A Big Thank-You from Robin Jones Gunn

May I just say a huge THANK YOU to all the faithful organizers of the Mount Hermon Writers Conference? You guys rock!

For decades you have carved out an extraordinary slice of set-aside time for writers at all stages of the publishing journey. You have provided a place where eternal friendships have begun. Hundreds – maybe thousands – of articles and books have been given a chance to take root in the imagination of willing word-crafters. Where would we be without these beautiful five days each spring?  Where would our industry be without all the stories and articles that found their start at Mount Hermon?

You have given me three highly valued gifts over the years. I am very grateful for:

• FELLOWSHIP WITH COLLEGUES –We all know that writing is a solitary occupation. We need to be in community. We need to be connected with each other. Being together in one place, chatting around the dinner table and worshipping side by side with fellow writers, editors and agents always feels like a taste of heaven.

• DIVINE APPOINTMENTS – Seventeen years ago I met Tricia Goyer at Mount Hermon after critiquing an idea she had for an article. That brief face to face appointment turned into a God blessed friendship. This summer Tricia and I are co-authoring a book we’ve dreamed about for many years. My life would be much smaller without the wonderful assortment of friends I’ve met at Mount Hermon. I truly believe one of my book contracts might never have been offered if I hadn’t connected with the editor at Mount Hermon and tossed around an idea while hiking through the redwoods.

• WELLSPRING OF INSPIRATION – Oh, the ideas that come when you’re at Mount Hermon!  I think the creativity and energy that spills from the speakers and workshop leaders provides ideas and motivation for more writing projects than one human could complete in a lifetime.  This is welcome refreshment to any artist who has sat alone in silence and dropped the bucket into the well of their imagination only to hear a dull thump.  Come. Get your creativity well filled up.

I wouldn’t be where I am today as a writer if it I’d never been able to attend or teach at these conferences. May others who make the life-changing decision to attend the Mount Hermon Writers Conference receive these same gifts and be blessed beyond their wildest imagination.

“God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!”  Ephesians 3:20  The Message

Robin Jones Gunn has received the Mount Hermon Pacesetter Award as well as the Writer of the Year Award.  Her 70 titles have sold over 4 million copies worldwide and include the best-selling Christy Miller Series for teens as well as the award winning Sisterchicks® Series for women. A three-time recipient of the Christy Award for Excellence in Fiction, Robin serves on the Board of Directors for Media Associates International and Jerry Jenkins Christian Writers Guild. Married for 34 years, Robin and her husband live near Portland, Oregon and have two grown children. Find Robin at www.robingunn.com and on Facebook and Twitter.

Photo: Robin Jones Gunn and Patsy Clairmont