HACWN's 2008 Annual Writer's Conference

Every writer's conference I've attended has been outstanding and this year was no different. We had an awesome faculty in attendance. I've never met a group of humbler editors. They were all so real, down-to-earth, and ready to help. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and working with each one of them.

I had at least three very nice surprises during the final session of the conference.

First of all, since HACWN chose to keep prices down this year, they had a raffle. I never buy raffle tickets. I stand as much chance winning a raffle as I would the lottery. You could buy one raffle ticket for $1 or 6 for $5. I figured it was going to a good cause, so what other reason did I need to buy them? So, I bought six. Can you believe, I won three out of four draws? I was shocked, as was everybody else. I won a Go-Bible, a Build a Novel in a Weekend kit, and my name on the Evangelical Press Association writer's listing.

The next thing to put a huge smile on my face was winning the Best Article award in the conference article competition. When I received my articles back, I had to find out which one won as I sent in four. "God's Healing Promise" was the winner. I was SO excited as this is an article I've written and re-written and re-written some more. And, it's a message I really want the world to get. I hope to find some publishers willing to publish it. I was even more excited when I looked further and found that "Can I Still Bear Fruit?" tied for third place. Very exciting!

By the way, there were at least 57 entries in the article contest. My other two articles had very helpful notes written on them, as well. I've learned that an editor doesn't take the time to write notes on how to improve the piece unless they think highly of it. Very encouraging!

There are two prestigious awards given each year. One is for HACWN Writer of the Year - the writer deemed the most dedicated to their writing, and HACWN Cheerleader of the Year - the writer recognized as the biggest over-all encourager of the group throughout the year. I was so excited for my friend, Heather Beers as she received her award for Writer of the Year. I was surprised, humbled, and honored, however, when they announced Linnette Mullin as HACWN Cheerleader of the Year.

What a way to end the conference! So many people came to me afterwards, offering congratulations, but, more than that, hugging me and telling me thanks for being an encouragement and inspiration to them. I was so overwhelmed, humbled, and encouraged by them. God is so good. I never expected any of these things. I don't know that I deserve them anymore than anybody else, but God chose to bless me and encourage my heart through it all. Thank you, Lord!

Pat Mitchell, our monthly newsletter lady, interviewed me yesterday. She's writing an article on Cheerleader of the Year for our December newsletter. I'll post a copy of it when it comes out for those interested in reading it.

As you can see, this year's conference was very rewarding for me. I don't know what writing possibilities it will open up for the coming new year, but I pray God will continue to use my writing to glorify Him and encourage others in their walk with Him.

Thanks for reading. Enjoy the rest of this issue of Linnette's Writing Corner and have a wonderful, blessed day!

3 comments:

  1. Congratulations on all of these honors, Linnette. It's confirmation from God that you are doing what you were meant to do. What an encouragement and blessing you are to me.

    Shanna

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  2. Thanks, Shanna! You're going to make my head blow up like a blimp. LOL Seriously, I do appreciate the encouragement. I'm so glad to have a friend like you in the network. You've been an beam of sunshine on a cloudy day.

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  3. Linnette...congrats!!! This is great news! Everyone here is very happy for you!

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Thanks for stopping by and chatting with me! I hope you enjoyed your time here and will come visit me again! :D

Linnette R Mullin