Omega Writers Conference 2019

Wow! What a weekend. Raewyn Elsegood you did it again and thank you to everyone else who helped make it happen. There were some amazing presenters who came to speak at the conference including key note speaker, Steve Laube.

Nola Passmore, Adele Jones and Kirsten Hart were asked some questions about their time at the conference this year.

What inspired you most at the conference?

NOLA PASSMORE

It’s always encouraging to see and hear what everyone has been doing with their writing since the last conference. It always perks me up and reminds me why I write. Also Jenny Glazebrook’s sermon during our worship time really touched my heart, especially the inspiring story of her 10-year-old daughter sharing her faith without fear because she’s so in love with Jesus.

ADELE JONES

It’s a tough ask to pick one moment out of so many: from Keynote address by Steve Laube; Practical workshop sessions; CALEB awards; to meal conversations. As I have to pick one, I’m going to say seeing so many first time Omega conference attendees embraced by those who’ve attended previously, and watching those newbies become connected.

KIRSTEN HART

It's interesting how other people perceive things. It's the same with the books we write. Steve Laube shared a story (one of many) about a lady who expressed her thanks to him about a book he'd recommended to her, and how it had changed her life. The message she'd taken from the book had absolutely nothing to do with what the writer had intended for the story. If we can make a positive difference in one persons life, regardless of whether it's the message we were trying to convey or not, we've already succeeded.

What challenged you most?

NOLA PASSMORE

To redefine what I think of as success. Not to compare myself to others and think in terms of how many books someone else has published, what awards they’ve won, how many reviews they have, whether they’re with a big publisher, etc. Instead think of what God has called me personally to do with my writing. If we touch the life of just one other person with our words, we’ve succeeded.

ADELE JONES

I'm going to cheat on this one and pick more than one! I can’t remember word-for-word, but during one of Steve Laube's sessions we were challenged to honour our writing as a privileged opportunity to create powerful, God-honouring stories, and not treat those words with doubtful uncertainty or even contempt. (I’m not sure that was the exact message, but that’s what I’m taking away!) Another challenge from David Rawlings was to engage others in our writing journey so they can share that creative adventure. Oh yes, and hearing so many examples of brilliant writing. Always more to learn.

KIRSTEN HART

David Rawlings workshop, Managing a Writer's Workload presented some helpful solutions to the challenging areas of being a writer. He challenged us to go away and try at least three ideas to help with time management. The biggest challenge for me would be to do things one at a time. I've always created new ideas for more stories, written and edited a first draft, worked on social media platforms and researched bits and pieces for a number of stories all at once. I liked the suggestion to work on one thing per week. I might have to try this.

What was your most memorable moment?

NOLA PASSMORE

Steve Laube telling me it’s okay to say ‘No’ ☺

ADELE JONES

Seeing so many familiar faces and catching up on a year’s worth of life happenings.

KIRSTEN HART

After Steve Laube spoke on Friday night, I had the strongest urge to blow off all the workshops and just write for the entire weekend!

What are your goals moving forward?

NOLA PASSMORE

To finish the edits of my novel and have it published and on the book table next year ☺ And of course to be beach-body-ready for next year’s conference. Bring it on!

ADELE JONES

I need to complete revisions on the two manuscripts I’m working on, along with the “Wired for Story” course I abandoned mid-year, at about the 2/3 mark. I also need to get a couple of ideas off the ground on the social networking front.

KIRSTEN HART

To complete structural edits on my fantasy novel within the next few months and learn all about Instagram.