Lori Chally, Deb Raney, Betsy Ann St. Amant at Saturday’s book signing. D’Ann Mateer (have wig, will travel) played Deb Raney in the hilarious spoof of the boards. Karen Schurrer, Bethany House editor; and Sydney Zech, conference coordinator, at the Saturday evening banquet. Tamera Alexander and Martha Rogers at the Saturday awards banquet. Jill Eileen Smith and son, Ryan Smith. …

Here are Allison Wilson, our wonderful conference assistant, and Sydney Zech, the conference coordinator. Without Allison and Sydney, there wouldn’t be a conference. Here’s a bag from last year, being used at the hotel. And a group of volunteers helping set up the bookstore. Cara Putman, Camy Tang, Stuart Stockton and Tiff Stockton. The wonderful advisory board: Brandilyn Collins, Rachel …

Here are photos of the ballroom during the editor and agent panels. The conference is getting big!

The conference got off to a fabulous start with the early bird sessions. Allen Arnold (Thomas Nelson Fiction Publisher), Jennifer Deshler (Thomas Nelson Marketing Director) and David Uttely led the professional early bird. The discussion revolved around creating a brand through marketing, packaging, and knowing who we are and what we write. It was a lively session! Then, over 100 …

The conference doesn’t officially begin until the opening session at 3:30 on Thursday. But this morning, bright and early, your operating board was hard at work. Then later this afternoon the advisory board joined us for a joint board meeting. We worked through several items that will continue to help the organization and conference grow. Stay tuned for exciting news …

€ One concern I’ve heard many people voice about the conference is that they are bombarded with so much information in such a short time, they worry they can’t possibly absorb it all. That’s probably true, although I know from experience that I always retain more than I initially believe. The great thing is, you will come home from conference …

Well, some of us are already in Dallas. Head into the conference office and you’ll see people in there working on last minute details, making sure everything is set for all of you to come. Head into what will become the bookstore and you’ll find people unloading box after box and inventorying the books. Soon the dividing wall between that …

Day 1–That God’s will be accomplished at the conference Psa. 115:1–Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory. Heavenly Father, You are Maker, Redeemer, Defender, and Friend. You are omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. You are perfect and holy. You alone are God. Heavenly Father, thank you for our membership in the body of believers, …

Today I head to Dallas for the American Christian Fiction Writers’ National Conference. I am so excited about many aspects of this conference. First, it’s the only conference that focuses exclusively on fiction. Since that’s what I write, it’s a good place to be. Second, at it’s opening session last year, I received my very first book contract. I will …

Day 2–Weather during travel Luke 8:24b–And He got up and rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm. Dear Lord, Thank you and praise your holy name for the beauty and elegance of the weather patterns from your hand. They are so intricate and connected to the health and well-being of our planet. Today, …