Today concluded an absolutely fantastic, productive 3 day conference. Thanks to Marlene Bagnull for the opportunity to serve and to the conferees who trusted me with their manuscripts.
JP Robinson
Revolution is brewing
That is, a revolution in hearts, thoughts and, for some, writing careers.
Michael Gantt, a good friend and author of Cry Mercy, kicks off today’s America’s spiritual and moral crisis. The audience is riveted as he parallels Biblical Israel with contemporary America. To conclude this gripping message, the book trailer my company, Logos Publications, created is shown to the audience, driving Michael’s message home.
I meet with some talented writers throughout the day and offer insight as to how they can make their manuscripts even better. I guess you can tell, I talk with my hands!
I’m so blessed to hear awesome feedback from conference attendees about the impact my lessons, manuscript critiques and encouragement mean as they pursue their own literary journey.
Meeting with a panel of editors from magazines such as Upper Room radically changes my perspective on how I need to share my personal life’s journey with the world.
My day picks up steam as I spend a good hour with my friend Tim Shoemaker (who I consider the master of Young Adult fiction) and go over my upcoming YA title (more on that in a future post).
We close out the evening with a laughter-filled presentation by all the authors Colorado Christian Writers’ Conference
Yes, a writing revolution is brewing. And that means, it’s a good one.
Pictures courtesy of Eric Sprinkle. Thanks man!
Ketchup, confidence and a $20 bill
What a day! Tim Shoemaker, award winning author of Code of Silence, kicks things off by illustrating how a Christian’s confidence should be in God and not himself. The lesson has impact and the visuals (a ketchup-covered $20 bill) certainly reinforces his point.
Thanks Tim!
Bill Meyers, award-winning filmmaker and author of over 140 novels that have sold over 8 million copies, steps up to reinforce Tim’s message with another powerful lesson on “Spiritual Transformation.” Talk about a confidence booster!
Then, for the next 7 hours I’m swamped meeting with authors and offering advice and constructive criticism of their manuscripts. Helping these authors achieve their dreams is a great feeling.
One of the highlights of my day comes just before I start teaching a dynamic workshop on how to write historical pieces (thanks guys for an awesome class filled with laughs by the way).
If I’ve got the story right, two high-school friends that lost touch since childhood, happened to take my class and reconnect at my workshop! All I can say was I heard a lot of happy screams and laughs. 🙂 As they said, “we really resurrected the past!”
After class, I rush back to the Reusch Auditorium to (re)connect with friends, talk to literary agents about my next work-in-progress.
I’m privileged to share dinner with Bill Watkins, author of the New Absolutes, and touch base with other friends such as MK Gantt.
Before I know it, the sun is hanging low over the mountains but my day isn’t complete without a phone call home to my amazing wife.
About an hour later, I’m ready to call it a night.
Thank you Lord for a powerful day filled with your grace, light and truth.
Day 1 is done.
JP Robinson
Colorado Christian Writers’ Conference
The journey begins
The 3 day literary marathon is on!
Contrary to the single summary I posted on the Lancaster Christian Writers’ conference, I thought I’d “take you along for the ride” via a short blog post in which I capture the main action of each day.
Ready? Let’s go!
5:30 a.m. I wake up after snatching about 3 hours of sleep. Tired? Absolutely! But it’s okay; that’s what coffee is for.
One problem. Caffeine intensifies dizziness in high altitudes so… no Lavazza for me today. Or for the next three days in fact.
After a flurry of activity, I’m on board the train toward the airport. En route, I catch another train then–heart pounding–I arrive at my gate just as the call to board is made.
The plane is crowded and, with 2 bags in tow, I’m sure I earned a few mean looks. But the time in flight is well-spent. By the time we touch down in Denver, I’ve completed a two page summary of my first Young Adult novel which I can’t wait to begin writing!
Our diligent conference coordinator, Marlene Bagnull, is well-organized and a ride to pick myself and another passenger, Jim Hart from Hartline Agency, arrives in short order. I’m blessed to engage in meaningful conversation with Jim during the 90 minute drive through Colorado’s breathtaking vistas.
Around 6 pm, my coffee-less day is catching up with me. I have been going for 14 hours, and I’m grateful to slip into my room where I catch my breath at the view. It inspires me to pray and to write.
Tomorrow officially begins day 1 of this literary marathon. Join me in praying that it will lead me to good roads hitherto unexplored.
JP Robinson
Verse of the week
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
—John 8:36
Freedom is the greatest of gifts, and it’s one that comes with a heavy price.
But freedom doesn’t mean we do what we want; it means we are gifted with an opportunity to live above ourselves. For truly, there is no greater slave driver than self-indulgence.
Christ’s freedom liberates us from guilt, shame and the desires that drove us to self-destructive habits. We are now empowered to serve others as He served, to deny our own wants so that others can be blessed.
That is the true power of freedom.
What a blessing!
JP Robinson
