Taylor University Professional Writing Conference 2017
The second annual Taylor University Professional Writing Conference was held on the beautiful campus of Taylor University this past Friday and Saturday. The value of concentrated and intentional time spent in the company of other writers cannot be overrated – it is invaluable. I now find myself wandering around like a lost pup wishing I had one more bone to chew with my writing friends, old and new.
Key note speaker was Bob Hostetler, an award-winning writer of more than 47 books, editor, literary agent, pastor and speaker from southwestern Ohio (learn more about Bob here: http://www.bobhostetler.com/aboutbob/). As a writer and a Christian, Bob was able to encourage us and challenge us as only a fellow Christian writer could.
Other highlights included author/agent/editor panels and, of course, top-notch teaching, with multiple sessions geared toward specific attendee needs, from a selection of Publishing 101 courses for relative beginners to humor writing to marketing. See below for a complete list of Faculty and Speakers.
There were, of course, a number of opportunities to meet with authors, editors and agents in one-on-one sessions to pitch books, ask specific advice, and network. I met with Michelle Israel Harper, acquisitions editor at Love2ReadLove2Write Publishing (www.love2readlove2writepublishing.com). L2L2 is a publishing house that deals specifically with Christian speculative fiction and that’s right up my Diagon Alley!
Whether you are a struggling new writer or a successful multi-published author, there is something for you at the Taylor University Professional Writing Conference. Save the date for next year: August 3 and 4, 2018!
Faculty/Speakers included: James Watkins (ACW Press), Rachael O. Phillips (author, columnist and very funny lady), Cindy Sproles (Lighthouse publishing of the Carolinas), Lin Johnson (Christian Communicator and Write-to-Publish Conference Director), Katie Long (Wesleyan Publishing House), Michelle Israel Harper (Love2ReadLove2Write Publishing), Estee Zandee (Zondervan), Rebekah Blomenberg (Annie’s Publishing), Kate Jameson (Focus on the Family), Dawn Anderson (Kregel Publications), Lawrence W. Wilson (DustJacket Books), Chip MacGregor (MacGregor Literary, Inc), Linda Glaz (Hartline Literary Agency), and Dr. Dennis E. “Doc” Hensley (author of gazillions of books and articles, and Creator/Director of Taylor University’s Professional Writing Program).