| Good Words |
Here are a few of the nice things people have said about the Quad-Cities Christian Writers' Conference:
"I think your conference is a hidden jewel in the midwest. And I am so grateful that we have become acquainted with QCCWC." Kim Farb
"Amazing conference. After attending Christian writers conferences around the country, I can say the Quad Cities Christian Writers Conference is my favorite. The 2009 conference was life changing for me. The times with faculty and staff not only addressed my practical questions but also touched my writer's heart. For the first time since I began writing as a young girl--I came to terms with stating "I am a writer!" Gracious leadership, great location, powerful workshops and speakers, great food and fun--can it get any better?" Cindy Scinto
Reasons I head for the Quad-Cities Christian Writers Conference:
*Excellent instruction from those who have earned the right to pass it on and are willing to pour themselves out to help others.
*Wide variety of session choices in all kinds of writing for everyone from the newest beginner to the veteran author.
*Ideas! The very air seems to bubble with them. Even walking the hallway with the other writers spawns creativity. It's contagious.
*Contacts. Relationships with folks at every stage of development as writers. This means I can offer a leg up to those less experienced than I while someone else more experienced prods, pulls or leads me to the next step.
*Resources. What are the best books to own and to read (many can be purchased right at the conference)? The best publications in which to invest? What agent is open to new clients? What is the name of the editor I should contact at this publishing house? How do you FILE all this stuff???
I could go on, but instead I'll tell you that since attending my first Quad-Cities Christian Writers Conference year before last, I have had a review published and a method for guitar self-published. I have written and entered a column in a contest, have begun submitting devotionals, have written several chapters of a novel, and have started an effective and encouraging writers "critique" group. I am developing the habits of writing daily and reading books to improve my craft. When I read for pleasure, I read with the eye of a writer, on the prowl for technique or words that are fun to twirl on my tongue. My thinking has changed. Hey, I'm a writer! You can be one, too. Robin Steinweg
*Excellent instruction from those who have earned the right to pass it on and are willing to pour themselves out to help others.
*Wide variety of session choices in all kinds of writing for everyone from the newest beginner to the veteran author.
*Ideas! The very air seems to bubble with them. Even walking the hallway with the other writers spawns creativity. It's contagious.
*Contacts. Relationships with folks at every stage of development as writers. This means I can offer a leg up to those less experienced than I while someone else more experienced prods, pulls or leads me to the next step.
*Resources. What are the best books to own and to read (many can be purchased right at the conference)? The best publications in which to invest? What agent is open to new clients? What is the name of the editor I should contact at this publishing house? How do you FILE all this stuff???
I could go on, but instead I'll tell you that since attending my first Quad-Cities Christian Writers Conference year before last, I have had a review published and a method for guitar self-published. I have written and entered a column in a contest, have begun submitting devotionals, have written several chapters of a novel, and have started an effective and encouraging writers "critique" group. I am developing the habits of writing daily and reading books to improve my craft. When I read for pleasure, I read with the eye of a writer, on the prowl for technique or words that are fun to twirl on my tongue. My thinking has changed. Hey, I'm a writer! You can be one, too. Robin Steinweg
"I'd always wanted to write, but I didn't know how to get started. When the flier for the Quad-Cities Christian Writers' Conference fell from my church bulletin, I read it and slipped it into my coat pocket. I wanted to go, but I felt too inexperienced. My writing credentials consisted of my family's annual Christmas letter. Fortunately, family and friends had seen the same flier, and they pressed me hard until I registered. I went with wobbly knees. I'm so glad that I did. It was a life-changing experience. For two days, I was immersed in writing instruction. For the rest of my life, I'll be glad that I pulled the registration slip from my pocket. The instructors were top-notch. They not only imparted their knowledge of the craft; they had a passion for helping aspiring writers. A fifteen-minute appointment with Cec Murphey gave me encouragement, insight, and practical helps to get started. Julie Garmon's teaching gave my writing form, direction, and heart. I applied what I learned at the conference and wrote a first person narrative for the Guideposts 2008 Writers' Workshop Contest. I was one of fifteen winners and spent a week in Rye, New York, learning from Guideposts editors. My article is being scheduled for publication. Another article will be published in the March issue of Hearts at Home Magazine. A lot has happened in eight months. I'm thankful to God for the Quad-Cities Christian Writers' Conference. When the registration form for the 2009 conference appears in my church bulletin, I'll bypass the pocket and go straight to my computer to register." Shawnelle Eliasen
"The Quad-Cities Christian Writers' Conference is an amazing opportunity for beginning and advanced writers. If you're serious about jumpstarting your writing career, hearing from God, and being challenged and inspired in ways you'd never expect, then register for next year's event. Twila does an outstanding job, making every aspect of the conference first rate. I was honored to serve on the faculty in 2007 and 2008, and I loved every minute of it. I speak at many secular and Christian writing events, and the QCCWC is now one of my very favorites! I'll be recommending it to every aspiring writer I encounter." Michelle Medlock Adams
"I have NEVER been to a more informative and spirit-filled conference! I actually was cynical about even attending the writers' conference due to past experience. Many conferences have a lot of pomp and circumstance, but very little meat. I felt well fed intellectually and spiritually! Thank you for hosting this event. I have already begun using and sharing the information and insight I have gained from this conference." Stephanie Wolcott
"This was the most consistently excellent writers' conference I've ever attended." Don Lindman
"This conference was all I hoped for and more in the areas of inspiration and information. But best of all were the people who led and taught. They were fun, informative, and approachable. I hope to return next year." Carol Williams
"I gained a lot of practical pointers and information that I can't wait to test. But I was most impressed by the encouragement of every presenter to be spiritually grounded, real in my godly expression, and obedient to God's call." Sharlyn Guthrie
"For the beginner, this was amazing and too many choices. It will bring me back next year. It was a real growth experience and a wonderful time with more advanced writers." Steve Wood
"The quality of the speakers makes this conference valuable to writers at any level of experience." Kathy Perrine
"It was truly inspirational and encouraging for my writing." Sister Jeannette Doran
"I am by nature a critical, pessimistic person. I came to the conference looking for reasons to tell my wife it was a waste of money and time. Instead, I found each session helpful and inspiring. This is an excellent event." Jeffery Gosnell
"Lots of organizations offer writers' conferences and events. The QC Christian Writers' Conference provides the best return for your education dollars, because the faculty invest themselves fully in teaching the attendees, the food is good, and the event is managed professionally. This was the most effective and productive conference I've ever attended." Cherie Morrow
"I am hopeful and motivated. I now have the tools and knowledge to share my gift to the glory of God." Robyn Plocher