Roger Bruner Reports from the Blue Ridge

From Roger Bruner: mailto:REB1946@msn.com (Roger is one of our newest members at RCWW.)

Greetings! Even before I make my to do list for today, I want to share a brief report on the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference I attended this week.

This was my second year for attending the conference, but it proved even more worthwhile this year than last. And how it has grown! The 2005 conference had 200-plus participants; this year saw 400-plus! I heard someone say that the BRMCWC is now the fourth largest of its kind in the country.

There is no adequate way to describe the closeness and lack of competition among participants or the genuine interest, concern, and helpfulness shown by the faculty for each participant. The diversity was far greater than seen in many churches, and yet the feeling of family far greater.

And where else could I hang out with my two favorite contemporary Christian novelists, Al Gansky and Ray Blackston; have fifteen minute interviews with a number of editors and agents; attend relevant classes (two of my favorites had to do with preventing a "sagging middle" and keeping the tension alive); listen to such diverse inspirational addresses as the hilarious McNair Wilson about creativity and the tear-provoking Allison Bottke about her life up to initiating the GOD ALLOWS U-TURN series; share with, encourage, and be encouraged by our peers; and do a lot of good eating!

Anyone who wanted to could submit works to be critiqued at a minimum cost, and there was also a writing contest with awards given for 1st, 2nd, 3rd places and honorable mention in probably 12-15 different categories. The highlight of the week was the presentation of awards for the contest winners after the Wednesday night banquet and faculty talent show.

And now that I've said all that...*drum roll*...

I won first place (well, tied for first) in the NOVEL category for my manuscript FOUND IN THE TRANSLATION and 3rd in lyrics!!!

Ask me if I got any sleep Wednesday night after that! *laughing*

While it's a wonderful feeling to be acknowledged by both peers and writing professionals, one of the greatest things about the BRMCWC is that--no matter who wins or loses "officially"--there is a feeling that we are all winners as long as we're using our talents for the advancement of God's kingdom!

Maybe next year some of you can plan on going. If you're serious about writing, you won't regret the investment of time and money, even if it means making a sacrifice to attend!

Best regards,

Roger