Q: Where is Mount Hermon?

A: Mount Hermon is located in Felton, California, between San Jose and Santa Cruz. Full details of traveling to/from Mount Hermon are on our Getting There page.

Q: Is this the same conference held by Mount Hermon for fifty years?

A: No. Though it will include many, many elements (including several historic faculty) of that beloved legacy conference. Mount Hermon made the difficult decision to end their conference at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. The Vision Christian Writers Conference has stepped into that space with its own version … bringing all the best bits of the historical conference into a new endeavor. So, though VCWC is not run by or directed by Mount Hermon, it IS held with the full support and blessing of Mount Hermon.

Q: What is the same as the Mt. Hermon version?

A: Major morning tracks, many familiar faculty, including agents, editors, and publishers, craft and career workshops galore, worship and evening keynote sessions, faculty tables at meals, appointments with faculty, your wonderful friends (new and old!), and, of course, the beautiful Mt. Hermon campus!

Q: What is different?

A: New teaching and mentoring options, sharing the campus with other groups, a limited number of registration slots (at least this year!), having to make our own beds, and the conference being more affordable than in previous years (yes, you read that right!).

Q: What does the Mentoring Track consist of?

A. If you are looking for hands-on, one-on-one mentoring for your project, platform, and career, this add-on option is for you. In the mentoring track, you will meet with your mentor for a one-on-one consult during the Major Morning Track sessions on each of the four days of the conference. Each day will focus on a separate aspect of your journey: your writing, platform, marketing, and next steps (with flexibility based on your individual circumstances). The remaining morning track time will be spent working on action steps, any homework your mentor assigns, or in a Major Morning Track of your choice. The length of the session with the mentor will vary from day to day but ranges from around 30 minutes to around 45 minutes.

You will also be asked to complete an in-depth questionnaire prior to the conference, which gets passed on to your mentor, so they are fully briefed before the conference begins. You can also submit a writing sample (or book proposal, etc.) in advance, up to a maximum of 10,000 words.

Note: We will assign the mentor to each mentee and will do our best to assign the most appropriate mentor but cannot guarantee a particular mentor. Each mentor has a maximum of four mentees.

Q: Will it be possible to make appointments with editors, agents, or other faculty, to get feedback, pitch a book proposal, etc.?

YES! One of the hallmarks of the Vision Christian Writers Conference is the flexibility we offer regarding appointments. You are able to make 15-minute appointments with editors, agents, etc. for any purpose at all. On the first evening of the conference, you are able to set 3 appointments (to ensure late arrivals still have an opportunity). After the first evening, it’s basically a free-for-all, but the general rule is you may only make one appointment per faculty member. However, that doesn’t mean they are not allowed to meet with you, if they want to.

How this works in practice, on the first evening, all the faculty members are in a room with sign-up sheets, so you just find the people you want appointments with and add your name to their sheet for your preferred timeslot. After that first evening, you can just approach someone to make an appointment when you see them around.

In addition, faculty members will also be available (on a rotating basis) at assigned tables during lunch and dinner (though not all faculty at every meal, and they have breakfast to themselves). This allows you also to chat with faculty in a group setting, make a mini-pitch, etc.

Q: Is there a virtual attendance (online/Zoom) option?

A: Unfortunately, it just isn’t feasible to run the conference both in-person and virtually, so, no, there is no online-only option.

Q: Will the sessions be recorded?

A: We recorded the vast majority of workshops in 2023 but interest was very low, so we probably will not be recording workshops moving forward.

Q: What special teaching options are there?

A: As well as the Major Morning Tracks, Workshops, and Mentor Track (see above), we may also add double-length workshops (“Intensives”), “night owls” (late evening workshops), and Q&A sessions, depending on demand, faculty availability, etc.

Q: How is the conference structured?

A: Very similar to conferences in the past. We will have evening worship and keynotes, major morning tracks (based around one topic/genre and continuing through the four days), afternoon workshops, and a Sunday morning service. Meals will be at scheduled times in the dining hall, and at both lunch and dinner, you will have the opportunity to sit with faculty at mealtimes to pitch to or ask questions.

Q: Is this conference for beginning, intermediate, or career writers?

A: All of the above! There will be teaching across several genres and all writing levels.

Q: Crucial things we should know?

A: The only big difference to this conference is that the registration number is capped. Past conferences were the only group on campus, so all accommodation was available, but that’s no longer the case. So, if you are hoping to go, you will need to register early to ensure both the type of accommodation you prefer AND that you get a spot at all. Once the slots are taken, registration will be closed.

Also, the weather changes quickly, so pack a little of everything. Even if days are sunny and warm, nights can be very chilly. And rain in the coastal redwoods is always a possibility.

Oh … don’t forget good walking shoes! They are a really, really good idea.

Q: Is there a Dress Code?

A: Not really. We want you to be comfortable, so we have attendees who are in jeans and a sweatshirt all the way up to business casual. Most are on the very informal end of that spectrum, however.

Q: Can I have my friend/spouse/relative sleep in my room with me without registering?

A: No. Everyone on campus must be a registered guest, including in all lodging. This is partially because we are sharing the campus with other groups and Mt. Hermon has legal limits on how many people can be on campus. If we have “extras,” we are jeopardizing their compliance, and thus jeopardizing our ability to hold conferences in the future. Also, your conference badge is required to get into meals, so no food, or other option to get food, would be available.

However, we may have a few Spouse Registration spaces available. Please contact the conference director for more information (director@vcwconf.com). With a Spouse registration you get a discounted price. Spouses are not able to attend any of the teaching sessions or appointments and may not site at faculty-hosted tables but may attend the evening worship/keynote sessions, all meals, etc.

We want to be good, honorable guests, so please do not allow any person not registered for the conference to stay in your room. Please ask us if you have any questions.

Q: Explain the faculty selection process, please.

A: To craft the best conference experience possible, several anchor faculty slots will be filled by invitation. However, unlike other conferences, there will also be a portion of faculty positions available by application.

Details about those opportunities, and how to apply for the next conference are usually available in April or May of the preceding year.

Q: Are there any scholarships available?

A: There are a very limited number of partial scholarships available. Please contact conference@vcwconf.com for more information or to apply.

Q: I don’t have a roommate, but I want shared accommodation. What do I do?

A: We will assign you a roommate if you do not have one. Many past attendees’ best friendships happened because they were placed with someone who would become a wonderful part of their lives and writing journeys. Unless registrants are married, housing is not co-ed.

Q: I love the Mentor Track option, but I’m a beginner / career writer / somewhere in the middle. Is this for me?

A: Absolutely. No matter where you are on your writing journey, our rock star mentors can help you with next steps and marketable insight.

Q: I want to fly in, is there a conference shuttle available from the nearest airport?

A: Unfortunately, we will not be running a shuttle for attendees. But there are car rentals at and near the airport should you need them, as well as local shuttles, Uber & Lyft. We generally create a group on Facebook where you can arrange carpooling and ridesharing options from your hometown or from the airport.

Our nearest major airport is in San Jose (SJC).

Q: Will there be pre-conference clinics or early-arrival options?

A: Unfortunately, not this year. We are hopeful for the future, however!

Q: I have significant dietary issues. What are my options?

A: In the past, Mount Hermon has worked to provide enough variety at mealtimes to accommodate many food restrictions (such as a deconstructed salad bar and build your own sandwiches, as well as limited gluten-free options, etc.). The food is served buffet-style, usually with a couple of entrees and several side options. For updated information about what potential modifications will be available due to the reduced staff and services, you will need to contact Mount Hermon directly closer to the event. There are no refrigerators in any accommodation type.

Because of the vast numbers of people they are catering for, and the leaner-than-in-the-past staff, they cannot accommodate preferences. However, if you have a serious issue, like gluten intolerance or a grave allergy, you can let Mt. Hermon know of your issue at tinyurl.com/mhspecialdiet and they will try to accommodate you. Please do not make special requests that are not needs/medically based.

Q: Will my room have a fridge?

A: No, none of the lodge rooms at Mount Hermon have fridges, whether deluxe, standard, or economy.

Q: What is the refund/cancelation policy?

A: Mount Hermon has a very strict refund policy we must follow, which is:

    • From time of registration to 121 days prior to conference, 75% of registration fee will be refunded
    • From 120 to 91 days prior to conference, 50% will be refunded
    • From 90 to 61 days, 25% will be refunded
    • Less than 61 days prior to conference, no refunds are made

NOTE: Like we said above, TRAVEL INSURANCE is a GREAT idea!

Q: Can I change the type of room I'm registered in?

Under certain circumstances, we are able to change your registration (upgrades/downgrades, single to double, double to single, etc.) but we reserve the right to charge a processing fee for such changes. We also cannot guarantee such changes will be possible.

Q: Can I come early to the conference, either the day before or on the day of? Or stay an extra night?

A: Unfortunately, no. Mt. Hermon cannot offer accommodations or meals the night before the conference starts (or the night the conference ends). And, on the day of, with the exception of a small number of conference staff, we are not allowed to have attendees on campus until just before registration opens, at 4:30 pm. No food is available at Mt. Hermon until dinner on Friday night.

Q: Does VCWC assist with the Visa application process for non-American attendees?

A: Vision Christian Writers Conference does not supply “invitation” letters or visa application assistance to non-American attendees. The process for many countries requiring a visa to visit the U.S.A. is individual and must be handled directly between the attendee and the appropriate governmental authorities. For many countries, the process involves registering for the conference, then providing proof of registration to the appropriate authority. However, all such actions and transactions, both in determining the relevant requirements and in the obtaining, processing, and funding of the actual visa, are the sole responsibility of the attendee.

Q: I’m new to this whole conference thing. Will you have any kind of guidance for me?

A: YES! We generally hold a virtual pre-conference orientation session (via Zoom) that will be held about a month before the conference. (We’ll send out emails, have information on our website, and get the word out through social media).

At that orientation, we’ll go over everything from what to pack to conference lingo to how to navigate the beautiful Mt. Hermon grounds. We’ll answer all your burning questions, too. It’ll be like a little pre-taste of the awesomeness coming.

Q: What's the difference between a Major Morning Track and a Workshop?

A: A Major Morning Track is a deep dive into a particular topic, across each day of the conference, with each day building on the previous day’s teaching.

A workshop, on the other hand, is a one-off 45-50-minute teaching session on a more specific topic. We generally recommend attending the same Major Morning Track each day, though you are free to attend whichever sessions you like.

Q: Do we need to sign up for major morning tracks or workshops?

A: No, no sign ups will be required, you just show up. The one exception to this is when we have a Professional Track available, which does not happen each year. When there is a Professional Track option, it has it’s own application process, as it’s intended for professional writers only. Acceptance onto the Professional Track will be at the conference director’s discretion.

(Note: The Mentoring Track is also only available to those who purchased this optional add-on.)