Writer's Groups

Reading is so important if you want to aspire to be an author. Another key ingredient to the writer's world is to belong to a writer's group--either local or online. A writer leads a solitary life, and it helps to interact with other authors who understand your unique terminologies and who may share your problems, joys, or advice. (Pictured here are past and present members of ACFW Crit Group 5 - Jeanne Marie Leach, myself, Lisa Harris, Tammy Alexander, and Beth Goddard.)

Another way to do this is to attend writer's conferences. These will usually occur on a weekend and may last from 2-7 days, depending on where you go. There are many to choose from, but here are a few that have been recommended to me: Colorado Christian Writers Conference in May, American Christian Fiction Writers Conference in September, Glorieta Christian Writers' Conference in October, and Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference in March or April.

A good place to find writer's groups and conferences is in Sally Stuart's Christian Writers' Market Guide. At the back of the book, you'll find listings of writer's conferences, and regional groups as well as national organizations.