Write His Answer Ministries is the umbrella for my writing and speaking ministry and my ministry to other Christian writers through
~ Bible studies | |
~ the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference that I founded in 1983 and continue to direct and the Colorado Christian Writers Conference that I began directing in 1997 |
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~ Christian writing seminars and retreats |
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~ editing and mentoring services to Christian writers |
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~ helping Christian publish affordably but professionally through Ampelos Press |
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~ the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Fellowship that I founded in 1983. I host a morning and evening virtual critique group.. |
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~ how-to books for writers at a reduced price and a secure shopping cart |
I felt a call to full-time Christian service as a teenager. If anyone had told me then, however, that God was calling me to a writing and speaking ministry, I would have said, “A loving God would never do that to me!” I hated English in high school, and I was terrified of the public speaking class we were required to take.
God’s plan was certainly not my plan. Instead, it is “infinitely beyond [my] highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes” (Eph 3:20 TLB)! He has given me the joy and privilege of being part of Christian publishing since 1968. I have made over 1,000 sales to Christian periodicals and have authored ten books including an expanded edition of Write His Answer – A Bible Study for Christian Writers in print over 30 years! I am the compiler and editor of For Better, For Worse – Devotional Thoughts for Married Couples and My Turn to Care – Encouragement for Caregivers of Aging Parents.
The Lord has opened so many doors, including the opportunity to serve on the faculty of over 75 Christian writers conferences and to give my one- and two-day Christian writers seminars over 50 times around the nation. And I never cease to be awed by what He does at each year’s Colorado and Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference that I direct. The 37th Philly conference is going virtual June 24-26, 2021; the 24th Colorado conference is going virtual August 26-28, 2021. When He blessed me with an honorary Doctor of Letters in May 1999, all I could say was, “Wow!” Only God could take someone who felt as inadequate as I did (and often still do) and make all this happen.
What is the 2011 date for the Chrisitan Writers Confernce in Estees Park, Colorado?
May 11-14, 2011.
Hi Marlene, How long has it been since we connected? Only recently I feel a deep desire to go higher with the Lord. To make my life matter for eternity. The Lord has brought me through many things. How do I get started writing again? Linda Weiler
Good to hear from you, Linda. How do you get started writing again? I want to encourage you to journal so you don’t miss the things the Lord is teaching you. And then ask Him if He wants you to turn your journal entries into blogs.
Hi Marlene, I’m so happy you are my “friend” and I look forward to following you on your blog. I am a member of Louisville Christian Writers. I hope to attend the Florida Christian Writers Conference this year as well as the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference. My children’s book, Benny’s Angel, should be printed by August and launched by November. I am blogging on it’s production process, among other things, on diggingingodsgarden.com. God is indeed awesome and I praise Him for His goodness and grace in my life!
[…] with authors, agents, editors and others from a variety of publishing houses, both big and small. Marlene Bagnull, who is the director of CCWC, did a great job chosing her speakers and staff. Opportunities to […]
Where is the 2012 conference being held?
What are the costs?
Which conference – Colorado or Philly?
Which conference – Colorado or Philly?
colorado
[…] Marlene Bagnull, the amazing woman who directs CCWC, is an absolutely blessing to be around. She truly lives a life of prayer throughout each day, and faces each challenge or problem with even more prayer. Marlene also directs the Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference in August. I highly recommend attending either of these conferences that you are able. […]
Marlene, I don’t know if you remember me. I’m Penney Rahm and we were members of Drexel Hill Baptist Church in the mid-70’s. I am a UM pastor, just appointed to Trinity UMC in Clearfield, PA (between State College & Altoona). I just discovered your website. You have clearly been doing the Lord’s work. I, too, have been writing, but don’t know anything about publishing. I’ve got short worship plays and most of a book about Jesus’ encounters with various people. Anyway, how are you?
What a wonderful surprise to hear from you! Yes, of course, I remember you. Do you remember the day I read you and Jean “Flossie the Floppy Earred Bassett Hound of Barking Hollow”? Needles to say, it never did get in print. 🙂
We’re living within walking distance of our three grandhcildren who we babysit several days a week. Between them and the two conferences I keep really busy. Have you visited the website for the August 1-4 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference? You’d learn so much about publishing even if you could just come for a day or two. Torry Martin who represents Lillenas Publishing would also be a good person to talk to about your worship plays. It would be great to see you again. http://www.writehisanswer.com – click on the Philly picture or calendar entry.
His blessings – Marlene
Hi, Marlene. Boy, you sure have developed quite a ministry. I wish I could go to the Writer’s Workshop, but I just arrived at my new appointment on the 1st of July, so vacation so soon is not an option. But, I will certainly keep it on the radar for next year. I would have loved meeting Ken Gire. He is one of my favorite authors. My friends tell me that some of my rewriting of Biblical stories is similar. I’m taking an on-line course now in writing fiction. It’s just a 6 week course through our vo-tech, although the course is national, but I’ve not taken a writing course since college.
Are you still living in Drexel Hill? Do you still go to church at DHBC? I became a United Methodist in 1988–I do better with the appointment system rather than the call. In the 80’s, it was almost impossible to get a call as a woman.
I pray God will bless your workshop. It sounds wonderful. How many people usually come?
a friend of Jesus,
Penney
[…] was excited to attend this conference headed by Marlene Bagnull and to meet my new friend, Bonnie Calhoun. She autographed a copy for me of her best selling book, […]
Hi Mrs. Bagnull! Do you remember me from DHBC in the 70’s as well? Christy Conant…the youngest “Conant girl?” Carolyn Ruch is a dear friend and I was glad to hear you are her friend as well. How is your daughter doing?
I have a family of four boys and a husband and teach for a school down in West Philly, but live in Telford, PA.
Blessings to you!!
Christy Conant Gross
Hi Christy – It’s certainly, as they say, a “small world.” And yes, of course, I remember you. I saw your parents this fall when Kurt & Barbara Frank were visiting from California. The years at DHBC were so special. Sharon, our oldest, is a security guard at Drexelbrook. Debbie is a pediatrician with Panda Bear Pediatrics, and Robbie is an engineer. He and his wife life in South Carolina. We babysit Deb’s three children several days a week. We are so grateful the Lord moved us to Lansdale (without walking distance of Deb’s) three years ago. Great to hear from you. His blessings – Marlene
It is a small world! I remember Sharon from Drexelbrook! We lived there when we first were married and she helped us several times! I remember calling her when an elderly neighbor was not doing well and there was another time I dropped my motorcycle and she helped me pick it up!
Debbie was closer to my age, if I remember correctly. We attend Salford Mennonite Church in Harleysville, Pa. Carolyn came over and spoke for us yesterday.
I look forward to reading your blog and enjoy writing myself!
Christy
When is the next conference for 2014? I missed it.
Hi Dawn – Don’t know how I missed your question. Please forgive me. The 2014 Philly conference is July 30 – August 2. The Colorado conference is May 14-17. Both are in the planning stage right now.
Dear Marlene,
I had not attended a Christian Writers conference for over a decade, because my medical writing work focused on Pharma writing and attending conferences in that secular world.
The 2014 conference in Langhorne, PA this summer helped me catch up with what is happening in the publishing world of fiction and nonfiction writing and helped me define my writing ministry. What is so different from secular conferences, however, is that one is uplifted with the singing, inspired speakers, and lasting friendships.
I thank God for your persistent advertising brochure for the conference over the years for me to finally say “yes” to Jesus – I was going to attend, if only a day, no matter what, but stayed four! Thank-you for not dropping me from your mailing list and for your generous outreach to me!
God bless all of your endeavors, Lynda
Hi, I’m glad you are back…I spent a great deal of time in my garden over the summer and now its time to put the bed to sleep. I really want to get my poetry outside of my walls. I will be going to the web to see the dates for 2015 conference. Have a great day.
Hey Marlene!! Fun to cruise through your website again 🙂 Thanks so much for following HearMoreFrom God. You are such an encouragement!!
Isn’t it funny how our heavenly Father will use ordinary circumstances to speak to us? Sorry to hear you twisted your knee – I know that pain right now – dancing at my sons wedding I did it too. In a brace and doing PT again. Preparing something on God’s PT – would love to send it to you…
May God work quickly in your healing and empower you daily for all He has for you. May His presence encourage and strengthen you. God bless your day! Laura
[…] Marlene Bagnull has been directing conferences in Philadelphia and Colorado since the mid 1980s. I highly recommend […]
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