“This conference really helped me get a foothold of understanding the writing and publishing world, meet people who could help me, and feel a little less alone on my writing journey.”
—2021 conference attendee
“As a writer, I loved [LDSPMA’s annual] conference! I’m a nobody in the middle of nowhere but had the opportunity to feed on so many things! The presenters, those selected to speak, and the subjects I was able to choose, all of that came together with precision with a wealth of information in the mix. I’m still trying to follow up on my notes. Added to that, everyone was a Latter-day Saint. That impacted everything: the goals, and attitudes, the advice. I didn’t need to worry about whom to trust like we might do in other situations. The world is too caught up in making the money, not in ‘how’ to do it the Lord’s way.”
—Lynn Steen
“I didn’t know what to expect coming here, but it was fantastic. A bit of sensory overload for a novice like myself, but it made me put myself and my work out there a little more, and that is incredibly valuable to me.”
—2021 conference attendee
“I attended [LDSPMA’s annual conference] two years ago and again this year and both times I was blown away. The spirit of the Holy Ghost is strong with LDSPMA. I have attended similar conferences over the years and often notice the void of not feeling the spirit.”
—Sarah Hinze, Author and Filmmaker, Remembering Heaven
“The Fast Pitch sessions were incredibly helpful for an aspiring writer who had no idea where to begin.”
—2021 conference attendee
“Not long before LDSPMA’s first annual conference, we had a vacancy open up in our staff for an entry-level editor. I went to the annual meeting with the purpose in mind of meeting some recently graduated editors whom we could encourage to apply for the position. We ended up hiring (after the regular evaluation process) an LDSPMA member I met at that annual meeting. This is one of the many benefits I have seen of participating in LDSPMA—the opportunity for employers and potential applicants to meet and learn about one another.”
—Eric Smith, Editorial Manager, Joseph Smith Papers Project
“I appreciated the faith aspect and the reminder that I do not write alone and that I have a responsibility to represent my standards in what I write.”
—2021 conference attendee
“I went to the founding meeting of LDSPMA back when I was a student because it was exciting to be part of something and help it get off the ground, and the brainstorming and collaboration that occurred there was really promising. I felt like I was a part of something.
“That feeling has continued, but I stayed mostly because of the people. The board members are amazing, and the organization is so small that there are tons of opportunities for interaction and communication with seasoned professionals.
“There’s also the vision and values of LDSPMA. There isn’t any other organization I know of that is trying to bring together Latter-day Saint professionals in such an uplifting training and collaboration ground. Latter-day Saints are uniquely positioned (even obligated) to disseminate uplifting and virtuous content, and this organization is trying to support that purpose.”
—Leah Welker
“I wanted to gain contacts and instruction for my editing career and inspiration for my writing hobby. All of my expectations were exceeded.”
—2021 conference attendee