The LDStorymakers Writers Conference

April is coming, sooner than we might think. What is so significant about April? It's the month of the LDStorymakers Writers Conference, the event I look forward to all year long.

Six years ago, I had the opportunity to head up the very first Storymakers conference. We were a small group back then, but we thought we were all that ... and do you know what? We were right. Each year, conference attendance has grown until this last year, we were at 270-something, up from 40-something our first year. We have been dubbed the best writers conference west of the Mississippi, and Lisa Mangum of Deseret Book had this to say:

"I have been to many writer's conferences during my ten years as Acquisitions Editor for Deseret Book Company and I can say without hesitation that the LDS Storymaker's Conference is one of the best I've ever attended. I was impressed by so many things about the Conference: the classes were exceptional, the presenters were stellar, the speakers were inspirational, the attendees were enthusiastic. I left the Conference thinking to myself, ‘Here are the writers who are devoted to their craft, who are willing to work hard and be persistent, who understand the business of writing and of publishing. Here are the writers who are going to revolutionize the LDS writing world.’ I was so happy to have met so many great people who are involved in such a thriving, active writer's community. I look forward to reading the work that will come as a direct result of the Conference. It truly was a privilege to attend the 2007 LDS Storymaker's Conference.”

Since giving us that endorsement in 2007, Lisa has been a regular attendee and supporter of the conference.

What will you learn by coming?

If you're a new author, you'll learn how to craft and polish your story and get it ready for submission.

If you're an established author, you'll learn how to continue to hone your skills, and you'll learn how to market and network in new ways.

Regardless of your writing skill, you'll make friends, meet cool authors (who might also be the friends you make) and you'll be entertained, taught, and edified.

In addition to all this, there is currently a contest being held that might win you the chance to eat a meal with some of your favorite authors and coolest agents. Click here to learn more about it. I've been a bad bloggy slacker and didn't give you much time ... the contest ends on February 28th, so get a move on!

In the meantime, you can also check out the conference website and register. The conference is April 23 and 24 in Provo. Hope to see you there!