Remember how I’ve raved about the Catholic Writers Conference Live?

You should go.

Not just because it’s awesome. (It is.)

Not just because it’s at the same time as the Catholic Marketing Network’s trade show. (Which ROCKS.)

Not just because, this year, the Catholic New Media Conference is also going on. (Woohoo!)

Did I mention I’ll be there?

Oh yes, I will! I’m a presenter in two different capacities (at CWCL on Thursday and CNMC on Friday), but there are far better reasons than that! 🙂

Because we need each other in real life. Because you could be in the pictures, meeting the people who inspire you. Because there is value to face-to-face in ways you can’t predict.

Here’s the press release:

The fourth annual Catholic Writers’ Conference LIVE will take place August 29-31, 2012, at the Arlington Convention Center in Arlington, TX. Sponsored by the Catholic Writers Guild and the Catholic Marketing Network (CMN), and held in conjunction with CMN’s annual retailer trade show, the Catholic Writers Conference LIVE provides Catholic authors with a prime opportunity to meet and share their faith with editors, publishers, fellow writers, and bookstore owners from across the globe.

The conference will offer “pitch sessions,” allowing authors an opportunity to meet personally with publishing professionals and pitch their writing projects. In addition, attendees have the opportunity to sign up for critique with professional editors and writers. Some participating publishers are Ignatius Press, Ave Maria Press, Christus Publishing, Tuscany Press, Ascension Press, and Servant Books. Information for this event can be found on the conference website.

This year’s conference will focus on “Writing and the New Evangelization.” Speakers include EWTN personalities Teresa Tomeo and Father Andrew Apostoli, CFR, authors Ellen Hrkach (In Name Only) and Patti Armstrong (Stories for the Homeschool Heart), Ann Margaret Lewis (Murder in the Vatican), and author and blogger Sarah Reinhard (A Catholic Mother’s Companion to Pregnancy). More excellent speakers are still being confirmed.

In partnership with the Catholic New Media Conference, also taking place in the convention center, conference attendees will be able to attend a special track on blogging for $25. Information on this opportunity will be made to attendees upon registration.

“It’s not just writing, it’s not just fellowship, it’s inspiration, too!” says 2011 Conference presenter Sarah Reinhard. “It was great to share the Eucharist and evening meals in person with writers who inspire me, encourage me, and motivate me the rest of the year.”

The Catholic Writers Guild, a religious non-profit organization affiliated with the Archdiocese of Indianapolis sponsors both this live conference in August and an online conference in February to further its mission of promoting Catholic literature. Says CWG President Ann Lewis, “These events are integral to our mission of ‘creating a rebirth of Catholic arts and letters.”

Registration costs $70 for CWG members, $75 for non-members and $40 for students. There’s also a discounted combined membership. To register or for more information, go to CatholicWritersConference.com

Do not wait. Do not delay. Sign up now.

That is all for today. 🙂