Sarah Sundin's Blog, page 443

Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference

"How did you get your contract?" "How did you find your agent?" "Where can I meet other writers?" "Where can I learn more about the craft of writing?"
These are questions I hear frequently, and my answer...Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. Since 2003, Mount Hermon has been one of the highlights of my year. This year the writers conference is March 22-26. You can learn all about the program at Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference.

Here are the benefits...

Learning

Every year, Mount Hermon has top-notch faculty. This year, you can take tracks in fiction, nonfiction, articles, internet marketing, storytelling, and the craft, as well as a special track for teen writers, mentoring tracks, and a career track for published authors. In addition, over 40 workshops are offered on a variety of topics.

Over the years, I've learned from some of the top names in Christian publishing, and every year I come home with my brain full, inspired to write better.

Networking

Nothing beats a writers conference to get to know editors and agents. You have the opportunity to submit directly to them before the conference, hear them speak in workshops and on panels, and even eat lunch and dinner with them, getting to know them as the human beings they are.

My first book contract arose from a direct submission at Mount Hermon to Vicki Crumpton at Revell, and I had the opportunity to chat with her in person. I liked her instantly and knew she was the kind of person I'd enjoy working with. Since I had years to listen to agents and get to know them, I already had a dream agency in mind when I received my contract offer, and I've been blessed to be a client of Rachel Kent at Books & Such Literary Agency.

While the ability to pitch and to submit draws a lot of writers (including me), I've found getting to know editors and agents was even more valuable in the long run.

Friendship

Writers are weird. We talk to our characters and stare into space. Meeting other people who engage in similar behavior is liberating! I treasure the friendships I've made at Mount Hermon. I've met some of my closest and dearest friends there, people who understand the bizarre world of writing and publishing. In 2003, I didn't realize how great this benefit would be, but my writing friends are a source of prayer, encouragement - and sometimes a needed slap upside the head.
Inspiration

Something about redwoods always brings my heart closer to God. Mount Hermon is the only writers conference that includes redwoods in the package. And that's priceless.

Every year without fail, I've seen God at work at Mount Hermon, and now that's my greatest joy in attending.

Registration is open! I hope to see you there!

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 28, 1943: Japanese attempt final drive for Port Moresby, New Guinea. US military begins accepting Nisei (Japanese-American) volunteers.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 27, 1943: First American mission over Germany: US Eighth Air Force, led by the 306th Bomb Group, bombs Wilhelmshaven. Lt. Ronald Reagan begins work with First Motion Picture Unit to make films to improve morale.

Today in World War II History

USS Wahoo70 Years Ago—Jan. 26, 1943: Submarine USS Wahoo sinks 4 Japanese ships off New Guinea. Free French launch assault for Kairouan pass in Ousseltia Valley, Tunisia.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 25, 1943: Soviets divide German Sixth Army in Stalingrad into two pockets. The Pentagon opens—the largest office building in the world. Guadalcanal Diary by Richard Tregaskis is published.

Book Beat - The Lesson by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Precocious, funny, and strong-willed. When I "met" Mary Kate Lapp in Suzanne Woods Fisher's The Keeper and The Haven, I hoped M.K. would get her own book. And she did.

In The Lesson , M.K. runs down the schoolteacher on her scooter and is assigned to replace that teacher in the classroom--the last place she wants to be. Meanwhile, close-mouthed new-to-town Chris Yoder goes to work for M.K.'s father. Mysterious things begin to happen in their quiet town, and M.K. is determined to find out who's responsible. She finds herself increasingly drawn to Chris as a handsome young man--and her most likely suspect.

Three hallmarks of Suzanne's writing draw me to her books--her multi-faceted characters, her delightful sense of humor, and her willingness to tackle tough subjects. All three are showcased in The Lesson. M.K. is a charming troublemaker and makes humor abound in the story, but she also grows and learns to take responsibility for her actions. And Chris is fascinating, torn between love for his chosen Amish community, duty to protect his younger sister, and loyalty to his drug-addicted mother. The story explores the heartbreak of addiction and the children left behind when parents are incarcerated - and the reality is not sugar-coated.

Even if you don't ordinarily read Amish fiction, I highly recommend this novel.

Today in World War II History

Roosevelt and Churchill at the Casablanca Conference70 Years Ago—Jan. 24, 1943: Casablanca Declaration demands unconditional surrender of Axis. At the Casablanca Conference, Allies commit to invasion of Sicily.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 23, 1943: British take Tripoli, Libya. US takes last Japanese landing beach on Guadalcanal, cutting their supply route.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 22, 1943: Soviets begin final drive in Stalingrad. Organized resistance ends in Papua New Guinea; first Japanese land defeat.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Jan. 21, 1943: Stalingrad airlift ends when Soviets take last Luftwaffe airfield in city.