Writers’ conference inspires state’s Baptists to share

Writers’ conference inspires state’s Baptists to share

Aspiring and published Christian writers will have the opportunity to rub elbows with and learn from a variety of authors, agents and editors at a writers’ conference June 17–18 at First Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa. The Southern Christian Writers Conference (SCWC) was founded in 1992 by David and Joanne Sloan, members of First, Tuscaloosa, as a way to encourage and teach both would-be and successful writers. 
   
According to David Sloan, a professor of journalism at the University of Alabama and prolific textbook author, the workshop is “appropriate for anyone who writes and publishes, does occasional editor jobs or who wants to write and publish.” The conference, while run primarily by members of Baptist churches, attracts Christians from all denominations. Attendees have come from nine different states, and attendance usually numbers around 200.
   
Sloan added that all of the speakers are Christians, although they don’t necessarily work just for Christian publications. 
   
This year’s slate of speakers and conference leaders for the SCWC is a varied one. The two keynote speakers are bestselling novelists Bryan Davis and Lawana Blackwell. 
   
Davis, author of the “Dragons in Our Midst” inspirational fantasy series, will present his keynote address to the entire audience on Friday night. 
   
Blackwell, the popular author of historical and suspense novels, will present the Saturday keynote address on the topic, “Succeeding in Your Writing.” 
   
Other speakers for the conference include: Susan Gesell, editor of DaySpring Cards; Warren Baker, senior editor with AMG Publishing; Suzanne Powell Mills, features editor at Southern Living; Rick Purdy, editorial director at Precept Ministries International; Tom Scarritt, editor of The Birmingham News; and David Seay, editor-in-chief of Mature Living. 
   
The popularity of the conference continues to grow each year. Attendance this year will be held to 225 because the organizers like to keep session numbers down to allow for interaction between leaders and those attending. 
   
According to Marsha Anderson of Mobile, last year’s conference quenched a need in her life for inspiration and motivation. 
   
“I am always inspired when I leave the conference, not only to write but to be a better Christian, church member and neighbor,” she said.
   
Ken Bedsole of Abbeville said when he attended last year as a first-time participant, he was unsure of what to expect. 
   
“My expectations were guarded, perhaps because I did not want to be disappointed if it was not a good fit for me,” he said. “Instead as I sat and listened to the speakers and workshop leaders, tears kept brimming in my eyes. I had not expected that response — that the words of the speakers would tug and swirl in my heart.”
   
Bedsole said that he returned home with a wealth of information to get started writing. “I am going to use the information and the contacts I made to improve my writing skills and use the information for good,” he said. “I have made a commitment to helping others through my writing.” 
   
For registration and accommodation information, contact Joanne Sloan at 205-333-8603 or e-mail her at scwc2005@aol.com to learn more about the conference.