Writers and aspiring writers will have an opportunity to network, learn and sample the wares of local published authors at the first Olympic Peninsula Christian Writers’ Conference and Book Fair, scheduled for Nov. 4 at Dungeness Community Church, 45 Eberle Lane, Sequim.
The conference portion of the event will include a light breakfast at 9:30 a.m., a selection of three sessions between 10-11 a.m., and a luncheon with speaker at 11:30 a.m. Registration is now open at the church’s website, www.dcchurch.org, for $40 and will increase to $50 after Oct. 1.
Attendees can choose from three offerings in the 10 a.m. time slot.
In one morning session, Writing 101 will be taught by Crystal Linn, a published writer and writing teacher, who recently moved to Sequim from the Seattle area. Sandra Byrd, a novelist and writing coach from Gig Harbor, will lead a session on Crafting Devotionals. Byrd is the author of more than 50 books, including three devotional books which will be available at the afternoon book fair.
The third morning session will be a panel discussion on publishing options.
Michael Dashiell, editor of the Sequim Gazette, will be the luncheon speaker.
In addition to teaching a morning session, Linn is co-organizer of the event.
“My greatest passions are to share God’s truths through writing and speaking, and to help others learn to write,” Linn said. “I’m excited about this event and hope there is much interest for future conferences.”
The afternoon Book Fair, from 1-4 p.m., is a free event highlighting books by Christian authors from Clallam and Jefferson counties. The public is welcome and no registration is required.
Each participating author will have a display table space and can answer questions about their writing, sell and autograph books, and some will give a brief presentation or reading.
Featured books cover a variety of genres, including novels, memoirs and personal stories, Bible studies, instructional books and self-help.
Conference organizer Sandy Frykholm hopes the event will attract writers and aspiring writers from across the Olympic Peninsula.
“Anyone is welcome to attend the conference. Writing can be a lonely pursuit,” Frykholm said, “so networking and finding a good writing community is important — especially out here in the hinterlands.”
Frykholm and Linn are seeking Christian authors who have a published book they would like to feature at the book fair.
“We have about 10 authors signed up now, but we can accommodate about 25. Any genre is welcome, as long as the book does not dishonor God.
“We’re trying to follow the Bible’s guidance in Philippians 4:8, to focus on things that are true, right, admirable and excellent,” Frykholm said.
Authors who would like to participate can contact Sandy Frykholm at 360-461-6897 or Crystal Linn at 206-715-2505.
