Hey all!
Ever wonder where writers go to network and to learn and to catch up on industry stuff? Not to mention plot mayhem with other strange-minded writer friends? LOL!
I recently returned from the annual American Christian Fiction Writers' conference where I had the privilege of meeting Christian Fiction pioneer, Janette Oke (pictured above). During the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award by Carol Johnson, after whom ACFW's Carol Award was this year named, Janette exuded profound gratitude.
I am thankful for her obedience. I wonder, as she looked around the room, could she have imagined 40 years ago that her obedience to God in pressing on toward publication despite obstacles would have opened so many doors for the rest of us?
Have you seen Love Comes Softly, the movie based from her book? Janette joked onstage that it had been previously titled Love Sometimes Comes Softly. That made me laugh.
I felt amazed to just be in the same room with her and the other amazing authors. Every time I attend a conference I'm awed beyond belief at how, without fail, the more experienced writers encourage, mentor, prod and inspire those of us still relatively new on the scene.
I hope you enjoy these conference photos.
Here's my critique buddies, LIS Author Camy Tang and eHarlequin Board Hosty Dream. We are doing what we love best: hanging out, praying first, eating second, then plotting major mayhem during a delicious dinner and probably freaking out the wait staff at St Elmos in Indianapolis. LOL!
This is me and Dream in our five dollar dresses. Are we bargain divas or what?! LOL.
This is me with my author mentor, LI author Margaret Daley. She is an amazing friend with an enormous mentoring heart. I love her to pieces. She encourages and inspires me in so many ways.
I would love to hear which Christian Fiction Author most inspires you and why. Don't be shy! Have a blessed day and comment away!
Warmly,
Cheryl Wyatt
10 comments:
Susan Meissner. I have never met her but I met her husband, who was so enthusiastic about her work I had no choice but to head to the local bookstore to get it! I've also been able to talk to her on the phone thanks to my sister meeting her at the Mall of America and then calling me so we could talk! She's my rockstar--wife, mother, Air Force chaplain's wife, in ministry...she does it all.
I was so inspired by Janette Oke at ACFW conference this year (and I loved her book and the movie.And I laughed out loud when she said they changed her title!)
I am inspired by the authors I've met through ACFW. But as for a mentor, I'm still working on my own writing and haven't had anyone "take me under his/her wing," but so many have encouraged me along the way.
If I could write like any one author? That's so hard to say! I like so many genres and books/authors. All the Love Inspired authors write books I love (which is why I read so many of them.)
Debra Clopton - I like her stories, but what really draws me to Debra is that she took a rough place in her life journey and turned it into a plus. When I read her stories I am reminded that even when life isn't easy it can be used to glorify God.
Pattie, that's cool! I haven't had the privilege of meeting her yet but have heard wonderful things.
Thanks for stopping by!
Cheryl
Crystal, I know what you mean. I loved Janette's sense of humor!
Hugs
Cheryl
Beemama, I love Debbie's books too! Mule Hollow is one of my all time favorite settings.
She is a wonderful person too and lives the faith she writes about in her books.
Thanks for coming by and sharing your thoughts!
Cheryl
I think her name is Laurie Lewis? She wrote Awakening Avery... Fabulous book. Other wise there are many fabulous authors that I have read and I am bad about remember names.
dancealert at aol dot com
Brenda, I will have to check that one out! Thanks for stopping by!
Cheryl
Cheryl, I have to say that I've enjoyed your books, because I do love the Love Inspired line and you have several I've enjoyed!
I like Debra Clopton, Janet Tronstad, Margaret Daley, and the list just goes on! I really like Susan Page Davis, too.
I like it that there is a variety in the LI line in settings and types of characters, too.
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