Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for the ‘Colorado Christian Writers Conference’ Category

How to Write a Book

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Craft of writing, Get your book in print, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference on April 19, 2016| 2 Comments »

Debbie Hardy for GPGuest Post
CCWC & GPCWC
Faculty Member
Debbie Hardy

Many people with the urge to write a book have no idea what’s involved. They’ve probably told amusing stories at parties and had someone say they should write them down.

It’s not easy, but it is possible.

  1. Write what you’re passionate about.

Writing and publishing a book can take years, and if you’re not passionate about the subject, you’ll tire of it long before the process is completed.

  1. Join a writers’ group.

These are writers who assist each other to improve their manuscripts and encourage one another to keep writing. Listening to suggestions and editing your manuscript can make it better and easier to read.

  1. Puke your book out.

I know this sounds gross, but puking your book out is exactly what you need to do. When you physically “toss your cookies,” you keep puking until everything is out, and then you clean it up. Same thing with writing. Get it all out from inside you, and then clean it up.

  1. Rewrite and have your manuscript critiqued again.

You want readers to love your work, so give it to critical folks for their reaction before even thinking about publishing. And don’t become defensive when they tell you what they’d like to see changed. These are readers, just like those you hope will buy your book and tell others about it.

  1. Marketing is up to you, not the publisher.

Learn all you can about how to market your book and yourself. Even if all your friends and family members buy a copy, you’ll need to sell more. Keep learning and marketing.

How to Write a Book AND Get It Published contains 45 more steps in the writing and publishing process, many of which you hadn’t thought of! Check it out on Amazon.com.


Colorado Christian Writers Conference, May 11-14 – Debbie is teaching “Pitching to Agents, Publishers, and TV/Radio Producers” and “Say It with Humor.”

 

Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, August 3-6 – Debbie is teaching “Add Humor to Your Writing.”

Read Full Post »

Wanted: Fiction Writers for Kids

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Craft of writing, Writing for Kids on April 18, 2016| 1 Comment »

sheila_seifert

Wanted: Fiction Writers for Kids

Guest post by Sheila Seifert
Parenting Editor
Focus on the Family magazine

 

Have you heard the bad news? The children’s book market is down. Publishers aren’t buying kids’ fiction, and those who do almost don’t pay anything for it. [Insert heavy sighs and depressed teenage groans.]

 

Of course, I’ve heard these common complaints for decades, yes, 20 years. Those erroneous rumors didn’t stop me from co-authoring seven children’s books, with the newest being released this May: Bible Kidventures: Stories of Danger and Courage. But if you reckon those rumors are real, there are only two routes to take: Give up your dream or carry on with what God has called you to do — write.

 

All my children’s books sell as fiction, but five in this family are, in fact, creative nonfiction — stories that are factually true, in my case Bible stories, and written using literary techniques. Creative nonfiction, like a misunderstood child, is able to reveal truth about an experience. The best creative nonfiction starts with what really happened — in the Bible, science, history or even your own life. Then literary techniques are applied to it as a much-needed canvas-cover over stark tent poles.

 

Consider the presentation of David and Goliath in this free download. The way it is set up, not just the story, moves it into the arena of creative nonfiction. The genre itself includes not only personal essays, but also writings about food, travel and individuals. These articles and books range from the blog-like style of Ann Voscamp’s 1000 Gifts to personal reflections, memoirs and chronicles. Yet how the story is presented makes the nonfiction manuscript even more accessible to readers.

 

There is no limit to what you can write for children using nonfiction topics and fiction techniques. And the market for it continues to grow. Teachers need creative nonfiction in the classroom — in science, math, social studies and English classes. Sunday school teachers need it. Book clubs are looking for it. And parents like books that help their kids learn as they read. Children, teachers and parents make this market a burgeoning base of revenue.

 

So what makes good creative nonfiction for kids? Good research, the balance between knowing what you can fictionalize and what you can’t, and choosing the right fiction techniques for your story. If you’d like to learn more about this trending category of writing, consider coming to my Wednesday workshop at the 2016 Colorado Christian Writers Conference called “Writing Creative Nonfiction for Kids.” You won’t regret it.

 

And if you don’t believe me, here’s what Jessica Strawser wrote in an article on the Writers’ Digest Blog: “All nonfiction should be creative nonfiction.” I couldn’t agree more, especially when it’s written for kids.

Read Full Post »

Part 2 – Interview with Allen Arnold

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Writer's Life on April 14, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Allen Arnold 2 Mar 2015
Nurturing the Heart
of the Storyteller
Donna Brennan
Interviews Allen Arnold
Part 2

Question: So I need to work with God as I write my novel and tell my story. But what about after the story is written? Then I have to go to conferences and pitch my manuscript; and get a blog and try to build a following; and I’ll need an author page on Facebook; and I should start tweeting on a regular basis; and what about Pinterest and Instagram… That all sounds so exhausting. Is there a better way to get my book in the hands of readers and still find time to work on my next story?

Right – it doesn’t just sound exhausting. It is exhausting. What I’ll say here is counter to much advice within the industry. But I think sometimes those in an industry can repeat an answer so many times that it starts to sound like absolute truth when it is just opinion. Let me offer another opinion based on working with hundreds of authors during 20 years in publishing as well as my experience now in a ministry that focuses on the heart.

I understand that publishing houses have less staff than they did years ago – so the more an author can do to promote their book, the better. And the larger following they have online, the higher the odds of a successful launch. That is horizontal (human) wisdom – but large on-line followings actually don’t guarantee a book’s success. And those called to write are not usually equally gifted at marketing. So rather than taking half your writing time to strive after social media – what if you spent 95% of your time doing what you were called to do, which is to create and write?

Sure it’s important to promote your book. Find others who are gifted at marketing and find a way for them to spearhead it – whether you pay them or trade services. Absolutely do the interviews and participate in spreading the word about why you wrote your book. But to assume your project will only succeed if you succeed at social media is not only exhausting…but basically godless because the assumption is it is all up to you to make it happen. In the great stories of the Bible – victory was never all on the shoulders of the person following God. If God has given you this message, then He will not be sidetracked by you not tweeting enough or not building your platform.

Please don’t take my comments as minimizing the promotional aspect of publishing. My degree is in marketing and I spent much of my career at major advertising agencies and overseeing author branding. I believe in the power of great promotions – I just don’t believe the author should feel they must become marketing experts or spend hours a day on social media to achieve success in the calling God has given them. I want these words to alleviate stress and allow authors to breathe deep so they can focus more on their calling.

_____________

Note from Marlene: Thank you, Donna, for your great question. And thank you, Allen, for your important and insightful response. Father, please help us not to leave You out of the equation. Forgive us for thinking we are responsible to make it happen in our own strength.

Be watching tomorrow for the chapter, “Driven or Led?” from my book, Write His Answer – A Bible Study for Christian Writers.

Allen will be keynoting and teaching a continuing session of almost 6 hours at the May 11-14 Colorado Christian Writers Conference. His topic:

From Overwhelmed to Creative Breakthrough
Has the initial joy of creativity been replaced with feeling sof being overwhelmed, disheartened, and alone? A refreshing journey into why God invited you to write in the first place, what your true identity means, and how you can actively create together with the Creator. It’s an interactive, invigorating class that is equal parts practical and mysterious. Gain peace, clarity, and break through to the story you are living as well as the story you are writing. You were never meant to write alone!

The registration fee increases April 16 so I encourage you to  register now! If your schedule and finances make it seem impossible, remember nothing is impossible with the Lord. Partial scholarships are still available. Email me. We’ll find a creative way to make it work!

Possible And Impossible Keys Show Optimism And Positivity

 

 

 

 

 

Read Full Post »

Nurturing the Heart of the Storyteller – Part 1

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Writer's Life on April 12, 2016| 2 Comments »

Allen Arnold 2 Mar 2015
Donna Brennan
Interviews
CCWC Faculty Member
Allen Arnold

As founder and former Publisher of Thomas Nelson Fiction, Allen Arnold was a strong advocate not just for story, but for the storyteller. He has worked with hundreds of authors and published more than 500 novels in his 20 years in Christian publishing.

Allen’s personal ministry is now to nurture the heart and spirituality of the storyteller. More recently, as Director of Content and Resources at Ransomed Heart Ministry, he has been able to expand his reach to help many others—besides just authors—get closer to God and live the story of their life with an awakened heart.

But Allen still has a special place in his own heart for the storyteller. That’s why he’s such a popular presenter at Christian writing conferences, and part of the reason he received the ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.

Allen will be keynoting and presenting a five-part continuing session at the May 11-14 Colorado Christian Writers Conference entitled “From Overwhelmed to Creative Breakthrough.” I caught up with him to ask him some questions about this session and about his passion for nurturing the hearts of others.

Question: If I sell my stories and articles, then I’m a writer, or an author. That’s my identity; that’s who I am. Or am I missing something?

Here’s what is missing in that assumption: being called to write is not dependent on whether your article or story sells (“IF my story sells, THEN I am a writer”). God calls people in ways that often never correlate to monetary validation. That said, even when a person is called to be a writer and even if they sell millions of stories, that is never their identity. Your identity goes far deeper than being a writer. At your core, you are a son or daughter of the Father. He knows you by name. For who you are…not what you do.

Some children of God are called to create. But calling isn’t your core identity – which is quite freeing because no matter what happens within your calling, it can’t touch your identity

Question: I think most Christian writers believe they are called by God to write their stories. So, after we spend the necessary time learning the craft, all we need to do is start writing, correct? After all, if God wants us to produce, we should be busy producing. Isn’t that how we obey our calling?

The thought that writers should just get “busy producing” is prevalent…and toxic. And it is because it puts our focus on “doing” rather than “being.” And it can cause us to miss the bigger issue of why God invited us to create in the first place. Is it important for authors to improve their craft – yes. But more than that – or perhaps I should say before that – we are called into Creative Fellowship with God. What the world needs most is the warmth from the glow off the face of those who spend time with God. It’s the difference of a storyteller who sits around a small campfire telling stories…and a storyteller whose face is glowing so bright she doesn’t need a campfire to warm the souls of those listening.

Understanding why God invited you to create is the most foundational aspect of your calling. Start there and dive deep into all new waters…then move on to enhance your craft. But by all means start with why you were called and what that means. Because that changes everything.

__________________

Note from Marlene – Thank you, Allen and Donna. I’ll post the rest of this interview tomorrow. For now I think Father would have us reflect deeply on what has already been shared.

And good news – You can register for the May 11-14 Colorado Christian Writers Conference through April 15 at the April 11 price! Click here for more info and to register securely online.

 

Read Full Post »

Meet God on the Mountain!

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference on April 4, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Banner CO 2016 (2)

I know God is going to meet us on the mountain! It’s not too late to register and to reserve a room at the YMCA Estes Park Center. Where else can you open your curtains in the morning and see this?

DSC_4378

Comfortable rooms with private baths are still available. Request roommate matching and your cost per night (including meals) can be as little as $57 a night. Click here for info.

Keep in mind that after April 11 the registration fee increases. Click here for secure online registration.

April 11 is also the deadline for applications for our hands-on clinics.

Photojournalism Clinic

Give your writing a WOW factor by offering top-notch photos with your articles and stories. This hands-on class will cover the step-by-step process of making great photos, writing articles, and merging them for publication. We’ll cover composition, lighting, subject matter, equipment, editing software and specs for independent book covers and inside photos. We’ll discuss greeting cards, special products, affordable POD opportunities, website appeal, finding a niche, marketing, submission of photos and writing, editing of photos for more appeal, and we’ll do some creative brainstorming. The instructor, Sandy Cathcart, has published hundreds of articles and over a thousand photos with regional and national publications, both in the Christian and general markets.

 

fear-of-public-speaking-1

Speaker’s Clinic

Every writer needs to be a speaker, too. If you’ve been avoiding the challenge to begin the speaking part of your ministry or need to improve what you’re already doing, this is the clinic for you. KPOF radio personality Roy Hanschke will help you 1) discover your ministry focus and how to talk about it (power statements), 2) organize one of your talks to maximize time and effectiveness (message development), 3) present your talk with power and pizzazz (voice personality), and 4) market your message through radio (media mania). You’ll have an opportunity to test what you learn and receive helpful evaluation from Roy and your peers.

 

Nonfiction Book Proposal Clinic

Cindy Lambert, a veteran of the publishing industry, will lead a group of six authors in critiquing one another’s proposals, then spend the conference improving and fine-tuning them. She will also have a one-on-one 30-minute appointment with each participant.

Proposal-writing classes have always left me feeling a bit bewildered. Each instructor had their own, different list of “musts,” “do’s,” and “don’ts.”  The fog lifted for me after working with Cindy Lambert at CCWC. A delightful and caring mentor, I would have enjoyed her class under any circumstances. But as a teacher Cindy really zeroed in on: WHAT we needed to include in our proposal, WHY that information was important to an Acquisitions Editor, WHERE each section should be shown for optimum effect, HOW to dig deeply to uncover what made our writing stand out in a crowd, and, maybe most importantly, WHO are our readers?  It took my understanding of writing and publishing to a whole new level. – Lori Hynson

Fiction Intensive

If you are serious about studying the craft of fiction and working toward the goal of publication, or maybe if you’ve been published and need to freshen up and polish your work – the Fiction Intensive with award-winning, best-selling author Kim Woodhouse is for you.

In a close-knit, family-type atmosphere, we gather around the table and dig deep into the manuscripts. Would you like to write tighter? Learn Deep POV? Understand the ins and outs of what makes great fiction? Catch an agent or editor’s attention? Come join us for a time of learning, laughter, and you guessed it – intensive challenge – to bring your work to the very best it can be for the glory of the Lord.

I took a Fiction Intensive from Kim eight months ago. It was hard and she made me work my ‘tail’ off, but I now have an agent and have an offer from a traditional publisher! – Sally S.

I urge fiction writers to take the Fiction Intensive with Kimberley Woodhouse. I’ve long worked with Kim and have learned a great deal from her. I know her teaching will benefit writers at all levels, but especially new writers who are eager to take their writing from good to great!” – Tracie Peterson – best-selling author  of 100+ books

Don’t forget! The deadline for applying for a clinic is April 11. And the cost of the conference increases April 12.

Praying that I’ll see you on the mountain!

 

Read Full Post »

Blessed Is He!

Posted in Called to write, Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference on March 21, 2016| 3 Comments »

Hosanna

“Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”
The crowd cheered and sang praises.
They waved palm branches.
and threw their cloaks before Him.
But Jesus was solemn as He traveled that road –
that road to the cross.

As God incarnate He knew all that was to come.
He saw not just His own death on the cross,
but the persecution of His followers
and the destruction of Jerusalem.
He saw nation rising against nation –
the madness of yet-to-be-born rulers.
And Jesus wept.

He would be wounded and bruised for our sins,
chastised that we might have peace,
lashed that we might be healed;
yet few would accept His gift of life.
The darkness of evil would continue to reign,
but the light of His love
would not be extinguished.

Entrusted to us,
His light will grow brighter.
A cloud of witnesses are cheering us on,
to daily take up our own cross
and follow Him closely.

Blessed is He who is coming – again!

Yes, I believe He is coming soon.

In one of my workshops at the Evangelical Press Association Convention April 6-8 in Lancaster, PA, I plan to quote Chuck Colson’s sobering words in Against the Night, Living in the New Dark Ages.

’Dark Age’ is a strong term. I recognize that. Yet in recent years I’ve had a growing sense of storm clouds gathering on the horizon . . .  The forecast is foreboding . . . We scan the horizon with unease.

     “We sense that things are winding down, that somehow freedom, justice, and order are slipping away. Our great civilization may not yet lie in smoldering ruins, but the enemy is within the gates.

     “The times seem to smell of sunset. Encroaching darkness casts long shadows across every institution in our land. . . . We do face a crisis in Western culture, and it presents the greatest threat to civilization since the barbarians invaded Rome.”

I feel such a strong sense of urgency to “write His answer” – now. I believe the day is fast approaching when we will not have the freedom to print or distribute Christian literature or to share our faith on the Internet. Father, please open our eyes to the “signs of the time” and help us to “Make the most of every chance [we] get. These are desperate times!” (Eph. 5:16 MSG).

Michael Gantt, a pastor from Vermont who keynoted some years back at both the Colorado and the Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference and who is keynoting again at this year’s conferences, said something I’ve never forgotten. “It is very critical that you believe what God has to say is relevant to this generation. It is very critical that you believe, that you believe, that God will use you to bring His message to the world.” Please take 3.5 minutes to view the video at http://youtu.be/-qfhH5NH7XE.

Registration is open for the May 11-14 Colorado Christian Writers Conference. The next 7 people who register online and mention this blog post/email in the Comments will receive a free copy of my book, Write His Answer – A Bible Study for Christian Writers.

Father, please help everyone who reads these words not to doubt You or the gift of words You have entrusted to them. Move mountains to get them to the mountain in Colorado May 11-14. I know You will meet us there.

Jesus riding into Jerusalem

 

Just as Jesus wept over Jerusalem, I believe he weeps over our cities. And I believe He will also meet us at the August 3-6 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference. Plans are underway. I am praising Him for all He is doing and will do.

 

 

 

 

Read Full Post »

Market Research

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Get your book in print, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Marketing on February 27, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Discouraged face

Writing, rewriting, editing . . . It’s not easy to refine an idea into a publishable manuscript. And that is just the beginning! Then you need to determine  where to submit your writing and to persist in submitting again and again. It may become evident through this process that independent publishing is your best option. But how can you be certain?

Going to a writers’ conference will not only help you to gain critical knowledge about writing and publishing, it will also give you the opportunity to meet one-on-one with editors, agents, authors, and other professionals.

With FOUR free 15-minute appointments (FIVE for the first 75 who register for all three days), no conference provides more opportunities than the May 11-14 Colorado Christian Writers Conference and the August 3-6 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference. But with a faculty of over 50 at each conference, how can you be certain you’re making the best choices?

The helpful steps below will equip you for your conference experience, wherever that might be.

1. PRAY!

If you want to know what God wants you to do,
ask him, and he will gladly tell you,
for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply
of wisdom to all who ask him; he will not resent it.
James 1: 5 TLB

2. Review the 79 genres/topics on the Editorial Needs Charts that our amazing Appointments Coordinator, Barb Haley, has painstakingly compiled based on responses from our Colorado faculty.

Ed Needs p 2 NF

Sample page. Click here for a PDF of the entire 9 pages that is readable.

3. Study the bios of the editors and agents who are interested in what you are writing and study any additional info about their editorial needs that accompanies their bio. (Note: Bios of the agents and other professionals will be added to the website soon.)

4. Visit their website and carefully read their guidelines for writers.

5. Keep in mind that your best option may be to meet with an author. If you do not have a manuscript or concrete idea to discuss, we recommend that you request appointments with authors. An author can help you evaluate the readiness of your manuscript for publication. Barb has also prepared a 9-page chart of “Areas of Expertise.” 1-14. Author bios will be added to the conference website soon.

6. Consider the option of a 30-minute paid critique. Yes, Barb has also created a 9-page chart (click here) for paid critiques. For even more info, including length parameters, that there is room on the chart to provide, click here.

My paid manuscript review gave me the most thorough
and helpful manuscript review I’ve had to date.
Clement Hanson

7. Prepare for your appointments using the tips you’ll find by clicking here.

Finally, pray some more – but not desperate “please, God” prayers. Instead surrender your work – your words – to the Lord and trust that He knows the plans He has for you and for your writing.

 
Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart
don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for GOD‘s voice in everything you do,
everywhere you go; he’s the one
who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all.
Proverbs 3:5-7 MSG

Stay tuned for exciting updates about the August 3-6 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference as the details fall into place.

Read Full Post »

Facing Elephants

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Overcoming self-doubts, Writer's Life on February 22, 2016| Leave a Comment »

elephantAre you facing an elephant?

More than likely your elephant, same as mine, is something you’ve been putting off doing because it’s just seems so big, so beyond your capability, so overwhelming . . .

You’d think after 20 years directing the Colorado Christian Writers Conference and 32 years directing the Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference the task would be easier. Not so!

Each year the task seems more daunting.  And each year I have to remind myself that “God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn; he will never go back on his promises” (Rom. 11:29 TLB).

What has He promised you and me?

That it would be easy to follow Him? No! But He has promised always to be with us.

I’ve learned (but need to keep re-learning) that “when I am weak, then I am strong—the less I have, the more I depend on him” (2 Cor. 12:10 TLB). elephant cookie

I know that in His strength you and I can eat the elephant a bite at a time!


Update: May 11-14
Colorado Christian Writers Conference

The faculty and program are in place. The brochure is in print. Lots of new to CCWC people are registering. Thank You, Father!

I’m slowly making progress updating the website that is now mobile-friendly. Sadly HTML is not user-friendly. Can anyone recommend a good book or website? And would you please pray that I can get the photos, bios, and editorial needs/areas of expertise of our 57 agents, authors, and editors online in the next couple of days?

 

Update: August 3-6
Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference

2 elephantsWith the April 15 D-Day for opening online regisration looming, I feel like I’m facing not one but two elephants! There are days I fear I’ll be trampled under their weight. But “through your  faithful prayers and the generous response of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, everything he wants to do in and through me will be done” (Phil 1:19 MSG).

Are you facing an elephant today?  “Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” (Heb. 12:2-3 MSG).

Read Full Post »

Fighting to Win

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, God's promises, Pondering Biblical Truth on February 3, 2016| 1 Comment »

This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from
and forget about in a couple of hours.
This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish
against the Devil and all his angels.
Be prepared. You’re up against far more
than you can handle on your own.
Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued,
so that when it’s all over but the shouting
you’ll still be on your feet.” (Eph. 6:12-13 MSG)

 

Fight any spiritual battles lately? Or perhaps you’re in the midst of a battle right now. I know I am!

I just received the hard copy proof for the Colorado brochure. The workshop grid that is spread over two pages on the fold and had to be split is finally lined up correctly. But unbelievably the printer again has the bottom of the mailer upside down on the open end. I have explained again and again how the bottom needs to be on the fold for the Post Office. (One year I missed spotting this on the hard copy proof and the brochure was printed with the open end on the bottom. My mailing service convinced the post office to mail the brochures but it cost 20 or 25 cents more for each one! You can imagine how sick this made me since I mail about 5,000 brochures.) The printer does mailings and should know this without being told. And the file I submitted was set up correctly.

correct

Not correct

 

Father, please help me to give You my frustration. Help me to rejoice in the midst of this opposition knowing that the conference is obviously a threat to the evil one and that You have already won the victory. Help me not to stress over the delay of getting the brochure into the hands of the people You are calling to come. Thank You for the 17 online registrations I’ve already received and the faculty You have provided. I KNOW Your hand is on CCWC. Indeed, it is Your conference – not mine. And thank You that I finally found the missing 55 emails in the “To Do 2016 CCWC” Outlook folder. (I kept praying this prayer during a 40 minute phone call with the printer.)

There is no explanation for the missing emails. As I moved an email from my inbox into the “To Do 2016 CCWC” folder so it wouldn’t be buried in my inbox and not answered, the entire To Do folder emptied. The missing emails were not in my deleted folder. I searched for about two hours because these were important emails that needed to be answered. (Yes, I have a HUGE number of folders and emails in Outlook). I finally found them at the very bottom of the list of folders (where I had already searched two other times) in a second folder with the same name as the empty folder.

This kind of opposition so early in conference season is unnerving. And in six to eight weeks I’ll be going through the same process for the August 3-6 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference.

Father I know You will use these battles to strengthen my faith muscles. Please help me put on the armor You provide and stand in Your strength.

Armor

 

 

Time to re-read “Put on the Armor” from Write His Answer – A Bible Study for Christian Writers. 

Click here for a link to this chapter.

 

 

 

WHA 2 endorsement

Read Full Post »

Pressing On

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, God's promises, Pondering Biblical Truth on January 30, 2016| 1 Comment »

Whew! What a week. More than likely you can relate.

I’ve often said that problems (it’s better to call them “challenges”) are groupies. They never seem to come one at a time.

“What’s wrong?” my husband frequently asked me over 50 years ago when I was a very young and immature bride.

“Everything,” I’d respond.

And sometimes, even today, that’s how it feels. Although my problems are nothing as severe as what the Apostle Paul faced, I can identify with what he wrote:

“In every way we’re troubled,
but we aren’t crushed by our troubles.
2 Cor. 4:8 GW

I’ve worked for over a month to finalize the faculty and program for the May 11-14 Colorado Christian Writers Conference. I am praising God for all He has done and is doing. I really enjoy putting it all together and typesetting our 16 page brochure, but . . . the formatting issues are enough to make me want to pull my hair out.

Before you ask, no it’s not something I can delegate. I write the copy to fit. The problem that is hard to explain and even harder to fix is what the printer requires and how those requirements change every year.

I need to design the brochure in an 8.5 x 11 format. But then I need to split the pages into a 5.5 x 8.5 format. That means splitting the two-page workshop grid into two separate pages that the printer will then put back together. I know. It doesn’t make any sense. And that is just the beginning of the “challenges” that I’ve tried to resolve the past two days.

Of course, the deadline (and I used to think deadlines were exciting) has come and passed.

But the Apostle Paul also said,

“We’re frustrated, but we don’t give up.”
2 cor. 4:8 GW

I’ve searched the Bible. Nowhere does it say that following Jesus will be easy. Just the opposite. We are to expect opposition. We need to put on the spiritual armor He provides and toughen up.

I am convinced that dark days are ahead for our nation and world, but I’m clinging to His promise:

Overwhelming victory is ours through Christ
who loved us enough to die for us.”
Rom. 8:37 TLB

I’m determined, in His strength, to press on and to

“Carry the light-giving Message into the night.”
Phil. 2:15 MSG

What about you?
____________

If we have your USPS address, you’ll receive the brochure in the mail mid-February. But PTL it is available online now at http://colorado.writehisanswer.com.

Online registration opens Monday, February 1. But you can be the first to register by printing and mailing the form in the brochure. I will send a free copy of Write His Answer – A Bible Study for Christian Writers to everyone whose registration is postmarked today, January 30.

Plans are underway for the August 3-6 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference.

 

 

Read Full Post »

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »