Read What Others Had to Say
About the 2006 Delaware Christian Writers Conference
   
"My name is Scott Gregory. I competed in the 1984 and 1988 Olympics in the sport of figure skating. I have gone to many skating conventions in my life and the Christian writers conference I attended in Newark Delaware was by far one of the best inspirational writers conferences I have attended. The closing speech by Alton Gansky was so perfect and to the point It made me feel like I was going to prepare for the Olympics in writing. And the Director, John Riddle, did such a GREAT JOB, he wins the gold medal in the category of conference director!"

-- Scott Gregory, Delaware
 
 
"If you've ever met John Riddle, two words immediately come to mind: fun and encouraging. In putting together this conference, John managed to take his strengths to the Nth degree--exponential fun and encouragement from the whole faculty! I highly recommend this conference for anyone who needs a boost in their writing, especially those just getting started."
 
-- Stephanie Buckwalter, Virginia
 
 
"If I could pick one writer's event to attend next year, it would be the Delaware Christian Writer's Conference. It's one of the few events I've attended where top name authors work shoulder to shoulder with unpublished writers to improve their craft. It was not just a pep rally encouraging us to write. Of course, we're going to write. That's what writers do. But the faculty actually took the time to teach us techniques in plotting, dialog and how to market our books. Best of all, they gave us specific ways we could make writing a full time career. If you're serious about making writing your profession, then you should attend next year's Delaware Christian Writer's Conference. They love Christ, pray for one another and truly understand what it means to respond to God's call to write. I'll be back!

If Delaware Christian Writer's Conference director John Riddle were President, gas would be $.32 a gallon, we'd all have health insurance and eating chocolate would help you lose weight. John is a magician when it comes to making the impossible, possible.  He helps part time writers become full time authors, as demonstrated by this year's first ever Delaware Christian Writer's Conference. Helping writers is John's passion. His love. His ministry from God. And I'm glad it is."

-- Eddie Jones, North Carolina

 
"Dear John,

I attended the Delaware Christian Writers Conference in Newark April 20-22, 2006, and came home a changed person. Now when I look in the mirror and ask, "Who are you?" I have an answer.

I am a freelance writer, something I didn’t know before this conference. I came to Newark with eight years’ awareness that I have a call in my life to write, and eight years’ experience of writing, submitting and publishing. Though I have inspirational stories in three anthologies and devotionals in books, magazines and a companion to church curriculum, I often hesitate to submit, feeling stuck and unsure which direction to take next. No more. As a result of this conference, I know I am capable, have something valuable to offer, and am an expert in many fields.

Sessions you taught made me alert to possibilities for publication. I now know how to research productively in the library and on the Internet. Thank you for expanding my vision. Last year I was excited to see my income move up from two to three digits. Never before could I see myself making money writing, but after attending this conference, I can’t imagine it won’t happen if I will simply follow the directions you gave us.

You made us feel like royalty. The Marriott Hotel was elegant. The meals on campus were delicious. The free books as part of enrollment and give-always and the bag of chocolates from The Squirrels Nest were above and beyond. Through workshops, the keynote, the banquet and closing session, I was challenged, encouraged, and edified. I'm counting the days to April 19, 2007, for next year's DCWC conference. I want to make every one of these remaining days count for Jesus through my writing. You gave us so much. I've never come away from a writers conference so ready to work and excited about freelance possibilities.

Not only are you funny, supportive, generous and kind, you are a miracle worker, John Riddle. I left the meeting knowing I can do this. I can get freelance assignments and book contracts because you taught me how. You and the staff at the Delaware Christian Writers Conference helped me overcome the fear factor that keeps many potential writers bound. Conferees were challenged to step up to the plate. Okay, John. I’m in. Let’s play ball."

Sincerely,

-- Jean Davis, Delaware


"Since I had never attended any sort of writing conference before, I was nervous about what would happen and I had no idea what to expect.  I did not realize that there would be so many who were new to writing!  When the conference started, I felt comfortable within the first few minutes as I realized that there were many here who had no clue what they were doing (just like me).  I was so inspired by Vonda Skinner Skelton's initial presentation.  She broke down the steps to getting published in magazines and made it sound very doable and a lot less daunting. 
Everyone was extremely encouraging and the faculty put together by John Riddle was amazing!  The keynote speaker, Al Gansky, was awesome and instilled in me a desire to get writing!  I really enjoyed the humorous atmosphere that pervaded the entire weekend, and at the end, I did not want to leave.  It was tremendous from beginning to end and I will never miss another one if I can help it!"

-- Linda Muzzey, Maryland
 
"Dear John,
 
I had attended a Christian writers conference many years ago but found it overwhelming, even intimidating. However, at this first Delaware conference, I felt as comfortable as a kid in a big family. The humor throughout the three days set us free and kept us from stewing in our insecurities. The key note lit that "I can do it" spark. The seminars contained no fluff--except for that much-needed laughter--just practical helps for this exciting adventure in writing. From Al Gansky's dynamic opening address, through all the sessions, to the last good-bye, the conference was powerful and transformational.
 
But the one-on-one appointments were the most life-changing for me. All the presenters were so approachable; they took a focused, personal interest in my writing and proposal, making creative suggestions and encouraging me to pursue publication. I was soaring as an eaglet just finding its wings. Now, I'm doing the preparation for CBA.
 
Thanks to all who brought us this dynamic conference; you're changing lives that will change our world."
 
Blessings,
-- Connie Lewes, Maryland
 

"What a delight that so many experienced professionals were willing to share their wisdom (and humor) to help newer writers develop their craft!  Al Gansky ended up giving hours of lecture on multiple topics, with personal vulnerability and steadfast encouragement to those at earlier stages of the journey.  Jennifer Peterson provided insight into what an editor's life is like (wow, am I glad I am not an editor!) and a God-honoring perspective on Christian romance novels, comparing them to God's pursuit of His bride, the church.  John Riddle seemed to be everywhere at once, fielding questions, fixing problems, and graciously adapting as change after change developed in his plans!  Our prayers were with Davis Bunn, and still are, as he recovers from the shark attack (one of the hazards of a writer personally gathering experience to make fiction realistic?)  Thank you, John, and your team of volunteers, for making this a terrific conference."

-- Patricia Moreau, Pennsylvania
 

The Delaware Christian Writers Conference was rich in teaching and offered a wonderful time of encouragement for the conferees. I made valuable contacts and formed new friendships, the deeper for having  common goals. John Riddle sincerely wants to help people reach their writing goals.

-- Mary Tatem, Virginia
 


Wow! The first Delaware Christian Writers Conference provided an impressive lineup of faculty and classes. Director John Riddle's commitment to helping other writers succeed was evident throughout the conference.  If you have never attended a writers conference, or if you are a conference regular, be sure to put this one on your calendar for 2007! 

-- Vie Herlocker, Virginia