“These events seem to give you life,” my wife commented as I began unpacking my bags.

“Yes, I guess they do.”

Returning from a Christian writer’s conference I was tired, but Christine noticed the light in my eye—the spring in my step.

It motivates and inspires me to hang out with people who just get me. I love rubbing shoulders with people who understand writing. Better yet, those who desire to use their talent and learned skills for God’s glory.

Notice I said “learned skills” because it’s more than talent. Any serious writer will tell you it takes a lot of hard work to create something worth reading.

I think that’s why I’m so excited about BAM17.

This year’s Blogger and Author Meet-Up (BAM17) at Cru17 is going to be one of the most exciting events for those of us who write.

Why? Because of who you’ll be mingling with.

I’ve always told my kids, “You become who you hang out with, so choose your company wisely.”

What You’ll Want to Know about This Year’s BAM

You’d be wise to invest a little time with some of the staff who’ll be attending BAM17. As always we will have a chance to network and hang with 200+ Cru writers. Some well-known, and others just starting their journey. You’ll meet authors, bloggers, screenwriters, journalists, social media curators, and more.

Whether you write for a Cru ministry or on your personal blog, whether you write theology or fantasy—you’re sure to find your peeps at BAM17.

We’ll also have awesome giveaways like book bundles, Kindles and more.  Stay tuned on BAM’s Facebook event page.

And check it out. This year we’re adding something new.

New! BAM Crams

We lengthened the event to a full 2 hours so we could offer breakout sessions we call BAMCrams….um, because we are attempting to “cram” three different breakout topics for us to learn and improve as writers.

We invited guest speakers who will spend 15 minutes sharing their know-how and experience to staff who desire to grow. This year’s presenters include Dr. Heather Holleman, Gina Butz and myself, Tez Brooks. These talks will be taped. (See more details for BAM Crams in the notes.)

BAM17 will be meeting on Thursday, July 20th at 3:30 PM (immediately following the main session at Moby.) We will be located at The Pavilion, across the street from Moby in the Laurel Village. I can’t wait to see you all there! Let me know you’re coming on BAM’s Facebook event page.

Now it’s your turn.

What do you like most about being with others who share your same skill or talent? Was there a time the Lord used your gifts to do more than you expected? Tell us about it. How have other Cru writers encouraged or blessed you?

Guest post by Tez Brooks

Award-winning author Tez Brooks, is serving as BAM’s administrator this year.

Tez has appeared in The Upper Room, CBN.com, Clubhouse, Thriving Family, Splickety and Worldwide Challenge. His third book, The Single Dad Detour was winner for the 2016 Royal Palm Literary Awards. His most recent screenplay, Jangled, won 2016 Best Short Film in Florida at CENFLO.

Tez is a member of Word Weavers International, American Christian Writers Assoc., and Florida Writers Assoc. He and his wife serve as full-time missionaries with Cru. They have four children and reside in Orlando.

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