a lovely time! I hope I get to attend some day! So very happy for Melanie and all my other friends who were both finalists and winners!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recap, ladies!
I hope you're able to attend in the future, Erica! The people are what really makes the event special.
DeleteCongratulations, Melanie! So exciting. This does look like a fun time. I will need to try to go sometime. Please put me in the drawing.
ReplyDeleteIt is a wonderful experience! I have your name in the drawing, Sandy!
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ReplyDeleteSounds like a good time. Congrats to Melanie! My girls love your books.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter and I love Melanie's stories too! I heard that my daughter's reaction was quite animated while watching the announcement on the live stream!
DeleteCongratulations, Melanie! What a fun time that looks like. Thanks for posting the photos and telling us about your trip1
ReplyDeleteIt was definitely a great time!
DeleteLooks like you had loads of fun. I would certainly love to connect with my favorite Christian authors and book bloggers. Would love to win a book from Beth’s stash! Congratulations to Melanie!
ReplyDeleteOH!MY!GOODNESS! To be able to meet my favorite Christian authors and book buddies in person would be EPIC! I'd love to win a book from Beth’s stash! Congratulations to Melanie!
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