 A Weekend With Writers, Wonder—and Tiny Moments of Divine Inspiration There’s something delightfully reassuring about being around fellow writers who understand what it’s like when your protagonist refuses to behave. That’s the energy at the Taylor University Professional Writing Conference, held July 24–26. It was a weekend sprinkled with insight, encouragement, humor, and the sense that God was right there in the middle of all our creative chaos. So, here’s what happened when writers, faith, and notebooks full of inspiration collided. Deep POV, Book Proposals—and a Spark from God I joined the Advanced Track, led by the phenomenal Linda Glaz, literary agent extraordinaire. Linda brought more than 13 years of wisdom—and a healthy dose of laughter—to every session. Thursday, we explored Deep POV, a technique that invites readers into a character’s heart so deeply they might actually forget they’re reading. Friday, we tackled book proposals, that often-daunting step toward getting your work published. Linda’s ability to make these heavy topics feel approachable was a gift. Halfway through, I noticed something stirring inside me—something only God could ripple up through months of writer’s block. I opened the document for Almost a Ghost again. Thank you, Linda—and thank you, God, for reigniting that spark.  "Self-Publish Like a Pro”: Lunch Jitters, But Worth It I taught a session called “Self-Publish Like a Pro.” Before it began, I braved the trek to the dining commons for lunch—and spent the whole walk praying I’d make it back without my face sweating off, stains on my shirt, or a rogue broccoli floret in my smile. (If you knew my reputation for embarrassing moments, you’d understand.) In that workshop, we dove into the three essentials every indie author needs:
One-on-Ones: Storytelling and Spirit One-on-one meetings were a conference highlight, like mini soul-sharing sessions with manuscripts in tow. I chatted with seasoned scribes and brave new dreamers—and everyone felt like family. Writers shared their fears, hopes, and ideas. Some carried polished drafts; others held onto a whisper of a story God nudged them toward. Every conversation reminded me that God calls each of us to write and to encourage each other along the way. To everyone I met: thank you for trusting me with a piece of your journey. I left each meeting renewed, humbled, and full of hope. Plot Twist: Virtual Co-Presenting With Carol Baldwin The final session—“My Book Is Published—Now What?”—was an adventure when my co-presenter, Carol Baldwin, had to join virtually due to illness. Online warmth (and the occasional tech glitch) still delivered real talk about sustaining visibility after launching a book. Even as brains were full and attention waned, the message stayed rooted: keep planting seeds, keep sharing your story, and trust that God is at work long after the book is published. Newsletters: A Ministry of Connection Something kept coming up: when I asked authors if they had a newsletter, most laughed, looked down at their feet, or admitted they barely used it. Newsletter panic is real—but so are the benefits. A newsletter is like a little postcard from your heart. It bypasses algorithms and lands directly in the inboxes of people who asked to hear from you. God gave you words. Dear writer, deliver them in love. That’s why I’m creating an online course to help authors launch newsletters they can manage, with content that feels like ministry rather than marketing. Of course, I first need to master the platform where I plan to upload my course. There’s always a technology curve. (Don’t worry. I’ll get there.)   Sales Table Surprises, a Canva Shock, & God Moments Book sales brought surprising moments of joy. A woman who had just adopted a little girl named Remi asked me to sign Remmy’s Sticky Situation—because she wanted that character to be part of her child’s story. My heart melted. Then, my friend and fellow writer Michael Ehret and I discovered our books were side-by-side on the sales table. Naturally, we had to take a cheeky photo. His book, Beyond December, is beautiful, and I felt privileged to share that space—God has funny ways of aligning stories. At one point, students and alumni told me they couldn’t believe The Wonder of Under was illustrated in Canva. When I mentioned my daughter—and illustrator—Andee Huxhold had done it, they were stunned. I don’t always suggest Canva for art, but her talent? Real deal. God’s gift on display, truly. Faith-Fueled and Plot-Point Prepped for Whatever’s Next This conference wasn’t just another professional event—it was a creative reset with a side of divine affirmation. I came home feeling inspired, recommitted, and ready to let God guide the next draft, session, and story. If you’re a writer who believes God has placed a story in you, I wholeheartedly recommend Taylor University’s Professional Writing Conference. It’s honest, grounded, encouraging, and full of people who want to serve His calling through their words. A loving thank-you to Linda Taylor, whose leadership and hospitality reflected God’s generosity, and to every student and alumni volunteer who blessed the weekend. You made it memorable. To all the writers I met, especially those just beginning this journey with a spark in their heart: I’ll be keeping in touch. Encouraging you isn’t just my joy—it’s my calling too. Let’s keep writing stories God can use. Join my monthly newsletter for a cozy collection of handpicked STEM + SEL book reviews, playful activities, and delightfully doable ways to spark curiosity in the kids you love (and possibly outsmart them with science facts). As a thank-you, you’ll get a FREE download filled with fun ideas to start your very own family-friendly reading club—snacks optional, giggles guaranteed. It’s not just a newsletter. It’s like a permission slip for monthly wonder.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorCindy Lynn Sawyer is an author with a passion for helping to build better futures for kids through STEM and SEL reading adventures. Subscribe
|
RSS Feed
