My Experience—Pentecostal Writer's Institute 2008

March 24, 2008
By Lorraine M. Orozco

On March 12-14, 2008 I attended the Pentecostal Writers Institute at the United Pentecostal Church International headquarters in St. Louis. It was packed with informative workshops and dynamic keynote speakers. It was also a chance to meet the Word Aflame Publication staff whose names so many of us had only seen in print. A variety of writers attended this amazing conference ranging from periodical editors to Christian romance authors. This was my first year in attendance and there was not a moment where I felt bored or disappointed.

Soon after being picked up from the airport by our wonderful conference chauffer, Chris Anderson, I was warmly greeted by the staff at World Evangelism Center. After checking in, I was handed a kit with publications from the different departments of the UPCI, as well as a three-ring binder filled with notes for each workshop.

The Format
The general session followed with orientation and then it was on to our first workshop. These workshops included, “Building Bridges to Children,” “Producing Periodicals,” “Publishing your Manuscript,” “Biblically Empowered Writing,” and “Writing Scripts/Drama.” In one of the general sessions we got a chance to ask questions to the editors of the different publications and find out what kinds of things they are looking for. Thursday and Friday there was a quick lunch break and an opportunity to visit the Word Aflame bookstore and buy books from some of the authors in attendance. After the dinner break, attendees had the option to meet with editors and designers. The evening sessions were where we heard the featured speakers and enjoyed heart-felt worship. There were refreshments and games arranged for us to get acquainted with one another after the evening services.

Our three key speakers were Bro. Ken Gurley, Sis. Dayle Allen Shockely, and Sis. Ann Gustafson Frake. Each are incredibly gifted with their very own unique style and perspective. Shockley helped us to realize we can write for the secular market and be a light to the world as Christians. She unveiled to us opportunities in the writing worlds we didn’t know existed. Frake brought a smile and humor to the sometimes-unnerving writing process. She also encouraged us to get over our fear and just write. Gurley reminded us we need the anointing of God to be effective in our writing. He brought to our attention that Jesus chose to give us the written word as a map for salvation. We as writers can build bridges with our words to bring the world to a Savior.

Key Moment
One of the key moments during the conference was when Sis. Barbara Westberg had us take a pen and raise both hands and surrender our writing talent to the Lord. I know it struck a chord deep within my Spirit and I know others felt the same. In the end it is all about doing what gives God glory and following after His will. Many hearts were touched and inspired and I don’t doubt there will be many next time with their new writing project in hand.

The rich information at times made my mind go into overload and I felt like I was always on the go, but it was well worth it. It taught me some very valuable skills and renewed my desire to write another book. I’m thankful to have been put in touch with veteran writers who I know will be of help to me if ever I get stuck along the way.

I feel very blessed to have been able to come all the way from Arizona to attend this conference. The hotel accommodations were first rate and the hospitality even better. Not once did I feel insignificant or out of place. I am incredibly lucky to be able to call some of these awesome writers my new friends. My hope is to see many new faces there at the next conference in 2010.

ninetyandnine.com

---------

Lorraine M. Orozco is the author of the autobiography Famous in Battle which can be seen at her website. She is a speaker, singer, and piano teacher. Lorraine sadly admits that over a week later she has still not completely unpacked from her trip to PWI in St. Louis.