At the end of August I attended the American Christian Fiction Writers national conference in St. Louis, Missouri. This post is overdue, and that is largely because God has been busy answering prayers, moving mountains, and making a way for me after what has been a long, difficult, and uncertain season. A lot of things happened during and immediately after the ACFW conference, and I’m still trying to catch up—but all for good reasons!

I went to ACFW feeling very empty. I had confided to some friends beforehand that I was worried I would spend the whole conference unable to do anything but cry, but also I knew it would be okay if I did, because I would be in a safe place with God’s people. There’s such a sweet atmosphere at ACFW because the Holy Spirit is present and glorified in the hearts of attendees. I knew the Lord had something for me there and wanted me to go, because He had made it so clear and provided for every cent of the cost. But what did I have to give besides a heart that was desperately hurting?

Like much of life, the conference was not about what I could give but what the Lord would do. He met me there and renewed my spirit in deep and refreshing ways. I loved every minute of being surrounded by His people who also love story and are following His call to bring it into the world. The worship was wonderful. The people are so friendly and welcoming. The sessions with experienced teachers gave me lots of things to think about. I also had really good appointments with two editors who both allowed me to submit my book proposal to them afterward.

I loved seeing my writing friends, and I made many new friends too! It felt like every new face was a kindred spirit just waiting to be discovered.

The conference was so filling for me in spiritual and emotional ways. Those days were free of strife and full of Christ, and it was just what I needed. I went in feeling empty, but I came home feeling full.

If you are at all interested in writing, I cannot tell you what a gift American Christian Fiction Writers has been to me. I highly recommend them and would love to answer any questions you might have about them.

At the conference’s Thursday night dinner, I found out that I was a finalist in the Genesis contest. That is such an honor! I got to share the experience with my friend Andra Loy, who was a double finalist. Then the winners were announced on Saturday night during the Awards Gala. I won the Historical Romance category, and Andra won in the Speculative and Young Adult categories. Our table had a lot to celebrate! This was my sixth time entering the Genesis contest, and my fourth time being a finalist. I had long dreamed of walking across the podium and giving an acceptance speech, and that night my dream came true.

Winning the Genesis contest felt like the cherry on top of such a wonderful experience—something that only made it all a bit sweeter. My heart had already been refreshed, but that was a special joy.

Then I came home to good news and the start of the school year. It’s been a very busy few weeks! I’m so thankful for the Lord’s faithfulness and can’t wait to tell you more about what God has been up to.

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