Endorsements

What are others saying about Boot Camp?

Mary Edwards – 2012 Boot Camp Graduate says – ” I am looking forward to what my second year of Boot Camp will bring. In one year many changes have occurred in my style of writing. I appreciate in every lesson learned while writing children’s books. This year I am returning with a new goal as I go now to learn not only to write for others to read, but to write and learn to speak on those words that God has blessed me with. The rejections of submissions were positive redirection. Studying and gaining knowledge and wisdom, with my own personal experiences. will help others heal from childhood sexual abuse. as I share. I am anxious to learn even more of how to put His healing words out to those who need it. God bless you all for giving me this opportunity.”

2012 Boot Camp Graduate Sally Matheny – Now a published devotionalist

I wanted to thank you all for my Boot Camp experience last year. It was my first ever writers’ conference. What an awesome way to jump start my writing journey. The pre-conference assignments taught me a great deal. Learning how to construct a One Sheet (as a pre-conference assignment) has benefited me throughout the past year. Learning how to write a bio was essential and I’ve used it numerous times since.

Connections made at the conference resulted in lasting friendships and opened up more learning opportunities for me.

Each workshop I took has proved to be a springboard for other things in my writing career. Some workshops I took away practical how-to advice such as in Edie Melson’s Social Networking class. What I have learned from Edie in the past year has doubled the growth of my platform.

Other workshops I not only gained educational tips of the trade but I also gleaned wise advice. I’ll never forget the message Yvonne Leahman conveyed about our calling as writers is no more important than the person whose ministry is to prepare a meal for a benevolent family. Her humble servant attitude will stick with me longer than anything else she said. Everything she taught was helpful but those words about keeping pride in check is what God firmly stamped on my heart that day.

God also used Cindy’s transparency and encouraging words to propel me to keep going. Boot Camp was the first time I was forced to say, “I am a writer.” At the time, the words sounded awkward to me. After it was “drilled” into my head for a week, I left with a little more confidence, a lot more training in my craft, and a big affirmation from God to keep writing.

Christian Devotions Boot Camp poured out a wonderful foundation for my writing journey. While I will not be able to attend this year, I hope to build further upon your knowledge in the future.

Thanks again. May the Lord continue to bless you both and the work of your hands.

2012 Boot Camp Graduate – Kimberly Rae – Now Published

Though I’ve been published over 150 times in Christian magazines, church curriculum and such, the publishing world is changing so much, my attempts at getting a book published were like climbing a mountain–barefoot! In the current publishing climate, with such a focus on social media marketing, I knew I was way behind the times when it came to what today’s publishers are looking for. This conference was a huge help. Very practical advice–so much in fact that I still haven’t managed to implement it all! I was able to get a critique on a book proposal from a real agent, which not only was a real help (she gave me information I had not been able to find in my own research), but also as I looked around at other new and advanced writers meeting with other agents, writers and publishers, I noticed all of us were feeling less and less intimidated. That in itself–the approachability of the experts–was an unexpected gift.

And it was at The Cove in the Blue Ridge Mountains, which definitely added to the appeal!

I would definitely recommend Writer’s Boot Camp to both new and seasoned writers. You’ll be encouraged by meeting others with the same heart for ministry through writing, come away with a book full of information, and perhaps get the very nudge you need in the right direction to make those writing dreams come true!

 From Boot Camp 2012 Trainee -  Katie Newingham

…You know it’s funny, as I write this blog, I’m realizing I lost momentum when I lost focus. I traded one goal for another, one I have not mentioned to any of you. What I mean to say is, my major hurdle wasn’t my children getting sick. Instead, it was a decision to pursue a long-time goal of mine to be a published author. At the beginning of this year, a friend sent me a link for a writer’s conference in Asheville, NC. I disregarded the event, thinking I’d be unable to go. My son was still nursing. I had no desire to be away from my family for a weekend and I really had not thought of attending a conference. Having read my book, my husband encouraged me to sign up and said we would all go up to the mountains and stay in a cabin. I’m always up for an adventure, so I paid the fee and booked a cabin at Willow Winds.

What I didn’t realize was there were assignments each week, and because I signed up late, I was already behind. I realized this at the tail end of week 7 and spent the seven days leading up to the conference doing homework: Three bio’s, a 2-page synopsis, and a proposal. There was no way I could finish it all before the conference, but I had to try so I could prove to myself that I’m not just a dreamer, I’m a doer, gosh darn it.

I brought my running gear to Asheville. I actually thought I’d get a chance to run trails in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Needless to say that didn’t happen. But where I feel like I failed my faithful followers, I have peace that I accomplished something this past weekend. I walked away with clarity. I received a formal edit from an author whose written more than 50 novels: Her latest, Hearts that Survive, a novel of the Titanic, just came out.

I also walked away having met 77 like-minded souls. I didn’t stay at the conference the entire time, but I stayed long enough to reinstate my passion for writing and my reason for pursuing the craft.

Even more important to me – my husband actually had a great time with the kids. They visited a nature park where my daughter saw otters and donkeys, but not bears, she said, “because they’re hibernating.” And my son got to see the world from a whole new perspective too, since he was attached to the back of his daddy.

From Boot Camp 2011 – Trainee Lori Hatcher  - 

Agented – 2012 Boot Camp Trainee – Sarah Thomas

I attended the 2012 Boot Camp and received feedback on a manuscript from Ann Tatlock who identified a couple of issues that needed fixing. Her assistance was invaluable. The manuscript went on to become a Genesis Contest semi-finalist, won second place for best complete, unpublished novel at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Novelist Retreat and ultimately garnered the interest of an agent. I’m delighted to say that I’m now represented by Wendy Lawton of Books & Such Literary Agency.  www.SarahAnneLoudinThomas.wordpress.com