Eight years ago I was an unpublished girl with a dream of writing books and speaking to audiences across the nation. I had no clue about the realities of the publishing industry or the business aspect of speaking. All I knew was that God had put a dream in my heart and I wanted to pursue it with everything I had.

So I signed up and went to a local writers’ conference and pitched an idea I had to an editor from an actual publishing house. Surprisingly, she liked it. A few months later she offered me a contract and became my editor. She introduced me to another author who mentored me and introduced me to her agent. My career took off from there.

Sometimes I wonder where I would be if I never went to that first writer’s conference. I was so scared that I almost backed out multiple times. But that was the experience that God used to set me on the path He had for me. Had I let fear have its way I would have missed out on one of the most exciting adventures of my life.

Because of that, I’m a huge advocate of writers and speakers conferences. I often tell anyone who even dreams of writing and speaking to make whatever sacrifices are necessary to get to a conference near them. 

And conferences aren’t just for beginners. They are for any of us who need some help, improvement or encouragement along the way. For that reason I’m signed up to go to my two favorite conferences this year: Mt. Hermon Christian Writers’ Conference and She Speaks. Now, the registration deadline for Mt. Hermon has passed, so I won’t waste time telling you all about that one.

But I do want to encourage those of you who are thinking about writing and speaking to consider coming out to She Speaks this year. They even have a teen track for those of you who are still in high school but would like to pursue writing and speaking in the future.

This is your chance to be mentored and taught by some of the godliest women I know. Now only will you get a chance to sit down with editors and agents in person and pitch your ideas to them, but you will also get the chance to take classes taught by industry insiders and you will have the opportunity to connect with countless women (and girls) who share your life’s passion.

Like I said, I’ll be there. So check out the conference here. And if you have questions leave them in the comments section and I will answer them as quickly as possible. Last year they ran a contest that allowed teens to win scholarships. If they do that again, I’ll be sure to post a link to how to enter. My friend and former student Sarah won last year and it was an unforgettable experience for her (and we had a good time hanging out).

If this conference won’t work for you financially, keep your eyes and ears open to conferences in your area. Even if you have to spend birthday money or Christmas money do what it takes to go.

You never know. Going could change your life. It changed mine.

UPDATE: There’s a contest going on right now for three scholarships to the 2010 She Speaks conference. You can learn more and enter here.