“The faintest pencil is stronger than the strongest memory.”

Poppy Smith, international speaker and writer, spoke these words at the Fall Oregon Christian Writer’s Conference on Saturday, October 16th. Her message was on the power of words and our duty as writers to answer God’s calling to write those words that matter.

Poppy was an incredible speaker and the entire conference was full of inspiration and advice. Writing is no easy job, despite the common misconception of the writer lazily drinking coffee at a cafe and typing away with ease. For some, this may be the case, but for the other 99 percent of writers, it is tireless hours at the computer. Writing, rewriting, editing and polishing a manuscript only to go through it all again.

Writing tests the character, Poppy says. In self-discipline, in patience, in faithfulness, in kindness… and so many other ways. But every struggle in our lives is another way for God to mold our character and transform us – whether that is writing, family troubles, job changes, etc.

As writers, we’re able to reach potentially thousands to hundreds of thousands with our words. That’s why we must push through the struggle to get those words out there – words that have the power to change lives.

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Some fun snapshots from the conference with my writing buddies!

Hillary Manton Lodge, author of "Plain Jayne" and "Simply Sara."

Christina Berry, author of "The Familiar Stranger," a Christy Finalist and winner of a Carol (Book of the Year) Award and Jessica Johnson, one of the "Diamond Girls."