Interview with Maybeth Turner

When did you attend your first BWRC?
I first learned of BWRC in early 2006, and I attended my first conference in July of that year in Dallas.

What is your most memorable BWRC moment?
The whole experience was very invigorating and inspirational for me. I think I most liked being able to come together and discuss the craft of writing with so many people who have the same passion.

Have you networked with anyone at the conference and has that contact continued?
No

Did you do any writing while attending the conference?
Yes

Has the BWRC helped you to accomplish any writing goals?
Absolutely! When I attended the 2006 conference, I was in the process of writing my first novel, A Purple Butterfly, and shopping it to traditional publishers. At the conference, I received tons of invaluable information about self-publishing which demystified the process for me. When I returned home, I began investigating self-publishing services. I also began developing a plan to self-publish and market my novel. I am pleased to say that in August 2007, I published my first novel, A Purple Butterfly, through Infinity Publishing, and the response so far has been amazing, even though I’m very early in the process of marketing it. The information and materials I collected at the 2006 BWRC are resources I have turned to repeatedly in the past year to guide me on my journey of self-publishing. I would not have seriously considered self-publishing nor would I have been able to avoid many of the pitfalls that novices encounter without the good instruction and information that I received at the 2006 BWRC.

If you plan to attend the 2008 BWRC, what brings you back?
Yes, I plan to attend in 2008. I want to reconnect with many of the people I met in 2006; as well as experience the inspiration and uplifting communion that the congregation of so many people of like mind and background generates.

What would you say about BWRC to influence someone who’s thinking about attending?
Do it! The whole experience was infinitely affirming and uplifting. The sense of community is phenomenal, and you will come away knowing that you are doing the right thing by following your heart and your desire to tell our stories in our words. You will get a rare opportunity to meet and socialize with so many other wonderful writers with the same desires and challenges you face as a writer, and will grow from the exchange of information about their challenges, successes and ideas.

Anything else you’d like to add?
Thanks, BWRC, for reminding me that we have stories to tell, and that we are the best people to tell them.

Maebeth Turner
“A Violet Butterfly”
website: www.stellasmiddlechild.com

Anita Bunkley is an NAACP Image Award nominee and a member of the Texas Institute of Letters.