Texas Christian Writers Conference 2026 Reflections Part One

There are times when something drops right out of "heaven" and into your lap. There is just no doubt in your mind that it was a gift from God. No way around that, honestly. I mean, really! That very thing happened to me in February. 

Remember, I told you about making a list of things I wanted to do? Write a Book was on the top of that list. I joined the groups, found writing classes, and started looking for conferences, in person and virtual. I was ready to put everything I could towards making it a reality instead of a "someday dream".

During my search, I saw a post about the Texas Christian Writers' Conference. It was PERFECT. It was close to me, about a three-hour drive, it had authors I was familiar with and some I wasn't, and it just felt "right". 

...until I saw the price. My heart dropped because I just didn't know how I could come up with that amount on such short notice without taking money away from other expenses. I couldn't bring myself to do that. I KNEW I had to pay those things on time and if I was meant to go, somehow it would work out. 

Let me just say that the cost was NOT unreasonable. It was a GREAT price for the hotel style rooms at the retreat center; the food was all included and the conference speakers and breakout sessions sounded great. I had just discovered it with only three weeks or less notice. That wasn't doable on my tight budget. 

I kept going back and forth about using money I shouldn't to register. I knew the right thing to do was to just forget about it and plan to go next year. I just wanted to go so badly. The other conferences were all virtual and the big in person conferences aren't until early fall. I didn't want to wait. That caused such an inner battle; one that I won because I have been fighting self and the need to spend where I shouldn't for a bit. I have been on a mission to pay off debt and live life more intentional. Spending that money when I didn't have it to spend wasn't an option. 

​FB has a way of bringing things back up so that you can't get them out of your mind. One day, I noticed the conference post was different. It mentioned that they had five full scholarships for the conference and were asking people to sign up for a chance to be chosen. I felt like I had little chance of being picked but decided to enter anyway. I had nothing to lose but so much to gain. It was so hard waiting an entire week to find out if I was one of the ones chosen. When it got late in the evening and I didn't hear anything, I knew I hadn't been chosen and told my daughters about it. I was sad but reminded myself that I would go next year. 

Two hours later, I checked my email and found one that said I had been chosen for a full scholarship for the conference. I was going with all expenses paid, except gas to get there and back. Praise the Lord because it was ALL Him. He wanted me there. 

I couldn't wait to get things together and go the following week. I ordered some simple, business casual clothes off Amazon. I had ordered a laptop so I could take it places like this and it arrived before the conference. I had my business cards delivered a few days before the conference. I was praying for God to show me His plan for my writing during those three days. He did NOT disappoint me. He never does. He always gives me so much more than I ever imagine. I can't wait to share some of the things I can away with at the conference. 

If you are interested in going to the Texas Christian Writers' Conference in 2027, I highly recommend it.