ESTES PARK, CO (ANS) -- Christian writers have a special supply of inspiration on which to draw, but the words don't appear on the page on their own. Aspiring and veteran writers alike must work at their craft, polishing their words until editors are hard-pressed to turn them down. There is no better place to hone one's skills than at the Colorado Christian Writers Conference, May 14-17, 2008, where editors, agents, publishers' representatives and successful authors will gather to teach writers how to fulfill their call to "Write His Answer," the theme of this year's conference from Habakkuk 2:2.

"If anything, Christians must write to a higher standard than their secular  counterparts," said Marlene Bagnull, director of the conference. "The subjects they write about can be life-changing for readers and need to reflect the truths of the Bible put into action in real life. Their commitment to craft and to God must be strong."

The conference, in its 12th year under Bagnull's leadership, is held at the YMCA of the Rockies in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, about two hours from Denver. Conferees come from across the country to hear gifted writers challenge them to excellence, to discover inside secrets to getting published from editors and agents, and to take part in workshops and continuing sessions that push them to the next level of their writing. One-on-one appointments with editors, agents and successful authors are a highlight of the conference, allowing writers to get professional feedback on their current projects and meet the people who may well purchase their next manuscript. It is not unusual for networking at the conference to eventually result in publishing contracts.

General sessions, open free of charge to the public, will challenge conferees to become better writers as they deepen their relationship with the Lord. Tom Ewing, a well-known worship leader, along with various faculty members will reflect on Habakkuk 2:1 ("I will... wait to see what answer God will give to me"). Lissa Halls Johnson will speak on The Power of Truth; Mary DeMuth on Well Writing; James Watkins on I Have a Dream. Various faculty members will also speak on meeting the pressing needs of the people they are passionate about reaching with His answer through fiction and nonfiction.

Continuing sessions offer 6-1/2 hours of in depth instruction in one of the following areas: Advanced Fiction Writing; Book Marketing A through Z; Communicate to Change Lives; Digital Photography & Writing; Getting into Print: The Essentials of Non-fiction Writing for Beginners; Making Your Living as a Writer; Please, NO Pat Answers!; The Writer's Call ; or Nangie 202, a clinic for intermediate novelists led by best-selling authors Nancy Rue and Angie Hunt.

Conferees also may choose six hour-long workshops from the 42 offered or they may apply for a clinic where they will receive personal coaching in a small group setting. This year's clinics include nonfiction books (with Craig Bubeck); contemporary novels (with Dave Lambert); romance, historical and women's novels (with Jim and Tracie Peterson) and two "Nangie U" clinics (with Nancy Rue and Angela Hunt) for intermediate and advanced novelists.

To encourage the next generation of Christian writers, a special Teens Write program is offered on Saturday afternoon, May 17, by Stephanie Wilson of Barefoot Ministries who will focus on God's Answer to Fiction Flaws. Teens attending will learn better writing techniques and do some writing in class to put the tips they learn into practice immediately.

Interested writers can learn full details about the conference, download a printable eight-page brochure, review editorial needs of faculty who will be attending and sign up for the conference via the website: www.writehisanswer.com/Colorado. Or call 610-626-6833 to request a brochure.