Philadelphia Christian Writer's Conference
Write God’s Answer Annual Event at the Philadelphia Bible College
Aug 24, 2009
Write His Answer was started over 20 years ago by Marlene Bagnull. The organization is founded upon the words of Habakkuk 2:2, “And the LORD answered me, and said, write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” Write His Answer’s mission is to encourage Christian writers to sharpen their writing skills and spread their works to countless readers.
Christian Writer Conferences
Two Christian writer conferences, at home correspondence courses, how-to books, editing and mentoring services and seminars and retreats are events sponsored by Write His Answer. The Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer’s Conference is one of the oldest events sponsored by the organization.
Started in 1983, the three day Philadelphia conference takes place at the Philadelphia Bible College. A 60 member faculty of published authors, editors, literary agents and book publishers sets the conference apart. Anointed Magazine, Hartline Literary Agency, Intermedia Publishing Group, Kingdom Publishing Group, Pneuma Books, Whitaker House and Zondervan are a few of the magazines, literary agencies and publishers that attend the annual event.
The conference kicks off with an early bird workshop followed by a dinner. Teen and adult writers from around the country attend the conference that in its latter years has received more than 200 registrants. Set in Philadelphia’s Langhorne suburb, the conference is located close to major shopping centers like the Oxford Valley Mall, Borders and Barnes and Noble bookstores, restaurants and hotels.
Annual Conference at Philadelphia Bible College
As nature would have it, the last conference in August 2009 was blessed with clear skies and invitingly warm temperatures. Upon entrance to the Philadelphia Bible College campus rows of cars and vans could be seen at the top of the hill, where the conference was taking place. Signs pointed the way to the event’s main hub and administrative area. Attendees on session breaks mingled and filled the main hub throughout the conference.
Non-fiction and fiction topics are discussed during hour long workshops and clinics. At the workshops and clinics, writers learn the art of self-editing, song writing, choosing and creating a story using a specific point of view, finding their voice and crafting stories for children.
Recent workshops include Dealing With Distractions presented by Becky Spencer, Pacing Your Novel presented by Christa Parrish, Creating a Scene presented by Tim Shoemaker, Internet Marketing presented by Denise Turney and The Role of Humor presented by Rick Marschall. Many instructors distribute hand-outs that list valuable industry directory, website URL and telephone contacts that students can reference after the conference has ended.
During breaks between workshops or clinics, attendees can purchase novels and books on marketing, independent publishing and the art of self-expression at a discount from the conference’s main hub that is located up the hill from the college’s lake. Breaks and lunches are also excellent times to network with other writers, exchange business cards and website URLs, encourage and inspire other attendees and make friends.
Workshops and Clinics for Writers
For those who arrive to their registered workshop or clinic late, Marlene Bagnull’s son tapes each of the sessions and makes the tapes available to attendees for purchase before the conference ends. Large and spacious classrooms give the workshops an authentic college or adult continuing education vibe.
Time permitting, registrants can often ask instructors a myriad of questions. It is not uncommon for an instructor to remain after a session to field additional questions that registrants might have.
On the closing day private one-on-one appointments are held between registrants and faculty members. Each registrant who signs up for a private appointment gets 15 minutes to discuss various items with professional writers about how to break into publishing, characterization, dialogue, tone, setting and the strength of their latest manuscript. Some professional writers will even read the first few pages of a registrant’s manuscript and offer immediate feedback.
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