Attending Realm Makers is about more than just honing your craft and networking. It’s a unique opportunity for spiritual growth, meaningful connections, and a chance to truly embody the Christian principles we write about. Imagine a conference where every interaction is infused with grace, understanding, and genuine support. This isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s achievable when we intentionally apply Christ-like attitudes in every situation.
Here are ten powerful attitudes, rooted in Scripture, that can transform your Realm Makers experience from a beneficial event into a truly blessed and transformative one for everyone involved.
1. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
Scripture: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” — James 1:19-20 (NIV)
At the Conference: Instead of rushing to share your latest manuscript idea or publishing woes, take the time to truly listen to others.
- Example 1: During your mentoring sessions or paid critique appointments, instead of immediately defending your work, listen intently to your mentor’s feedback. Ask clarifying questions to fully understand their perspective before offering your own thoughts. This fosters a safe and respectful environment for learning and growth.
- Example 2: Realm Makers brings together Christians from diverse backgrounds and expressions of faith. When interacting, try to understand their point of view first. Sometimes, simply acknowledging their perspective, which they hold as strongly as you do yours, is enough. You’re unlikely to change deeply held beliefs in a brief conversation, but you can always cultivate unity and mutual respect.
2. Strive to Speak Christ Within the Story, Experiences, and Perspective of Others
Scripture: “To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.” — 1 Corinthians 9:22 (NASB)
At the Conference: Connect with others on their level, understanding their unique journey and weaving in the truth of Christ in a relevant, relatable way. You’ll find writers at every stage of the journey at Realm Makers. Try to always have two hands reaching: one reaching forward for your next milestone, and the other reaching back to pull someone forward toward milestones you’ve already hit.
- Example: If you meet a fellow writer struggling with self-doubt about their calling, share a personal anecdote of a time you faced similar fears and how God’s faithfulness saw you through, rather than offering generic advice. This demonstrates empathy and makes your witness more impactful.
3. Create Spaces of Value and Honor for Others
Scripture: “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.” — Romans 12:9-13 (NASB)
At the Conference: Actively look for opportunities to elevate and celebrate others, making them feel seen and appreciated.
- Example 1: If you see someone standing alone, invite them to join your group for lunch.
- Example 2: If a speaker delivers a particularly insightful session, approach them afterward to express genuine appreciation and highlight a specific point that resonated with you.
- Example 3: Cheer loudly and passionately for writers winning awards or announcing new releases. Celebrate their success as if it were your own; they’re creating new fans of fantastical Christian stories, which benefits everyone in the genre.
- Example 4: At the Realm Awards, pick one winner and become their biggest fan. Buy their book, read it, and if you like it, tell all your friends. Better yet, consider picking a runner-up instead of a winner—being a finalist and not winning can be disappointing, and your interest in their work will bless that writer more than you know.
4. Strive to Heal Broken Relationships
Scripture: “…with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” — Ephesians 4:2-3 (NASB)
At the Conference: Conferences can sometimes bring diverse personalities together. Be an agent of reconciliation if tensions arise.
- Example 1: If you overhear a misunderstanding or a slight between two attendees, consider gently intervening to help bridge the gap, perhaps by clarifying a misspoken word or encouraging both parties to seek common ground.
- Example 2: If your roommate seems short with you, go back to them later that day and talk it over with grace and understanding. Perhaps they just had a rough pitch session or realized they needed to rewrite their whole book.
5. Resist Traveling the Easy Road of Being Offended and Be Quick to Give and Seek Forgiveness
Scripture: “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32 (NASB 1995)
At the Conference: Choose grace over resentment. With this year’s conference being bigger than ever, and the addition of the Fan Expo, things might not always go exactly as planned. Remember, the enemy often watches for us to take the bait of offense, leading to grudges and negative emotions. Let’s instead prioritize Christ’s command to love one another.
- Example 1: If someone accidentally cuts in front of you in the author signing line or interrupts you during a conversation, resist the urge to feel offended. Instead, offer a kind smile and extend forgiveness.
- Example 2: We will sometimes offend people without even knowing it. If you’ve inadvertently caused offense, be quick to apologize.
- Example 3: If a speaker cancels at the last minute or an Expo screening doesn’t happen due to a technical issue, give the organizers and volunteers grace.
Example 4: If you’re at a panel and the proctor doesn’t get to your question before it ends, remember they are volunteers who paid to be there, sacrificing their own conference time to facilitate your experience. Give them grace. You can often approach the panelist immediately after and still get your question answered.
6. Invest in the Well-being of Others
Scripture: “We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 (NASB)
At the Conference: Look for practical ways to support and encourage your fellow writers.
- Example: If you notice a new writer looking overwhelmed, offer a word of encouragement or point them to helpful resources. If someone expresses a need for prayer, pray with them, or if you don’t feel comfortable, direct them to one of the Prayer Team volunteers.
7. Use a Greater Mind Than Our Own with Others
Scripture: “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” — Philippians 2:2–3 (NASB)
At the Conference: Prioritize the needs and interests of others above your own desire to promote yourself.
- Example 1: Instead of constantly trying to tell others about your own story, focus on learning about their needs and offering genuinely helpful insights or connections. Maybe you know someone who writes in a similar microgenre to them, becoming the conduit God uses to bring a writer to a lifelong critique partner or a student to their long-awaited mentor. Let your humility and helpfulness speak for themselves.
- Example 2: When you pitch your book to agents or editors, concentrate on their needs. If it looks like they just had an intense pitch appointment, ask if they would like a minute to reset. We often struggle with transitions in our fast-paced world, and that’s only amplified at the conference. Give their soul a moment to recover.
8. Depend on the Help of the Holy Spirit to Bring Insight and Healing in Every Situation
Scripture: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB)
At the Conference: Recognize that true wisdom and effective ministry come from God, not from our own strength. Make Him the center of everything you say and do this weekend.
- Example 1: Before attending the Realm Awards Dinner or a stressful pitch session, pause and pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance to speak truth in love and to receive feedback with an open heart. Seek out the Prayer Team if you need someone to pray with you.
- Example 2: Before each keynote, say a silent prayer: “Papa, Jesus, Holy Spirit, what are You doing in this session? What do You have to say to me?”
9. Constantly Seek Personal Transformation
Scripture: “…and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” — Ephesians 4:23-24 (NASB)
At the Conference: View every interaction and session as an opportunity for God to refine you.
- Example: If a speaker or mentor challenges a preconceived notion you held about writing or ministry, be open to adjusting your perspective. Embrace feedback, even if it’s uncomfortable, as a tool for growth and becoming more like Christ.
10. Expect God-Moments
Scripture: “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” — Hebrews 11:6 (NASB)
At the Conference: Approach the conference with an expectant heart, believing that God will show up in unexpected and powerful ways.
- Example: Be open to divine appointments – a chance encounter with someone who profoundly encourages you, a timely word of wisdom from a mentor, or an unexpected breakthrough in your writing journey that only God could orchestrate.
By intentionally applying these ten Christ-like attitudes, we, the attendees of Realm Makers, can transform our conference experience from a mere professional event into a powerful demonstration of God’s love and a catalyst for personal and communal growth. Let’s not just write about faith; let’s live it out in every interaction.
