UPDATE: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023
When you arrive - FACULTY! Your rooms are ready. CONFEREES, YOUR ROOMS WILL NOT BE READY UNTIL 3. Please don't ask if they are ready. The Cove is turning over 100 rooms from a conference that leaves Friday morning. This takes time. Our faculty rooms are ready because they have made these a priority, so they have time to get ready to teach.
YOUR BADGE - the badges the Cove provides are pin-on badges. We do have lanyards that you can hook to the pin if you'd like one. You can get that when you get your badge. NOW ABOUT THE POWER OF THE BADGE! If you get hungry at meal times, the power of the badge opens the dining hall meals to you. It is also your on-campus security badge. You must wear your badge at all times. The Cove volunteers are wonderful, but they are also sorta like ninjas. You don't see them. However, they see you. If you do not have your badge, do not be surprised if someone stops you and asks you to retrieve your badge. I know it's a bit frustrating, but one of the things that is a perk at the Cove is knowing that every conferee is 1) prayed over. They ask for a list so their prayer teams can begin praying for you. 2) The meals are awesome 3) The security is top-notch. They keep every conferee so safe. It's really not asking too much for you to wear your badge all the time. At the end of the conference, we will ask you to leave your lanyard and badge.
SUNDAY MORNING - pack your bags and put them in your car. If you are being picked up, you may leave them safely by the fireplace on the first floor of Shepherd's Inn. You much check out of your room by 10 a.m.
PRINT BEFORE YOU COME - We cannot print critiques or proposals for you. Print copies before you come. There is no account for conferees to use printing at the Cove. Please print what you think you may need and bring it with you. This includes the schedule, faculty photos if you need them, etc. If you think you need it printed, then print it before you leave home.
When you arrive, go to Shepherd's Inn and get your name tag, then walk next door to the Training Center. Take the elevator to the 3rd floor. Classes begin at 1:00 p.m. (NO, you do not register for classes). There will be time to check in after Early Bird classes.
Our schedule is locked in.
FINDING THIRD FLOOR - Easy peasy! Walk into the Training Center and you will see the monster fireplace to your right, to your left if the elevator. Take it to 3rd floor. When you step off the elevator, you will see our bookstore. You may browse, but the store is not open for sales. They have to check in books from faculty, take inventory and enter it into the computer. I KNOW...there's a lot to do to get the store ready. You will be able to make a small deposit to hold your 2024 registration. This will be taken off the price when you register. This is non-refundable and if you do not respond to us when we notify you about registration opening later in the year, we will fill your slot. The funds go into our scholarship fund.
Both Step-Up (Classes geared more toward newer writers) and Step-Out (classes geared more toward seasoned writers) are on the 3rd floor, BEHIND OUR BOOKSTORE. Step Up classes are in the first conference room, and you continue walking past the stage to the back conference room for STEP-OUT CLASSES. Now, we can't force you to stay in a track so you can wander between rooms for classes. Just be quiet as you do so. Our faculty is very seasoned to folks meandering in out for appointments. It's fine and acceptable.
We've mentioned MP3s numerous times. We recommend you purchase the MP3s so you have the full conference at home after this weekend. You will be able to purchase those in our bookstore. They are ready about a month after the conference and we will notify you when you can download them. MP3s take the pressure off of you in deciding what class to take. Buy the MP3s and you have the full conference afterward. Take the face-to-face classes you can take while at the conference. The rest you can listen to at home.
Our appointments and mentoring will be held in the large conference room BEHIND the elevator. There is a living room area and then the conference room. Terri will go over all that with you on Friday night. I will say, ALL OF OUR FACULTY ARE AWESOME TO MEET WITH. They all have huge experience - so though we know you are just dying to spend time with BOB HOSTETLER (it goes to his head...truly it does), we have other faculty who have amazing experience. Vincent is the Amazon wizard, Maggie is a past PR gal for a large publisher, Pepper is releasing books left and right, Edie is the social media queen, and Eva is in a race with Bob to see who has written more books! I mean, this is just a few. My point is when appointment time arrives to sign up...consider all our faculty. They are here for you and they are all very knowledgeable. It's time well spent to just pick their brains. Run your idea past them. Just network.
Anyway, everything you need is on the 3rd floor.
The Eternal Feeding Trough - This is what we lovingly refer to as the place you can always find refreshment. It is one of the amenities at the Cove. There are always drinks available and ice cream in the hallway by the dining hall. Our floor has coffee and tea. I recommend you bring a nice drinking cup with a lid (we don't want spills) so that you can take advantage of this constant flow of drinks if you need them. There is also a drink station on the second-floor lobby of Shepherd's Inn. You do not have to bring water or drinks in your car. These are provided for you at these stations. NICE, HUH?
AGAIN - Clean up after yourself. Please put trash in the trash cans. I HATE PICKING UP TRASH and my momma taught me that when I leave a place it should look better than it did when I arrived. Please be neat. The Cove is beautiful and again, their NINJA staff comes and goes and you rarely see them. You may look around and your paper cup is gone. LOL.
Off-Campus folks, drive up to Shepherd's Inn and get your name tag, then go to the training center. If you arrive after 5 p.m., you will get your name tag at the office in the Training Center. Go in the door, make a fast left, and the office in is that little cubby.
THE WEATHER IS SUPPOSED TO BE NICE - Sorry Eva, no snow! We want you comfortable, and the temperature will drop in the mountains when you least expect it. So nice sweaters and jeans are perfect attire for our conference. There is a covered walkway from the hotel to the Training Center should we have rain. And we may get a smidge of that. Point is, currently there is no snow in the forecast. AGAIN - SORRY EVA!
I honestly can't think if there is anything we haven't discussed in previous letters. Remember when you get your name tag, you will sign a liability release as well.
*Our bookstore will open on Friday after supper. Feel free to browse, but our staff is not ready to sell until after supper. They are checking in inventory, adding it to our inventory in the Square, and making sure things are priced. Keep in mind there are times the internet will be slow at the Cove with the hundreds of folks using it. That does, at times, affect how quickly our charge cards run. Don't grow frustrated with our staff, they have no control over the internet speed. Just chat with the folks next to you for a minute, and things will go through.
*Keep in mind the Cove is Alcohol and Smoke-Free. If you are caught with these things, their security will ask you to leave. You must go to your car if you are a smoker.
UPDATE : WED. February 22, 2023
Everything you need to know is on this page or on the newsletter page. Remember, do not arrive before 11:30. The Cove is clearing out another conference (our faculty is the exception).
Go to Shepherd’s Inn and get your name tag. Our entire conference is held on the 3rd floor of the Training Center. YOU MUST HAVE YOUR NAME TAG TO GO UP TO THAT FLOOR. Also, keep your nametag on. It serves as your meal ticket and your security pass.
You cannot check in until after 3:30 on Friday. Please don’t ask. The rooms are being cleaned from the conference who just left. It takes times to turn over 60 rooms.
We recommend you bring a nice cup with a lid. There is free drinks and even ice cream, all day just outside the dining hall. There is coffee and tea on our 3rd floor. If you keep a cup, you can refill it anytime. Just make sure you have a lid.
In the evenings, there is the same drink station (minus the ice cream) on the second floor lobby of the hotel. Please feel free to sit around the fire places and enjoy your time together.
I will be checking my email throughout Friday – [email protected]. Please be patient, I’m only torn in 50 directions. If there is an emergency and you cannot reach me, contact the Cove, and ask for Patty Boyte – 828-771-4828. Patty can get me in an emergency. She is our event planner. If she is not available call back and tell the operator there is an emergency and you need to reach me. They can send security to find me. PLEASE – THIS IS ONLY TO BE USED IN AN EMERGENCY. Remember when your kids were little and you told them not to bother you unless there was blood involved...same thing here! :)
Finally, pray for our travels, weather, and the conference. I know God will show up BIG!
UPDATE: January 25
Today’s update is a lot of housekeeping that must be shared. Please be sure to read through.
*Please note: We are under contract with the Cove for the number of rooms and nights available to stay. The policy of the Cove is that conferees only reside on campus DURING their conference time. Numerous conferences are going on continually at the Cove. ACWC is not the only conference in attendance. Rooms are sold out. Check our Registration page for hotels just feet from the entrance of the Cove if you need to come a day early or stay a day late. If you are flying in and renting a car, there is a hotel directly across the road from the airport. This is an inconvenience, and we realize that, but once you arrive you will not regret the inconvenience. It is SOOO WORTH IT.
**About our bookstore: The bookstore will not open for sales until Friday after supper. They will be checking in books and running inventory Friday afternoon. You can browse, but you cannot purchase until Friday after supper.
**CRITIQUES AND MENTORING ASSIGNMENTS – are due by February 2 (earlier would be helpful for our faculty), and payment to the faculty for mentoring and critiques should be sent by January 31. Contact Terri if you need assistance.
**Please understand – A 15-minute appointment can be used to pitch a WIP, but it remains a 15-minute appointment. You cannot book two appointments in a row for a total of 30 minutes. Paid critiques are not the time to pitch your work. These are paid critiques where professionals critique your work and make suggestions. Please be respectful and help our faculty by adhering to what we have implemented for this conference.
**THE COVE IS ALCOHOL AND SMOKE-FREE – You cannot smoke on campus unless you go in your own car. It also means there is no vaping or any other form of smoking allowed. The same is true for alcohol. No alcoholic beverages (including hard ciders) are permitted on campus. If these are found, the Cove security will escort you off campus and remove your parking sticker.
**LIABILITY RELEASE – Though ACWC carries liability event insurance, we are required by our insurance company for each faculty member and conferee to sign a Liability Release. Below you will find a copy of that release so you may read it in advance and be prepared to sign when you check in to Shepherd’s Inn with our staff. We are a Christian conference, and we work on integrity and forthrightness. We ask that all appointments be held in the appointment rooms. There should be no meetings held in individual rooms, nor should anyone place themselves in a situation where it is one man or woman alone (unless, of course, you are married.) If you should feel anyone of the opposite sex has taken advantage of you or inappropriately approached you, please see Cindy Sproles., Terri Kelly, or Eddie Jones immediately. DO NOT WAIT MONTHS TO INFORM US. We cannot handle a situation months after the incident. Come to us immediately. We trust all faculty and conferees will conduct themselves with the utmost integrity.
Liability Release Form (SAMPLE)
Liability Release Form
To: Christian Devotion Ministries
From: [Participant’s Name] _____________________________ Date: February 24,2023
Dates of Event(s): February 24-26, 2023
Event Name: Asheville Christian Writers Conference
In exchange for receiving permission to participate in the event organized by Christian Devotion Ministries, I, for myself and my family, heirs, executors, and representatives, agree to the following:
*I assume the risk of any harm or injury that may occur as a result of, or in connection with, my participation in the Event(s).
*I accept full responsibility for myself, my actions, and my possessions while participating in the Event(s).
*I release Christian Devotion Ministries, The Cove, The Billy Graham Training Center, their members, officers, employees, agents, staff, faculty, and volunteers from any and all liability, costs, damages, or other claims that may occur as a result of, or in connection with, my participation in the Event(s).
*I give my consent for Christian Devotion Ministries, its members, officers, employees, agents, staff, faculty, and volunteers to assist me in the event of an emergency, including seeking emergency medical treatment on my behalf, and I agree to accept financial responsibility for the costs related to any medical treatment.
*I agree to conduct myself and behave in a Christian manner, treating all individuals with respect, consideration, and charity, at all times during my participation in the Event(s). I agree to refrain from any behavior that is threatening, violent, aggressive, or sexually or morally improper.
*I agree to report to Christian Devotion Ministries any behavior by others that I witness that does not meet this standard.
*I understand that if I engage in inappropriate behavior or fail to report inappropriate behavior that I witness, I may be asked to end my participation in the Event, and if asked, I agree to abide by the decision.
By signing below, I represent that I understand and agree to the foregoing statements:
Participant’s Signature Date
UPDATE: January 19
**Purchase in our bookstore and be entered for a basket-o-books giveaway.
**Get your name tag at Shepherd's Inn. Rooms are not available until after 3 pm.
**In case of rain...there is a covered walkway out from the first floor of the Inn directly to the first floor of the Training Center.
**YOU MUST HAVE YOUR BADGE TO ENTER THE TRAINING CENTER. GET YOUR BADGE AT SHEPHERD’S INN. Along with your schedule and a pen.
**Earlybird classes are in the auditorium on the 3rd floor of the Training center. Take the elevator to the 3rd floor, walk past the sitting area into the auditorium.
UPDATE: January 10
______________________________________
Go to Facebook and join our group.
ACWC Facebook group.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/471614324458655/
Here you can post photos from the conference and keep up with your new friends.
We also have a Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/Asheville-Christian-Writers-Conference-388703764478971/
CHECK BACK...I FEEL SURE I’LL FOWL UP AGAIN!
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*Shepherd’s Inn at the Cove – It currently looks as though we will be staying in Shepherds Inn on campus. This is the hotel directly beside the Training Center. You’ll go through the security gate, all the way to the top of the hill and around the steep curve into the parking lot... Please park your car in the lot. You may arrive as early as 11 a.m. YOUR ROOMS WILL NOT BE READY UNTIL 3 P.M. If this changes, you’ll be notified when you check in at the hotel. Proceed to the Shepherd’s Inn lobby and meet our conference care representatives, who will give you your conference materials and have you sign the liability release. All conferees, including off-campus conferees, will come here first to get your name badge which gains you access to the Training Center building. Then you can go to the desk in the lobby and get your room key. YOU MUST WEAR YOUR BADGE AT ALL TIMES TO GAIN ENTRANCE TO THE TRAINING CENTER AND MEALS.
*Rooms will be assigned when you check in at Shepherds Inn. Remember, even if you have a key, you CANNOT enter the room after 3:00 p.m. Your key will NOT OPEN THE DOOR until 3 p.m. You will check-in when you arrive with our staff, then get your room key.
*Parking – Shepherd’s Inn park in that parking lot is in front of the hotel and directly across from the training center. If you are off-campus and driving up, you may go to the parking area across from the Training Center building and come down the stairs.
*Arrival time is noon, Friday, February 24 at 11:00 a.m. Please DO NOT arrive any earlier. You will not be allowed onto the property, or you will be directed to the Chapel until 11:00 a.m. YOU WILL NOT be able to get into your room. We’ve worked in ample time for you to check into your hotel later in the day if you need it, after the early bird classes. If you are being dropped off, you may leave your bags in the Shepherd’s Lobby.
Our staff will arrive early to set up. I appreciate all those who want to help us, but our faculty and staff have things under control. We got it covered. You enjoy the conference. AGAIN, DO NOT ARRIVE BEFORE 11 a.m.
*ALL CONFEREES (Including Off-Campus) Go to Shepherd’s Inn, check in with our staff, and then to the hotel after 11 a.m. – there’s time after the early bird classes to get into your room physically. (Have you read this once before...yep, you have.) The Cove is cleaning and preparing your rooms early. Be patient. You’ll get your name badge from our Conference Care Representatives. AGAIN, if you are being dropped off, you may leave your suitcase inside the hotel in a corner. It will be safe.
*REPEAT: EVERYONE receives your name badge at Shepherd’s Inn. (You must wear your badge at all times while at the Cove. This is your security pass and your meal pass.) Pin on your badge and head directly to the Training Center. It’s just steps away from the hotel. Without your name badge you will not be able to enter the Training Building which is where our conference is.
*Dress is casual – Jeans and sweaters are fine. Dress modestly and warm. We want you comfortable and we want to be comfortable when we look at you. But do keep in mind you are at the Cove and though they don’t require you to be dressed to the hilt, they do require you be presentable. So be modest. Dress comfortably and not slouchy. Shoes are required (it will more than likely be chilly…doubt you want to freeze your toes.)
*Let’s be neat – In this world of “easy,” it’s very EASY to leave your trash behind. I encourage you to be kind. We are at the Cove under the name of Christian Devotions. Take time to clean up after yourself. The Cove is wonderful to provide, what we lovingly call, the eternal feeding trough. You can get soft drinks, water, and coffee, not to mention ice cream, anytime at no additional charge to you. Thank them by cleaning up your cups and spoons.
You will find the staff at the Cove is wonderful. They are kind and more than willing to help you in any way. Be kind in return.
*Print before you arrive – Please print anything you will need prior to arriving at the Cove. We do NOT have printing services at the Cove. If you think you may need something printed – print it at home and bring it with you. Bring two of everything. Be professional and prepared. Print any writing work you will use for appointments.
*FOR EARLY BIRD CLASSES – TAKE THE ELEVATOR ACROSS FROM THE BIG FIREPLACE and go to the 3rd floor auditorium. There will be someone there to show you where the auditorium is once you get off the elevator. BUT if there isn’t (Someone may have to run to potty – Get off the elevator and walk straight ahead to your right or left past the seating area. TA DA! there you are! Go in a have a seat. Classes will begin at 1. You do not have to pay extra for the early bird classes. These are additional classes we try to make available for those who arrive early.
*Welcome to the Asheville Christian Writers Conference! You’ll be greeted by the lovely and loving, staff. Kevin Spencer, Bennie and Eddie Jones, Terri Kelly, Andrea Merrell, Wendy Leech, and Cindy Sproles.
*Be sure you receive your conference name tag and schedule from Shepherd’s Inn. Our staff will have you sign the liability and covid release. They are there to welcome you in, talk with you, pray with you, and make your stay at the conference glitch-free. Martin Wiles and Eddie Jones will provide our recording services this weekend. Wendy Leech will be helping you make a deposit for 2024, and help you purchase MP3s. Bennie Jones and Kevin Spencer will be in charge of the bookstore. Sarah Thomas has managed our book contest (AND AMAZINGLY, I MIGHT ADD). They’ll help you with those purchases. Eddie Jones and I will be there to welcome you into the ministry of Christian Devotions, and our faculty will be wandering around. They will be spread out through our tables at mealtimes, so join them and enjoy a meal. They are eager to meet you and chat.
**SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITH SCHEDULE – Our worship will be different this year. Billy Wayne will provide our short meditation and music. SATURDAY MORNING WE BEING AT 7:30 a.m. The building opens at 7:30, make your way quickly into the main auditorium (past the fireplace and to your left). Our worship will begin as quickly as possible, and you’ll go to breakfast right after that. Please come to our meditation and devotion. I know it’s easy to sleep in, but honestly, our day needs to begin with prayer and worship.
*Early Bird classes begin at 1:00 – But our teachers understand folks are arriving at various times. So quietly go in and become a part of the class.
*Please be sure to sign a liabilityrelease form. We will have these at check-in, and you arrive for early bird classes. Below is the release so you can read it in advance. We must have this signed per the Cove. If you do not agree, you cannot attend the conference. It’s an insurance thing!
Liability Release Form
To: Christian Devotion Ministries
From: [Participant’s Name] _____________________________ Date: February 18, 2022
Dates of Event(s): February 24-26, 2023
Event Name: Asheville Christian Writers Conference
In exchange for receiving permission to participate in the event organized by Christian Devotion Ministries, I, for myself and my family, heirs, executors, and representatives, agree to the following:
*I assume the risk of any harm or injury that may occur as a result of, or in connection with, my participation in the Event(s).
*I accept full responsibility for myself, my actions, and my possessions while participating in the Event(s).
*I release Christian Devotion Ministries, The Cove, The Billy Graham Training Center, their members, officers, employees, agents, staff, faculty, and volunteers from any and all liability, costs, damages, or other claims that may occur as a result of, or in connection with, my participation in the Event(s).
*I give my consent for Christian Devotion Ministries, its members, officers, employees, agents, staff, faculty, and volunteers to assist me in the event of an emergency, including seeking emergency medical treatment on my behalf, and I agree to accept financial responsibility for the costs related to any medical treatment.
*I agree to conduct myself and behave in a Christian manner, treating all individuals with respect, consideration, and charity, at all times during my participation in the Event(s). I agree to refrain from any behavior that is threatening, violent, aggressive, or sexually or morally improper.
*I agree to report to Christian Devotion Ministries any behavior by others that I witness that does not meet this standard.
*I understand that if I engage in inappropriate behavior or fail to report inappropriate behavior that I witness, I may be asked to end my participation in the Event, and if asked, I agree to abide by the decision.
By signing below, I represent that I understand and agree to the foregoing statements:
Participant’s Signature Date
*After things wind down in the evening, many of our conferees meet in the lobby of the hotel and chat. In fact, we encourage you to spend time with one another. We also ask that small groups meet in the lobby of the hotel rather than in one person’s room. This is a safety issue as well as a noise issue. We love for you to enjoy your writing peers. We simply ask you keep the noise down for those who choose to rest. Off-campus folks are welcome to stop by Shepherd’s Inn and visit.
*Please clean up after yourself – If you use a cup or napkin, please dispose of them. Don’t leave them in the cup holders inside the meeting room.
*APPOINTMENT SIGN UP – Please, please, do not forget you are human and turn into a trampling stampede. There will be plenty of space for you to make an appointment with the faculty member you wish to speak with. If you miss one, share a meal table and chat there. Terri Kelly will explain the process to you after Friday Supper. WHICH TELLS YOU – Signups are after our main session Friday night.
QUESTION CENTER – If you have questions ask Wendy Leech or Andrea Merrell. They have a radio to contact me if they cannot answer your questions. Please do not bog down our bookstore staff with questions. They have their hands full just consigning books and setting up the bookstore so you can glean and shop Friday night, Saturday, and early Sunday morning. Actually, if you’re patient, we’ll answer all your questions on Friday night. I promise.
WHERE ARE CLASSES HELD? – We inhabit the main auditorium. Early bird classes are in the auditorium on the 3rd floor. Our bookstore, appointments, and mentoring are on level one. Take the elevator down one level or take the big staircase. Easy to find. There is only one way to the meeting rooms.
PROPER ETIQUETTE FOR APPOINTMENTS – We practice the hummingbird hover. 15 minutes will pass quickly, and we want everyone to get their time fairly. If you arrive at your appointment and it is TIME for your appointment, just nicely walk up behind the person seated with the faculty member so you can make eye contact with the faculty member. This gives them the cue it’s time for your appointment. Our faculty tries their best to stay on time with their phones, but occasionally we get one of those people who refuses to stop talking. Your hummingbird hover allows the faculty member an “out”. And if you’re the one in the seat, be polite and end your appointment time. Chat with the faculty member during a meal or in line at the dining hall, or in the lobby.
GIVE US GRACE – We have no control over the speed of the internet at the Cove. Rest assured we have tested our computers and our charge card machines. But we cannot control the bandwidth at the Cove. Sometimes it grinds down to a snail’s pace. Give us grace. We’re doing the best we can. If you want to jot your card number, expiration, code on the back, and zip code down on a sheet of paper and give it to the staff along with your purchase, they will return that paper to you in your bag with your purchase. Otherwise, know we are working hard to move as quickly as possible.
All you really have to do – is enjoy! Purchase the mp3s and get ALL THE CLASSES. The website will house all the handouts if there is one for a class. You will have all you need once you get home to continue your learning. Be sure to print your handouts.
