The Art of Writing & The Christy Gala Recap

Published: November 08, 2019 | 00:00

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!

Melanie Dickerson & Laura Frantz
The Art of Writing Conference

An afternoon of learning and connecting with writers and publishers featuring four workshops designed to take your writing to the next level. Sessions led by Lysa TerKeurst (Reaching the Heart of Readers); James Rubart (Next-Level Writing); Anne Bogel (Casting Novel Characters Using the Enneagram); and a panel of marketing pros that included Dave Schroeder (B&H), Michele Misiak (Revell), Steve Laube (Enclave), Anne Bogel (author/ podcaster/ blogger), and Amy Green (Bethany House).

Learn more at ChristyAwards.com/conference.html

Annie, Beth, Ruthy, and Beth
The Christy Award Celebration Gala

The Christy Award Dinner Gala celebrated the art of Christian fiction, announced the 2019 winners of The Christy Award, and featured bestselling authors Patti Callahan, James Rubart, and Becky Wade.

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

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!

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

Source: seekerville.blogspot.com

labels (5)Flag

All Art of Writing Conference Beth Erin Christy Award Christy Gala Writing Conference

26 Comments on Seekerville: The Journey Continues: The Art of Writing & The Christy Gala Recap

on November 08, 2019 | 08:04 kaybeesaid :
"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.
It 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"
Comment #1
on November 08, 2019 | 08:15 Anonymoussaid :
"It 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 "
Comment #2
on November 08, 2019 | 08:40 Beth Erinsaid :
"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."
Comment #3
on November 08, 2019 | 08:46 Beth Erinsaid :
"Yay! 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!"
Comment #4
on November 08, 2019 | 08:46 Beth Erinsaid :
"Thank you for adding your thoughts, Ruthy!"
Comment #5
on November 08, 2019 | 09:03 Jan Drexlersaid :
"This conference is on my bucket list! It sounds like next year would be a great year to go with the twentieth anniversary coming up.

But 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!!!!!"
Comment #6
on November 08, 2019 | 12:09 Missy Tippenssaid :
"Oh, how wonderful!! I want to go next year! Thanks so much for sharing, ladies. It was so nice to see these photos. :)"
Comment #7
on November 08, 2019 | 12:10 Missy Tippenssaid :
"Oh, and congratulations again to Melanie!"
Comment #8
on November 08, 2019 | 13:04 Daniel Smithsaid :
"This comment has been removed by a blog administrator."
Comment #9
on November 08, 2019 | 16:16 Pat Jeanne Davissaid :
"Major 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. "
Comment #10
on November 08, 2019 | 16:57 Courtney Clark (The Green Mockingbird Blog)said :
"It 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!"
Comment #11
on November 08, 2019 | 18:33 Erica Vetschsaid :
"It 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!

Thanks for the recap, ladies! "
Comment #12
on November 08, 2019 | 19:02 Sandy Smithsaid :
"Congratulations, Melanie! So exciting. This does look like a fun time. I will need to try to go sometime. Please put me in the drawing."
Comment #13
on November 08, 2019 | 19:23 Jamie Adamssaid :
"This comment has been removed by the author."
Comment #14
on November 08, 2019 | 19:26 Jamie Adamssaid :
"Sounds like a good time. Congrats to Melanie! My girls love your books."
Comment #15
on November 08, 2019 | 23:20 Glynissaid :
"Congratulations, Melanie! What a fun time that looks like. Thanks for posting the photos and telling us about your trip1"
Comment #16
on November 09, 2019 | 12:26 Beth Erinsaid :
"I'd love to see you there, Jan! I thought the same thing."
Comment #17
on November 09, 2019 | 12:26 Beth Erinsaid :
"Yay! I hope you do, Missy!"
Comment #18
on November 09, 2019 | 12:28 Beth Erinsaid :
"Janette Oke has definitely influenced Christian fiction and our society in a positive way!"
Comment #19
on November 09, 2019 | 12:29 Beth Erinsaid :
"I'm so happy you could be there, Courtney!!! I hope we are both able to attend again and again and again!"
Comment #20
on November 09, 2019 | 12:30 Beth Erinsaid :
"I hope you're able to attend in the future, Erica! The people are what really makes the event special."
Comment #21
on November 09, 2019 | 12:31 Beth Erinsaid :
"It is a wonderful experience! I have your name in the drawing, Sandy!"
Comment #22
on November 09, 2019 | 12:32 Beth Erinsaid :
"My 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!"
Comment #23
on November 09, 2019 | 12:35 Beth Erinsaid :
"It was definitely a great time!"
Comment #24
on November 09, 2019 | 14:12 Paula Shreckhisesaid :
"Looks 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! "
Comment #25
on November 09, 2019 | 21:10 Caryl Kanesaid :
"OH!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!"
Comment #26