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Archive for the ‘Colorado Christian Writers Conference’ Category

Will you live and write His answer?

Posted in Called to write, Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Praying for our nation on January 25, 2016| 3 Comments »

On February 1, a week from today God willing, online registration for the May 11-14 Colorado Christian Writers Conference will open. And plans are well underway for the August 3-6 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference.

It’s my 20th year directing the Colorado conference, my 33rd year for Philly. And it’s not gotten any easier. Instead the spiritual battles have become more intense.

The urgency I feel to challenge you to live and write His answer compells me to keep on keeping on despite the weariness, fear, and discouragement I often face. Michael Gantt, who will keynote at both conferences, expresses my heart burden far more powerfully than I can. As a watchman on the wall, he urges prayer “day in and day out for a move of God that will shake the nation out of its spiritual coma.”

Michael’s words about 15 years ago when he keynoted at the Colorado conference keep ringing in my ears: “Do you believe, do you really believe, that God can use you?”

Yes, I do!

Father, please help us to surrender our hopes and dreams for our writing – for our lives – to You. Use us, Lord.
_______________

Michael Gantt’s blog – www.growinggodlyseed.com

Too Little Too Late? Anglican Church Tries To Reverse Apostate Trend – Church attendance in Great Britain is now only 1.4 percent of the population! Is this where the church in America is headed?

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News from 2016 Colorado Christian Writers Conference

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Praying for our nation on December 31, 2015| Leave a Comment »

CCWC 2016 banner

Write my answer on a billboard, large and clear,
so anyone can read it at a glance
and rush to tell the others.
Habakkuk 2:2 TLB

Thank You, Father, for the opportunities this new year will bring us to live and to write Your answer. By Your Spirit enable us to do what we could never do in our own strength. Thank You for Jonathan and Bruce Shank who are redesigning the conference websites to display on mobile devices. And thank You for everyone who has said yes to serving on the faculty.

Conference Preview
Some of the Continuing Sessions

Allen Arnold Nov 2013   
The Heart of the Storyteller
Allen Arnold
Director of Content
& Resources
Ransomed Heart Ministries

 

From the mountains of Colorado, Allen oversees Content & Resources for Ransomed Heart Ministries (led by John Eldredge, NY Times bestselling author of Wild at Heart). Prior to that, he spent 20 years in Christian publishing-overseeing the development of more than 500 novels as Founder and Publisher of Thomas Nelson Fiction. He was awarded the ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. Allen savors time with his family, craves the beach, drinks salsa by the glass, and is passionate about helping writers tell better stories from an awakened heart.

The heart of a story always begins with the heart of the storyteller. . . yet the heart of the writer is often neglected. It’s easy to see why. The life of a novelist is filled with isolation, pressure to find an agent or publisher, writing and rewriting, hyper-focus on performance, worry, fear, and trying to navigate the ever-changing world of social media – all while holding down a day job. But it doesn’t have to be this way. We will pursue the heart of the writer through conversations about identity and calling, story as offering, presence versus productivity, savoring the “land in-between,” and the importance of living your story before telling your stories. It’s time to breathe deeply, recover your heart, and savor story as you discover how to live free, write free.

 

Jeff Gerke


Christian Speculative Fiction
 Jeff Gerke
 Author, Editor, Mentor 

When you’re truly ready to make your fiction publishable, it’s time to call Jeff Gerke. Jeff trains novelists how to better do what it is they’re trying to do. He trains through his books for Writers Digest: The Irresistible Novel, Plot Versus Character, The First 50 Pages, Write Your Novel in a Month, and The Art & Craft of Writing Christian Fiction. He trains through the many writers’ conferences he teaches at all over the country every year. He trained his authors when he ran Marcher Lord Press, the premier publisher of Christian speculative fiction, which he sold after an award-winning 5-year run. And he trains through the freelance editing he does for his clients at www.jeffgerke.com. Jeff is known for his canny book doctoring skills and his encouraging manner, which leaves writers feeling empowered and like they really can do this thing after all. He lives in Colorado Springs with his wife and three children.

Some of us are just weird. We don’t like Amish fiction-unless it’s Amish vampires in space. Then, maybe. We would rather write about a sword in a stone than a mail-order bride. Warp drives and nanotech beat out Jane Austen any day, in our book. Come hear the man who has been called the de facto gatekeeper of Christian speculative fiction talk about the joys of writing Christian science fiction and fantasy, the distinctives of our beloved genre, and the prospects for publishing it today.

Andy Scheer


First-Chapter Bootcamp
Andy Scheer
Writer & Editor

Andy has worked in publishing since 1984. Now a writer and editor, he’s served as editor-in-chief for the Christian Writers Guild and Editorial Director for Believers Press. He’s also been an agent with Hartline and an editor with Moody magazine. As a freelance book editor since 2010, he’s edited fiction and nonfiction projects for Moody Publishers, WinePress, and Kregal, as well as individual clients including Dirk Cussler, McNair Wilson, DiAnn Mills, and Sammy Tippit. A journalism graduate of Colorado State University, he also studied at Denver Seminary. Visit him at AndyScheer.com.

In this hands-on class, learn what your first chapter and especially your opening page must accomplish so potential readers will want to buy your book. You’ll learn to align your content and approach for maximum effect with your target audience. (Intermediate to advanced)

 Five more to come!
NOTE: The website still has 2015 info. 

More News

  • Living Set Apart Blog

One of the primary goals of Kayla Woodhouse’s Living Set Apart blog is to spread awareness of current, world-wide, and regional issues with the aim of spreading the gospel and spurring people into action. There will be eight posts each month, in four different categories: A two-part devotional, two short stories/poems (submitted by your peer tweens, teens, and young adults!), a two-part Awareness article, and two applicable “Goals” posts. Click here to see the list of topics the blog will address monthly. I hope you will help Kayla reach her goal of 500 subscribers by the end of 2015.

  • Paula Moldenhauer releases first eBook in The Soul Scents devotional series

Awaken to a more intimate, peaceful relationship with God. The Soul Scents devotional series invites readers into an ever-deepening discovery of Who God is and how He interacts with us. Bathed in grace, this collection of thirteen week devotionals is down-to-earth, offering spiritual insight gained from Scripture and the author’s journey into spiritual freedom. Soul Scents: Awaken, the first in the series, features week-day readings which include Scriptures and prayers. Rest in the Son’s embrace as you enter the beautiful heart of the Freedom Giver Himself. Available on Amazon as a free eBook January 1 and 2.

  • PREPRAYER for the New Year with Anne Graham Lotz

Anne writes: “As I look ahead into 2016, I believe our national and global situation will get worse.  A good friend has focused my attention on Isaiah 60:1-2 as a word from the Lord for the New Year:  Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.  See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.  I can feel the encroaching darkness of evil that is like a heavy moral and spiritual fog.  It’s permeating our nation at every level. At the very same time that our nation is enveloped in thick darkness, God commands us to arise, let our Light shine, and the distinctive glory of our Lord will be obvious to all.” Click here for more info and to join Anne and me on January 1 in an hour of prayer.

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What’s Up?

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference on November 5, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Below is an amazing email from Terry Brynan who spoke at this year’s Philly conference. She’s back in Kenya and needs our prayers. Please make time to read her message and visit www.JesusIsOurAll.org.

Father, thank You for Terry’s commitment to You and Your people. Put a hedge of protection around her. Give her strength and wisdom and the needed support to minister to her people.

Terry’s testimony makes my struggle to get used to a new laptop and Microsoft Office 2013 seem like a walk in the park compared to driving treacherous mountain roads in blinding rain and facing killer bees. Please help me, Father, with the learning curve and forgive me for getting so frustrated with this wonderful ministry tool You have provided. Thank You that I now have 24/7 live-in tech support.

My son, Rob (my IT specialist), and daughter-in-law, Nicole, moved in with us 2-1/2 weeks ago. We spent a month working to make room for them. Despite everything we gave away or threw out, it still seemed overwhelming when we began unloading the truck. PTL the stuff they need fit. The rest went to a storage unit, and Rob is now working remotely from his new office in our basement. We feel so blessed to have them here.

Erin Family Rob

Next week I plan to get started planning the May 11-14 Colorado and August 3-6 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference. Suggestions are welcome and your prayers are needed and appreciated.

His blessings – Marlene     P.S. Please scroll down for Terry’s message.

From: Theresa Brynan [mailto:tbrynan@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, November 05, 2015 2:19 AM
To: mbagnull@aol.com
Subject: Hi Marlene, it’s Terry from Kenya, need prayer, storm, bees, thanks

Hi my family, friends and prayer warriors,

I think I need more prayer.

I need more grace.  My body was so tired from driving through the mountains and on terrible roads for long distances. The storm and I collided in the mountains one night as I left after staying four days in the farthest bush. The rain was so heavy, I could not see but a few feet in front of the truck. The thunder and lightning cracked overhead. The water ran like rivers down the mountain.  I had to wait. The rain continued but slowed some. I inched my way up the rocky road weaving around boulders and large rocks that impeded my way. The curves were hidden in the darkness, the rocky cliffs and slippery mud filled ditches were my biggest concern.  I continued to pray. The road turned to a river and I could only see a few inches in the center of the road.  I prayed the road was still there.

I had gone 30 km but, still had 20 km to go to the place I had planned to sleep. God had a better plan. There was an elevated spot, a little rocky, yet flat, and I pulled my truck to rest in that spot.  I heard the Lord whisper to me, “You have everything you need.”  I thought for a minute, I checked and I still had a little clean water, there was a cup of honey (from the days of removing the bees from the dispensary) I had some instant coffee, some powdered creamer, an apple, a knife, my blanket and I had a little network for my phone. I thanked God for His provision and protection. I fixed some iced café (alright cold coffee), cut my apple, dipped it and my fingers in the honey and drank deeply of its sweetness. I called a friend and asked her to pray. I curled up warm and dry in my blanket and went to sleep.  I had the sweetest dreams.

The next day I waited for hours for the people to show but because of the rain and difficulty in getting out the word, only a few people showed up.  I made arrangements for another day. I continued the drive to my hut.

I had spent four days in the bush. I had faced many challenges. One of the goals I had was to remove the African killer bees from the dispensary.  That was just plain scary.  Two young men offered to help me smoke them out at night. They gathered sticks that repel the bees and heated them in the fire. The bees had overtaken the desk and the room.  Honey oozed in the drawers of the desk coating the rubber gloves, stethoscope, books, pens and medicine, etc. that were contained within them.  Honey combs filled with baby bees and hatching bees explained why the bees were so angry at being disturbed.  The bees swarmed relentlessly, the sound was eery.  ZZZZZ. It resounded in the night. The young men persisted to harvest the honey combs and honey they could find, hoping the bees would leave.  Some of the bees swarmed my truck following the honey and babies. That was the night I was stung only a few times and my hand swelled.

The next night we returned to the dispensary to find the bees still there but much quieter. They were covering the desk, inside every drawer along all of the sides but they seemed content.  The young men carried the desk outside under the trees.  They found more honeycombs and babies and harvested the delicious honey. Honey made from acacia flowers tastes like the acacia flowers smell, sweet like jasmine. It was a much more peaceful departure.

Late the next day, we returned to find the desk free of inhabitants and returned it to the dispensary.  I did not begin to rid the place of snakes yet.  One problem at a time.

I was so discouraged, I had heard the county government was working on opening the well (pump, pipes, tank and solar panels) they had drilled and capped last year.  When I arrived I found something had started but no work has been done on it for almost two months. Twelve thousand people and no clean water. Think of the amount of sick people you have if they are drinking water out of the nearest puddle or the nearest farm pond with animal feces floating by. The county government also started building a dispensary 50 km out (near my dispensary) but again, two months ago the building stopped. Clean water helps reduce suffering, disease and death. We need clean water and a medical facility. Please pray!

There are some things that are important to help the school.  Water is crucial, the rains are coming. There are four schools in the four different areas of the bush that need gutters to harvest the rain. The cost is about $2200 for all four schools.  I plan to buy the gutters and have them transported this week to the bush.  Then from one location in the bush I have to have them transported to the different areas of the bush which is a challenge. Then it has to be installed. Pray it all goes well.     

The children are so thin and dirty.  The last day in the bush, there was a school meeting at the school. It was important for the community to come and discuss the challenges they are facing.  They are coming together to make sure the school will be successful.

I was able to share updates and we praised God for peace with the neighboring tribe. I was able to distribute chlorine tablets, vitamins for the families, medicine for the sick children, new clothes and underwear for the children and two footballs (soccer balls). The children were overjoyed to have such beautiful clothing and underwear. Most of the children have never received anything new and no one had underwear.   A very compassionate friend of mine from US bought new clothes and underwear for the boys and girls. This is a tremendous boost for the school. There are 12 children in class 1 now and 36 children in nursery.  There are thousands of children who do not go to school. It is incentive for the parents to send their children to school.

This school is the last school in the bush (30 more miles).  There is no transportation and all of the children have to walk.  By providing mattresses, blankets and food, the children could sleep on mattresses on the floor and more children would be able to come to school. For mattresses (10) and blankets (10) for each school it will cost about $295 for each school or $1180 for all four schools. It will cost about $160.00 per month for food, breakfast and dinner for all 4 schools to feed the children who sleep there.  If you would like to help these children live out their dream. Please visit www.JesusIsOurAll.org  Please pray for their provision.

The mothers and children found a baby doll packed in the box of clothes. No one had ever seen a baby doll before, especially one that cries when you squeeze it.  They were animated as they squeezed, poked, prodded, and shook it. When it cried or laughed all ears would come close and strain to hear it. Their faces went from shock and surprise to laughter and joy.  It was beautiful to watch although it is sad they have no toys.

There are so many needs it is overwhelming, but you make a difference. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and support.  If you want to give please visit www.JesusIsOurAll.org.

If you would prefer to send check or money order you can make it payable to “Jesus Is Our All” and send it to

Jesus Is Our All
P.O. Box 111
Frederick, Pa. 19435  

Thank you for your faithfulness in whatever God calls you to do.

With love, prayers and gratitude,

Terry Brynan

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Ready to Quit?

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, God's promises, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Pondering Biblical Truth on May 7, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Possible And Impossible Keys Show Optimism And Positivity
We are pressed on every side by troubles,
but not crushed and broken.
We are perplexed because we don’t know why
things happen as they do,
but we don’t give up and quit. 
2 Corinthians 4:8 TLB

But maybe you are really, really close to quitting – to giving up on what you felt God is calling you to do or to write. Honestly, haven’t you wondered why, when you’re trying to serve Him, He doesn’t make it easier? How does He expect you to keep pushing through all the obstacles? It just doesn’t make sense. And you’re so exhausted.

Yep, I’m writing from personal experience. This week has been a nightmare of trying so hard to get everything ready for the May 13-16 Colorado Christian Writers Conference but encountering problems every step of the way.On Monday Cindy and I lost Internet access off and on for several hours. Then Tuesday the printers wouldn’t go online. Exasperated and stressed, I purchased a new modem Wednesday that we tried to install today. Six hours and no Internet access most all of that time later, I finally got the old modem reinstalled and was able to get online so my son could remotely change settings that are way beyond my expertise to figure out. He even got the printers networked again.

In the midst of all this, a crisis in my extended family has consumed more valuable time. I am exhausted. And yes, the deadly Ds of discouragement, doubt, and even despair have been threatening to overwhelm me. But God . . .

 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
Psalm 139:7 (NIV 2011)

Especially when I cannot feel His presence, when my prayers seem to be bouncing off the ceiling, I choose to keep believing in His faithfulness. He is strengthening my faith muscles for the even more difficult days that are ahead for Christians in our nation. I don’t feel strong enough to withstand the persecution I believe is coming, but the weaker I am, the more I depend on Him.

Friends, we cannot, we must not, give up doing what God is calling us to do. We need to trust Him and not grieve Him by our lack of faith. And remember, “Even when we are too weak to have any faith left, he remains faithful to us and will help us, for he cannot disown us who are part of himself, and he will always carry out his promises to us” (2 Tim. 2:13 TLB). Thank You, Father!

Conference Updates

2015 CCWC Banner
It’s not too late to register! Walk-ins are welcome, but if you register online through May 9 you’ll save the $15 late fee. (I call it the procrastinator’s fee!) We’ll be glad to work out time payments if needed.

Banner 2015 GPCWCAnother really exasperating challenge I had this week was pulling up the latest Access database of names to create the mailing list for the brochure that is now off press. You can imagine my distress when I discovered a number of missing names. So . . . if you’ve been to a recent conference but don’t receive a brochure within the next week, please let me know. You can access it online, but since it’s 16 pages, it’s helpful to have it in booklet form. You have until June 1 to register at the early price. The first 75 to register receive an additional free appointment so don’t delay.

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You can conquer the deadly Ds

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, God's promises, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Overcoming self-doubts, Publishing journey on May 1, 2015| 1 Comment »

Faith rockTrust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

Some of you know that it took five years and rejection slips from 42 editors before the first book I wrote was accepted for publication. Before that I struggled for several years to finish the manuscript. Self-doubts, and to be honest, God-doubts had me close to giving up many, many times.

The “deadly Ds” – disappointment, doubt, discouragement, even despair – were my frequent companions. What kept me keeping on?

  • Promises such as Galatians 6:9: “Let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up” (TLB).
  • The very first words I ever felt the Lord speak to my heart: “Child, I never said it would be easy to follow Me, but I have promised always to be with you.”
  • My husband who has never told me to go get a “real” job even during times when things were really rough financially.
  • My pastor who paid my way to my first writers’ conference and held me accountable afterwards to use what I learned.
  • Friends who year after year babysat my three children so I could go to the St. Davids Christian Writers Conference.
  • The network of writing friends who encouraged me, and Gayle Roper and Anne Sirna who mentored me.

Yes, it took many long, discouraging years but that first book did get in print. The rest – seven other books, the Greater Philly and Colorado Christian Writers Conferences that I direct, the 70 conference faculties I’ve been honored to serve on, and my day-long writing seminars that I’ve given around the country over 50 times – are the fruit of abiding in Him and trusting Him to do what I could never do in my own strength.

The key really is trust, especially when the deadly Ds threaten to derail me. I’m learning that I am free to trust or to doubt, but when I do not trust, I grieve the Lord.

I want to encourage you not to give up and to make registering for the May 13-16 Colorado Christian Writers Conference a priority. The price increases May 9 so don’t delay. (Registration is also open for the July 29-August 1 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference. The 16-page brochure is off press. If you’re on our mailing list, you will receive your brochure this coming week.)

  • If the evil one is bombarding you with the deadly Ds, trust the Lord.
  • If the logistics of childcare for your kids seem impossible, trust Him.
  • If you can’t see how to fit the conference in during a spring packed with activity and demands on your time, trust Him.
  • If you need more encouragement to overcome your self-doubts, trust Him and click here.
  • If financially it seems impossible, trust Him. Be bold. Ask family, friends, or your church to help. Apply for a scholarship. Even though it’s past the deadline, I will still consider requests for partial scholarships as well as requests for time payments.

Father God, thank You that You know the plans You have for us and our writing – and that they are good plans. Help us to trust You when we face the deadly Ds. Thank You for all the incredible people You have brought into my life these past 19 years of directing the Colorado Christian Writers Conference and 32 years directing the Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference. Thank You for all You have done and all You will do as I trust You.

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Listening to the wrong voices?

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, God's promises, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Overcoming self-doubts, Writer's Life on April 30, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Discouraged face
Years ago my beloved friend and mentor, Lee Roddy, admonished me that I was “listening to the wrong voices.

“Like me, you’re probably all too familiar with those voices that make us question and doubt that God can use us.

Sandy Quandt, a frequent attendee at the Colorado Christian Writers Conference, writes,

We allow stuff to hold us back from becoming the person we were created in God’s image to become. We put self-imposed road blocks in the way of the Holy Spirit’s working in us. The shackles bind and restrict, yet we falsely believe we will never break free. . . . Read more of this powerful message at http://www.sandykirbyquandt.com/take-those-shackles-off.

Barb Haley, the appointments coordinator and bookstore manager at both the May 13-16 Colorado and July 29-August 1 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference shares her experience as a first-time conferee 16 years ago:

I’m reminded of the time just before my first conference when I didn’t feel like I was really ready to go. I didn’t know if I was a writer, and I felt guilty squandering our money just for a fun trip. Our finances were tight at the time, and I wondered if I were being a good steward of the money God gave us. As the days before the conference ticked off, my anxiety grew. . . . Read more in Rick Marschall’s Monday Morning Music Ministry blog post, “A Mountain-Top Experience Accessible to All” at http://bit.ly/1DvtZ2F. Rick’s blog was birthed at CCWC and has almost 100,000 hits and is reprinted internationally.

I can so identify with Barb’s feelings. My pastor sent me to my first writers’ conference about 40 years ago.Talk about anxiety! I got lost on the way to the conference and felt even more lost once I arrived as it immediately became obvious I was out of my league. If my pastor hadn’t paid for the conference, I wouldn’t have stayed. But I did stay, and that conference changed my life!

There’s still time to register for the Colorado conference before the price increases May 9.

Online registration is open for the July 29 – August 1 Philly conference. Our 16-page brochure will be off press tomorrow. If you’re on our mailing list, it should be in your mailbox by mid-week. If you’d like to be added or to receive a quantity to share with your writer’s group, please email me at mbagnull@aol.com.

As you seek the Lord for His plan for your life and your writing be encouraged by the Scripture He led me to this morning:

“Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied)
are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him,
who expect and look and long for Him
[for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy,
and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!”
Isaiah 30:18 AMP

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Easy?

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, God's promises, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Our Christian witness, Pondering Biblical Truth on April 24, 2015| 3 Comments »

“I never promised it would be easy
to follow Me,
but I have promised always to be with you.”

These were the first words I felt the Lord speak to my spirit many years ago. I admit the first part of His message was not really what I wanted to hear then or now. After all, He could make it easy, or at least easier. He knows I’m committed to doing what He calls me to do, so why does it have to be so hard? Why do I constantly encounter problems and obstacles? I’m weary of the stress and time pressures – of feeling like I’ve got a target on my back. The spiritual battles are intense.

I’m often reminded of the apostle Paul and how he begged the Lord not once, but three times, to take away the thorn in his flesh.

Each time God said, “No. But I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people” (2 Cor. 12:9 TLB).

So I choose to rely on the fact that He is with me – and with you. He loves us too much to allow our faith muscles to become weak and flabby. He uses the attacks of the evil one to draw us closer to Him and to teach us to depend on Him and on His promises. And friends, it is our testimony to going and growing through the difficulties we encounter that will speak far more strongly to unbelievers than a problem-free life.

Conference Updates

CCWC banner with lodge 2015It’s hard to believe that I’ll be leaving for Colorado in a little over two weeks. There is still so much to be done. I’m so grateful Cindy Watkins is here from North Carolina. I’m trusting the Lord that “he will see to it that everything is finished correctly” (1 Chron. 28:20 TLB) – and in time. Speaking of time, there is still time to register and to request one-on-one appointents with our faculty of 55 authors, editors, and agents.

Banner 2015 GPCWCI’ve worked all week on the 16-page brochure for the July 29 – August 1 Greater Philly conference. I’ve encountered far ore unexplained problems than usual, but finally it is done and at the printer. You can view it online at http://philadelphia.writehisanser.com/brochure.

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On Writers and Rhino Skin

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Writer's Life on April 22, 2015| 4 Comments »

RhinocerosGuest blogger
CCWC & GPCWC faculty member
Marti Pieper

As a little girl, I excelled in school. Even before I was old enough to earn A’s, I received E’s (for “Excellent.”)

But there was one area in which I didn’t excel. Look at my second-grade class picture, and you’ll find me on the front row: cat’s-eye glasses, red cheeks, and clasped hands.

I donned my first pair of glasses earlier that school year. But the red cheeks and clasped hands? Those appeared a few minutes before the photo shoot, when two of my classmates told me I pressed too hard when I colored.

The problem (and subsequent sobs) came not because I thought I was a great artist, but because I wanted to do everything right. Hence the tears and red cheeks. Hence the soggy tissue stuffed between those clasped hands. Hence the consistent report- card comments: “Does not receive criticism well.” “Needs to work on responses to criticism.”

My teachers could well have said, “Needs to develop rhino skin.” These ponderous mammals have skin more than ten times as thick as the human epidermis. We’re talking tough!

So yes, I needed to develop thicker skin. I needed to understand that not everyone would like what I drew (or wrote). And I needed to gain the strength to persevere no matter what.

Today, I believe that my tender heart is a God-given quality, part of what makes me a good writer and intercessor. But if I’m not careful, my sensitivity can also drag me down, leaving me stunned and silent after a negative review or trembling after a harsh conference critique. And, if I’m not careful, it can block my desire to improve my work.

At the Colorado Christian Writers Conference, in a special Early Bird workshop on Wednesday, May 13 at 1:00 p.m., I’ll teach about “Rhino Skin: Why We Need It and How to Get It.” I’ll share how I moved from the tearful second-grader to the writer who has no more fear in giving or receiving critiques of her own. And I’ll teach how you can grow that tougher skin, too.

Unless you’re a zoologist, you probably don’t care about the thickness of a rhino’s skin. But as a writer, you should care a lot about the thickness of your own. Join me (it’s not too late to register for the conference) and we’ll learn together.

P.S. If you missed my tongue-in-cheek poem about Sam-I-Am and the CCWC, check it out here. Enjoy!
__________

Marti also will teach workshop 6F, “Blogging Success,” at the May 13-16 Colorado Christian Writers Conference for Rick Marschall who is unable to be with us. At the July 29 – August 1 Greater Philly Conference she is teaching a continuing session on “Master the Memoir.” In addition, along with Ava Pennington, she will serve at the appointment desk at both conferences. Thank You, Father, for the faculty You have provided for both conferences and for all You are doing and will do.

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Think Big!

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, God's promises, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Pondering Biblical Truth on April 19, 2015| 4 Comments »

Think Big3

Saturday I had the joy of keynoting at the Stay Focused Writers’ Retreat in New Jersey. The theme of the retreat was “Think Big” based on Dr. Ben Carson’s book, Think Big, written with by good friend, Cec Murphey. I highly recommend this book and Gifted Hands, also written with Cec, and the movie, Gifted Hands.

I began my message with this powerful promise:

Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes. – Ephesians 3:20 TLB

In my keynote I identified a baker’s dozen attitudes and actions that block us from believing God’s promises.

1. Cut the old tapes. – “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32 TLB).

2. Stop listening to the wrong voices. – “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Cor. 11:4 NASB)

3. Change your focus! – “Look out for one another’s interests, not just for your own. The attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus had” (Phil. 2:4-5 TEV).

4. Lack of vision. – “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Prov. 29:18 KJV).

5. Set specific and measurable goals. “We should make plans – counting on God to help us” (Prov. 16:9 TLB).

6. Refuse to let disappointments derail you. “No one who believes in Christ will ever be disappointed” (Rom. 10:11 TLB).

7. Don’t sink in the sea of doubts. – “But I’m not the person for a job like that” (Ex. 3:11 TLB).

8. Refuse to fall victim to discouragement. – “He is a mighty Savior. He will give you victory. He will rejoice over you with great gladness; he will love you and not accuse you” (Zeph. 3:17 TLB).

9. Stop procrastinating and persist. – “Dreaming instead of doing is foolishness, and there is ruin in a flood of empty words” (Eccl. 5:7 TLB)

10. Draw near to the Promise Giver and Keeper. – “When you draw close to God, God will draw close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and let your hearts be filled with God alone to make them pure and true to him” (James 4:8 TLB).

11. Stay in the Word. – The whole Bible “is God’s way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone” (2 Tim. 3:17 TLB).

12. Get to work. – “Be strong and courageous and get to work. Do not be frightened by the size of the task, for the Lord my God is with you; he will not forsake you. He will see to it that everything is finished correctly” (1 Chron. 28:20 TLB).

Run13. Put on the armor and commit to what He is calling you to do – NOW! – “So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I fight to win. I’m not just shadow-boxing or playing around” (1 Cor. 9:26 TLB).

Now you have every grace and blessing;
every spiritual gift and power
for doing his will are yours 
during this time of waiting
for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:7 TLB

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We Had a Lot to Learn

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Publishing journey on April 18, 2015| Leave a Comment »

lori and becky by fenceWe Had A Lot to Learn

Guest post by
Lori Wildenberg &
Becky Danielson, M.Ed.

We sat in the workshop, intently listening to Cecil Murphy list the attributes of a successful book proposal. Writing fast and furiously we recorded his suggestions. By the time there was a break, we had pages of notes. As other class participants ran for a quick cup of coffee, we reviewed our scribblings. We looked at each other and burst out laughing.

Our current proposal needed to be revised. A major overhaul would be a better description. We had done practically everything wrong, from font to a three-hole-punch notebook. Our laughter caught Cecil’s attention.  After hearing the reason for the chuckles, he asked if he could use our proposal as an example of what not to do.

That was our first Colorado Christian Writers Conference. We followed Cecil’s instructions and sent off our revised proposal. Three months later we signed a book contract. Cecil, Marlene, and the other pros we met all played a part in us getting our first book, Empowered Parents: Putting Faith First, into print. When we felt the Lord calling us to writing another book, we returned to the Colorado Christian Writers Conference.
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We’ve honed our skills and expanded our ministry. We’ve acquired the knowledge on how to advance our writing careers, tackle social media, and market effectively. The 1 CORINTHIANS 13 PARENT SERIES: Raising Little Kids with Big Love and Raising Big Kids with Supernatural Love is our latest endeavor. Both books plus their study guides have recently been published.

We have attended as novice writers and as a bit more seasoned professionals. The conference is always fresh and new; with something for the experienced author and offerings for the novice writer. Each keynote, panel discussion, and breakout session targets the varied aspects of writing, publishing, and speaking. We can directly link our success to the CCWC.

Marlene and her staff encourage and guide with faithfulness so the participants of the conference can be equipped and inspired to “Write His Answer” in order to bring others to Christ.

The setting is the added bonus to the conference. When you attend be sure to plan in some time to hike one of the many mountain trails available in Estes Park. You will be blessed by the nature that surrounds you and the nurture of the staff at the CWC.
__________ 

Lori and Becky are moms, licensed Parent and Family educators, and co-founders of 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting. Lori and Tom have been married for over 30 years and have four children. Their home is nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Becky and her husband, Scott, have been married 25 years and are the parents of two teenage boys. They live in the Twin Cities.

Lori and Becky are authors of three parenting books:  EMPOWERED PARENTS: Putting Faith First and the recently released 1 CORINTHIANS 13 PARENT SERIES: Raising Little Kids with Big Love (plus companion study guide) and Raising Big Kids with Supernatural Love (also with an accompanying study guide). Contact Lori and Becky at www.1Corinthians13Parenting.com. You can find all three books (and study guides) over at Amazon.

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