Critique
Founded in 1997, Word Weavers International is dedicated to providing a forum for Christian writers to critique one another's work in a face-to-face format, whether in a traditional chapter or in Word Weavers' unique online "pages," so as to improve craft. Writers of all levels are welcome.
Conference
Word Weavers International holds two annual conferences for writers at every level--Florida Christian Writers Conference (March) held in the Central Florida area and the North Georgia Christian Writers Conference (August) nestled in the beautiful North Georgia mountains. Additionally, Word Weavers provides scholarships to members throughout the year.
Community
By holding monthly meetings, providing constant contact through news blasts and our newsletter, and by use of social media means, Word Weavers offers its writers a sense of community. Word Weavers is highly recognized within our industry, its members respected for their professionalism and work.
I recently spent a few days at a writers’ conference in the beautiful North Carolina mountains. If you’ve attended an intensive writers’ conference, you know the stimulating but exhausting sixteen-hour days filled with classes, conversations, and appointments. The devotions, keynotes, and worship nourish our souls and we feast as we remember long after we return home.
Another plus is reuniting with old friends as if we are at a family reunion; we are. We meet new writers and our Facebook friend requests rise exponentially. Our diet changes. At least mine did, consuming larger than usual meals, high carb food, and desserts. For me, the chocolate cake was irresistible. The banana pudding was surprisingly delicious-not artificially flavored-but that wasn’t my only surprise.
Another feature of conferences is eating meals with faculty who are interested in what conferees are writing, and it’s an opportunity to ask questions. Sometimes, writers want to share their latest project in hopes of catching that editor’s attention. It may be difficult to get your turn to talk with seven others around the table.
But at one lunch, I was surprised. No, not by another dessert.
Before the faculty member arrived, one conferee asked, “Is there anyone here who didn’t get an appointment and wants to share their work? Let’s make that happen.”
I couldn’t believe it. Rather than push his agenda, he was looking out for everyone else. I was surprised and impressed.
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4 ESV
I don’t know if that conferee met an editor who wanted to see his proposal. But when his book is published, I’ll try to be among the first to buy a copy (and I’ll be humble and not cut the line). I’m sure it will be as impressive as his character.
What about you? How have you been surprised by humility? I imagine you can remember who, what, when, and where, because humility is as impressive as it is refreshing.
Perhaps we should take the lead regularly—give up the parking space that another is eyeing, let someone go ahead of you in line, and strive to be a listener instead of monopolizing a conversation. Do you think people might be surprised?
Marilyn Nutter is a contributor to magazines, on-line sites, and compilations. She is a Bible teacher and speaker for women’s and grief support groups and serves on the women’s ministry team at her church. Marilyn lives in Greer, SC and is a member of Word Weavers, Upstate SC. In her life’s seasons, she has met God’s faithfulness and clings to Lam. 3:22-23. Look for her blog at www.marilynnutter.com to find extraordinary treasures in ordinary and challenging days.