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Archive for the ‘Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference’ Category

Thorns, Conference Updates, News You Can Use

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Writing Opportunities on April 22, 2014| Leave a Comment »

reflections on Christ - crucifixion

 

I have a new understanding of what Jesus felt when the crown of thorns was shoved on his head. Saturday I fell into a rose bush! Leaning over too far and stretching awkwardly as I tried to pound in a fertilizer stick, I lost my balance and fell head first into one of the thorniest rose bushes in my garden. It’s really amazing that I wasn’t seriously hurt. Thank You, Father! And thank You, Jesus, for enduring the thorns and the lashing and the cross.  The strength of Your will, Your commitment to do what Your Father asked, and especially Your love for mankind even as they mocked You amazes me. “What wondrous love is this . . .”

 

Updates – May 14-17 Colorado Christian Writers Conference

John Sloan

New faculty member
John Sloan
Senior Executive Editor
HarperCollins Christian Publisher

John has worked for thirty-four years in religious publishing.  He specializes in non-fiction essay and narrative nonfiction, including memoir and autobiography, and he has worked on books with authors Philip Yancey, Ben Carson, Chuck Swindoll, Chuck Colson, Joni Eareckson Tada, Lee Strobel, James Houston, Ravi Zacharias, Howard Hendricks, Bill Hybels, Patrick Morley, Gary Thomas, John Ortberg, and now Gary Wilkerson as he pens the authorized David Wilkerson biography. John uses editorial experience and creativity to advocate nonfiction narrative with authors and agents, focusing on book organization for final writings. Structure, unity, and arrangement of material are keys John looks for in his evaluations. He has edited 22 Gold Medallion Award-winning books, two Book of the Year winners, and written one book, The Barnabas Way.

Thursday evening Night Owl – Narrative Non-Fiction, from Hillenbrand to Tuchman
In nonfiction, how do we write clearly, without qualification or uncertainty, with authority and conviction?  One way, is to learn to tell stories, as in fiction, and to tell them well. And, what are some of the tools that can be used in third person, story-driven narrative? Many can be found in your own writing.  This seminar includes a few of the techniques that illustrate how nonfiction storytelling can  drive the narrative in a way that is similar to fiction and different than essay, using some of the best writers, like Lauren Hillenbrand (Unbroken).

What kind of manuscripts do I want to see – Narrative nonfiction. Can be any of a number of forms demonstrating good non-fiction writing, such as essay, autobiography, biography, investigation, exploration, memoir, and collaboration, as seen in Larson, Lamott,  Didion, Yancey, Lewis, and Buechner. Such writing has a narrative rather than anecdotal quality, an arc from beginning to end, a strong voice, 3-dimensional scenes, and the narrative tools of writing, as demonstrated in the night owl on narrative nonfiction.  A bonus appointment with John (in addition to the appointments you are entitled to) is available on a first-come basis. If you have already submitted an appointment request form, just email our Appointment Coordinator, Margie Vawter, at mvawter@writehisanswer.com. In the subject line please put “Request for Bonus Appointment with John Sloan.”

 

Shawn Kuhn

New faculty member
Shawn Kuhn

In December of 2011 Shawn Kuhn joined the SuzyQ team. With his love for reading and his background in teaching and youth ministry, he finally settled in the book industry, combining his love for business, reading, and people. Shawn was the vice president of a bargain book chain for more than 25 years. His years of hand selling books and in store promotion bring a fresh approach to an author’s digital presence. Shawn offers SuzyQ’s clients guidance and support in all aspects of their book careers with the ultimate goal of reaching their target audience. www.SuzyQ4U.com
A bonus appointment with Shawn (in addition to the appointments you are entitled to) is available on a first-come basis. If you have already submitted an appointment request form, just email our Appointment Coordinator, Margie Vawter, at mvawter@writehisanswer.com. In the subject line please put “Request for Bonus Appointment with Shawn Kuhn.”

Updates – July 30-August 2 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference

The race is on right now to prepare for the Colorado conference so I’ve not been able to do more updating to the Philly site. Soon, I hope. Meanwhile, if you have not received our 16-page brochure, please email your USPS address to me at mbagnull@aol.com.

News You Can Use

Writing Opportunities – Jeanette Littleton just sent me the following three opportunities:

* One is a brand new manuscript call for the book, “Please Tell Me I’m Not a Bad Mother…,” an idea that’s been on my heart for a long time. This book is designed to inspire, encourage, and support moms. Due date is June 27. For guidelines contact Jeanette at JGLProjects@earthlink.net.

* We’re still looking for manuscripts for Jim Bell’s project with Bethany House, “Jesus Stories.” This book is about encounters with Christ–supernatural or otherwise. For guidelines contact Jeanette at JesusStories@earthlink.net.

* If you live in the Midwest (or like to take trips), join us April 26 in Kansas City for our Heart of America Christian Writers’ Network (www.HACWN.org) Super Writers Saturday with best-selling author Angela Hunt presenting a whole day of teaching for writers who want to learn and grow.

Keep writing and living His answer!

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Posted in Called to write, Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Praying for our nation on April 13, 2014| 2 Comments »

eagle 3Please Lord, help us to find you once again and heal this once great nation.

Yesterday morning I had the privilege of keynoting at the Lancaster Christian Writers Fellowship Super Saturday. In “Get the Word Out” I talked about the urgency I feel to “write His answer” – now, while we still have the freedom to proclaim our faith in Jesus Christ. We cannot, we must not, compromise the fact that Jesus said “I am the Way – yes, and the Truth and the Life. No one can get to the Father except by means of me” (John 14:6 TLB).

Today we remember how Jesus rode into Jerusalem as the crowds cheered, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” Yet less than a week later they shouted “Crucify him!”

None of this caught Jesus by surprise. Indeed, we’re told in Hebrews 12:2 (TLB) that “He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterwards.”

Have you stopped to consider that you are the reason for His joy?

Years ago my pastor’s wife told me that if I was the only person on this earth, Jesus still would have come and died just for me.

We know that He is coming again but that He tarries because He does not want even one to be lost. And so He is calling you, He is calling me, to “Get His Word Out.” An outline of my message – really a Bible study – is available online. I hope you’ll download it and make time to prayerfully consider these passages as you ask how He wants to use you to share His love with those who do not know He loved them enough to go to the cross.


Updates: May 14-17  Colorado Christian Writers Conference

Clinics – There is still room in the Fiction Intensive, Speakers’ Clinic, and Get Them Coming to Your Blog/Website Clinic so we’ve extended the deadline until the clinics are filled. My friend, Sue Cameron, a gifted speaker, took Roy Hanschke’s Speakers’ Clinic a couple of years ago. She says,

It’s often said that writing and speaking go hand in hand.
That’s why I’m grateful that CCWC offered Roy’s Speakers’ Clinic.
Roy is a dynamic example of “show don’t tell” as he actually demonstrates
different methods of effective communication.
Each participant had the opportunity to try out Roy’s suggestions
in a safe and encouraging atmosphere.
We learned from each other
and went home with a notebook full of useful instructions
on how to become a more skillful communicator.
Sue Cameron

One-on-One Appointments – CCWC gives conferees registered from Thursday through Saturday the opportunity to schedule four free 15-minute appointments with the faculty of their choice based on availability when you submit your requests. Those who have already registered will receive preference based on the date they registered as long as they submit their appointment request form by April 16. After that date appointments will be booked in the order we receive your form. All requests must be received by May 2. Nervous about show your work to an editor or agent? Check out the suggestions on how to get the most out of your appointment.

 

Updates: July 30 – August 2 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference

Brochures – Our 16-page brochure is off press and should be in your hands early this coming week if we have your USPS address. It can also be accessed online.

One-on-One Appointments – GPCWC also offers four free 15-minute appointments with faculty of their choice – five appointments for the first 75 to register for Thursday through Saturday. Faculty bios and editorial needs will be posted to the website in the next couple of weeks.


News You Can Use

Building Your Platform – Check out Cec Murphey’s blog on this critical topic. Thanks, Cec for your helpful advice. (Note: Cec will be keynoting and teaching a continuing session at the Philly conference.)

Don’t Just Do It – Literary agent, Dan Balow, with the Steve Laube Agency provides some important food for thought in this blog.

Keep writing and living His answer!

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DWJD, Conference Updates, News You Can Use

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Marketing, Platform building, Promotion on April 4, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Rob Cook

 “His love has the first and last word
in everything we do.”      2 Cor. 5:14 MSG

Let me introduce you to my friend, Rob Cook, one of the keynoters at both the Colorado and Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference. Rob is an author and the founder, pastor, and director of 252 Underground Youth Ministry. God’s love fuels Rob’s passion to reach tough kids – kids who hang out on the streets, get in trouble, and sadly would not be welcome in many churches.

Rob says, “Let’s stop asking what would Jesus do. We already know what Jesus did. It’s not enough to just know; knowledge without action is useless. Let our call to action be DWJD – Do What Jesus Did.”

Updates – July 30 – August 2
Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference

Registration is open . . . and two weeks earlier than last year. Thank You, Father. There is still much to be added to the website, but the 16-page brochure is online. Check it out! Remember, the earlier you register, the better opportunity you have to get your choices for your one-on-one appointments.

Updates – May 14-17
Colorado Christian Writers Conference


Clinics – The deadline for applications was April 1. The nonfiction clinic is full, but because there is still room in the other clinics we’re continuing to accept applications on a first-come basis.

 

fear-of-public-speaking-1

Speaker’s Clinic with Roy Hanschke

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 an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Roy has trained and coached beginning and seasoned speakers for over 15 years. He is also a 20-year (plus) veteran in Christian radio in Denver, Colorado. His morning show is heard at 910AM and worldwide on streaming audio at www.AM91.org.


Fiction Intensive with Jim and Tracie PetersonTracies latest book
Tracie’s 100th book, A Sensible Arrangement, has just been released. Congratulations, Tracie!

This clinic is designed for writers who feel they have great stories to tell, but who want to dig just a little deeper to actually put them to paper in a dynamic way.

What makes a good story?
How do you give life to paper characters?
Why is setting so critical?
What’s research got to do with fiction?
What is my reason for writing this book?
How can you avoid the most popular mistakes


Get Them Coming to Your Blog / Website with Megan Breedlove – Learn what kind of web presence you need and where to go to get it, determine exactly who your target audience is and  what they need, receive individual instruction to ensure your site does the best possible job of meeting your audience’s needs, discover how to promote your site and increase your Google ranking, expand your author platform so you can get your message out to the nations and develop a presence that will be attractive to publishers, and more.

News You Can Use

How To Build A Writer Platform With No Time, No Credentials And No Book – Helpful blog by  Kimberley Grabas.

Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas   LPC
“Working hard to make His truth shine.”
Check out their growing line of books including how-to books for writers. This is the 5th year LPC and ChristianDevotions.us will be represented at the Colorado and Greater Philly conference. Father, thank You for Eddie Jones and his team and for the Ephesians 3:20 things You have done and are doing.

Keep writing His answer and doing what Jesus would do!

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Impossibles, Conference Updates, News You Can Use

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, God's promises, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Overcoming self-doubts, Writer's Life on March 29, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Are you facing what seems to be an impossible situation?

A friend emailed me this morning asking for prayer. She is facing “financial ruin” if her two apartments and former home are not rented quickly.

Another friend is asking for prayer for a Godmom who is fighting to hang on until she has serious heart surgery scheduled for April 3. She is having difficulty breathing. She caught a cold that delayed surgery.

And there are so many others I know, and that I’m sure you know, too, who need prayer for desperate situations. Perhaps you also need prayer for an impossible in your life. It might be a health problem, a financial crisis, a fractured relationship … Or perhaps, like me this past week, it’s a workload that feels impossible, a computer with “issues,” or words that aren’t coming despite an approaching deadline.

   “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God,” [Jesus told His disciples].
    The disciples were incredulous! “Then who in the world can be saved, if not a rich man?” they asked.
    Jesus looked at them intently, then said, “Without God, it is utterly impossible. But with God everything is possible.” (Mark 10:24-27 TLB)

Father, help us to give You the impossibles in our lives that are weighing us down and robbing us of the peace and joy that are Your gifts to us. Thank You for Your promise that “I can do everything [You] ask me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power” (Phil. 4:13 TLB).

Update – May 14-17 Colorado Christian Writers Conference

Fiction Intensive – The deadline to apply for the Fiction Intensive with Jim and Tracie Peterson is April 1. Tracie just recently had her 100th book published. If you’ve been on the conference Facebook page, you saw her September 2013 release, A Home for My Heart, was free on Kindle. It’s now $9.99. Good reason to follow the conference Facebook page!

And your reason is? – See faculty member, Marti Pieper’s, “Top Ten Reasons Not to Attend.” http://martipieper.com/write-top-ten-reasons-not-to-attend-the-colorado-christian-writers-conference/

Update – July 30 – August 2 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference

Workshops Scheduled – Even though this is my 31st year directing, I confess I felt overwhelmed as I finally began the process of choosing 60 workshops from the couple hundred available from our faculty of 55 authors, editors, and agents. It really did feel like an impossible task, but that’s a good thing for it meant I needed to rely on the Lord. The 18 early bird workshops are now posted on the website – minus the descriptions that I’ll add next week. You’ll find the schedule posted, too. I hope to have the grid of the 42 Thursday through Saturday workshops posted tonight. I’ll put an announcement on the conference Facebook page when they’re uploaded.

“No chance at all if you think you can pull it off by yourself.
Every chance in the world if you let God do it.”
Mark 10:27 MSG

Registration Opens April 1 – No fooling! Thank You, Father. This, too, looked impossible. Thank You for enabling me to do what I could have never done in my own strength.

News You Can Use

How Many Words? – See Books and Such Literary agent Mary Keeley’s helpful info on “Word Count Confusion.” http://www.booksandsuch.com/blog/word-count-confusion/

Looking Professional Online – Another helpful blog from a Books and Such Literary agent. I so agree with Rachael Kent’s advice, “Don’t try to get cute with your email address.” And I’d add, don’t assume I’ll know who you are from your email address. It’s very helpful (and professional!) to include an address block at the bottom of your email with your name and contact info. http://www.booksandsuch.com/blog/looking-professional-online/

Encouraging Blog – Thanks, Marji Stevens, for your blogs that always encourage me. This post that I just rediscovered speaks to the impossibles. Marji writes, “Sometimes I spend the entire day frustrated and annoyed running in mad circles. Generally, it all stems from failing to start my day, or project, acknowledging the One who waits for me to figure out how much I need Him.” http://www.marjistevens.com/2014/03/17/figuring-out-how-much-i-need-him/

Keep writing His answer and trusting Him for the impossibles – Marlene

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To Believe, Conference Updates, News You Can Use

Posted in Called to write, Colorado Christian Writers Conference, God's promises, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Overcoming self-doubts, Pondering Biblical Truth on March 21, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Compassion rocks fixed

Are you concerned
about human trafficking,
orphans, abortion, the poor,
racism, the handicapped,
the hungry, the oppressed,
and so much more that is close to
the heart and call of Jesus?

Maybe your concerns are closer to home –
a family member who doesn’t know the Lord,
relationships that are strained,
even estranged,
not enough money to meet urgent needs,
and not enough faith to tackle issues
that seem beyond us to resolve.

Today I want to challenge you, and to challenge myself
to believe that we can make a difference.

Dream%20With%20Me_album%20cover

I’ve just watched – again – the video of pre-teen Jackie Evancho singing “I Believe” that now has 4,628,546 hits on youtube. Amazing voice – powerful message. I encourage you to watch it and to believe. God has a plan for you and for your writing. He can use you and use me to make a difference in our hurting world. And grab hold of His promises in “A Writer’s Statement of Faith.” Read them aloud. Choose to believe He means what He says. He who calls you will equip you to do “far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us” (Eph. 3:20 MSG).

Updates – May 14-17 Colorado Christian Writers Conference

Steve Lawson2 Jan 2014Compassion, Justice, and Advocacy Seminar If God has given you a burden to be an advocate, to tell a story, or to make a cause or issue known,  this seminar will help you learn how to be more effective. If you’re coming to the conference, I encourage you to “tithe” your conference time by choosing this seminar in the place of the Friday 1:15 panel and 2:15 workshop. Pastors and concerned Christians from the community may register just for this seminar by  clicking here. The $35 seminar registration fee  will be split between the organizations making presentations in our Missions Moments throughout the conference.     Steven Lawson, a freelance writer, editor, writing coach, and publishing consultant with more than 30 years of experience will lead this critically important seminar.  For 11 years he was senior editor at Regal Books. At Regal, he acquired, developed, and edited major titles by a wide array of authors, including A. W. Tozer, Shane Claiborne, Don Richardson, Eric Metaxas, Joni Eareckson-Tada, BarlowGirl, Jack Hayford, Cecil Murphey, and Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw. He previously served as an editor at Charisma Magazine, publications director at Jews for Jesus, and a reporter for a major newspaper. As a freelancer he has teamed up with World Vision, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, and others. He helps first-time authors, pastors, athletes, worship leaders, devotional writers, and missions-minded authors shape their vision and navigate the ever-changing world of publishing. Currently he is ghostwriting the memoirs of John M. Perkins.

Additional free appointment – Although I can’t extend the early price, I can offer everyone who registers this weekend (March 22-23), an additional free one-one-one appointment with a faculty member.

Updates – July 30 – August 2 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference

Have you seen who is on faculty? – Click here and rejoice with me in the outstanding faculty God has provided.

News You Can Use

Lancaster (PA) Christian Writers’ Super Saturday 2014 – I hope to see you April 10. I’ll be keynoting and bringing the Write His Answer bookstore. A faculty of 7 will offer workshops you won’t want to miss. To learn more, click here.

Write His Answer Seminar – June 6-7 I will be in Washington, NJ  teaching five workshops and leading a critique session. For more info click here. CDs of this seminar that I taught in CT last fall can be purchased securely online by clicking here. Interested in a seminar in your area, click here.

Until next week, keep believing and writing His answer!

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Faith Is . . . Conference Updates and News You Can Use

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Goal-setting, God's promises, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Marketing, Platform building, Promotion, Writer's Life on March 13, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Crocus in the snowFaith Is . . .

I knew my snowdrops (flowers not flakes) were there, somewhere, buried under the blanket of snow that had covered the ground for months. After the thirteen snowstorms we’ve had this winter (I think there were thirteen – I lost count!), I am so ready for spring.

Yesterday I took advantage of the almost 60 degree weather to work in my garden. Sure enough, poking through the snow were my snowdrops and, amazingly, they were already in bloom.

Today, the temperature is again below freezing. A bitter cold wind is gusting to 30 MPH. It’s a day to curl up in my recliner and dream about springtime as I leaf through catalogs that have been arriving almost daily. It is definitely not a day to be outside gardening.

I’m reminded of a familiar Scripture. “What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead” (Heb. 11:1 TLB).

Years ago I paraphrased this verse for writers:

Now faith is the assurance
of the acceptances we hope for,
the proof of acceptances
we do not yet see,
And the conviction of their coming reality—
faith perceiving as
future fact that which is
not yet revealed when we go to the mailbox.

Does that mean everything we write will be published? Of course not. Hebrews 11:1 is not a blank check we simply sign for anything we want. And “dreaming instead of doing is foolishness, and there is ruin in a flood of empty words” (Eccl. 5:7 TLB). But if we seek first His Kingdom, if we match our faith with hard work, and if we “don’t get discouraged and give up,” Galatians 6:9 says “we will reap a harvest of blessing” (TLB).

We can’t rush the process any more than we can rush the coming of spring. But we can choose to keep our priorities in order and to rely on His promises. “Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him, and he will respond to us as surely as the coming of dawn or the rain of early spring” (Hosea 6:3 TLB).

Updates – May 14-17 Colorado Christian Writers Conference

Early registration deadline – At 12:01 am EST, March 16, the price for those registering online will automatically increase. I do not create the registration form and, therefore, cannot extend the date as I’ve been known to do in the past.  But since we’re only three registrations away from the first 75 who will receive an additional free appointment, I can extend an additional free appointment to everyone who registers before March 16.

Roy Hanschke use this oneSpeaker’s Clinic with Roy Hanschke –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 an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Roy has trained and coached beginning and seasoned speakers for over 15 years. He is also a 20-year (plus) veteran in Christian radio in Denver, Colorado. His morning show is heard at 910AM and worldwide on streaming audio at www.AM91.org. Roy  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). In this clinic you’ll have an opportunity to test what you learn and receive helpful evaluation from Roy and seven of your peers. For more information and the application that needs to be submitted by April 1 go to http://colorado.writehisanswer.com/clinics.    

Updates – July 30–August 2 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference

DickBrusoPhoto_014ret-2Focus on faculty member Dick Bruso – An international speaker, author, and founder of Heard Above The Noise®, Dick is a highly regarded branding and marketing expert. His clients include best-selling authors and in-demand speakers. He is an active member of the National Speakers Association (NSA) and served as the Chair of the NSA Writers & Publishers Professional Experts Group for 2009-2010 and as the Chair of the NSA National Academy for Professional Speaking for 2011-2012. Dick will teach a special two-hour workshop on “Creating a Best-Seller Brand: The Inside Secrets Every Author Needs to Know!”

More information on GPCWC’s 60 workshops and 3 clinics coming soon. Visit the website for descriptions of our 8 continuing sessions. Online registration opens April 1.

News You Can Use

Writing opportunity – Because 2013 GPCWC faculty member Ann Knowles believes that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, she is currently accepting submissions for a book about miracles. The book will contain commentary about miracles from the Old Testament, the New Testament and miracles of today. If you have a miracle story, contact Ann for more information. annknowles03@aol.com.

Two Ingredients for Success –  Impatient not just for spring but for a publishing breakthrough? Check out what Literary agent, Karen Ball, has to say in a recent blog.

Keep writing His answer and trusting His timing!

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Not Good Enough, Conference Updates, News You Can Use

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Overcoming self-doubts, Platform building, Promotion, Writer's Life on March 8, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Marlene Bagnull

Not Good Enough!

Have you had a productive week – a week of making real progress on a manuscript? Or have you made excuses for not writing – excuses fueled by self-doubts?

Perhaps tapes from your childhood have again begun to play. I’m not good enough, smart enough, gifted enough . . .

It’s all too easy to slide down that slippery slope of self-doubt. We can try to deny how we feel. After all, as someone has said, “feelings are not facts.” But our feelings can seem true, and stuffing them down doesn’t make them go away.

I am encouraged by the Apostle Paul’s words to the Corinthian Christians, and to us: “I was unsure of how to go about this, and felt totally inadequate—I was scared to death, if you want the truth of it—and so nothing I said could have impressed you or anyone else. But the Message came through anyway. God’s Spirit and God’s power did it” (1 Cor. 2:3-4 MSG).

Father, when we struggle with “not good enough” feelings, help us to remember that the cross turns our minus into a plus. We can’t . . . but You can. All You ask is that we trust in Your power to do what we can never do in our own strength. Thank You for how You use our feelings of inadequacy  to draw us closer to You. And yes, Father, please help me practice what I preach! [Readers – I’ve spent more time trying to format this post than it took to write it, and still there are formatting problems I can’t fix.]

Write His Answer cover

For more on this struggle that I find is so common among writers, especially among those who truly are gifted, I encourage you to read the chapter, “Crisis of Confidence,” from my book, Write His Answer – A Bible Study for Christian Writers. You’ll find it posted under Freebies on the Colorado and Philly website.

Updates – Colorado Christian Writers Conference

There’s still time to be among the first 75 to register  and remember, the first  75 registrants will receive an additional free 15-minute appointment. But don’t delay. And keep in mind that the price increases March 16.

Teens Write – Each year about 25 teens attend the all-day Saturday Teens Write. Flyers are now available. Tim Shoemaker, one of the Teens Write instructors, is coming to Colorado early and is interested in doing school visits on Tuesday, May 13. In addition to his Strengthening Fiction Skills Workshops, Tim offers Character Building Talks that are perfect for assemblies. (Click here for flyer.)

Hero Stuff – In satisfying fiction, often ordinary kids end  up  making heroic choices. We all want to be  heroes … and  can  be. I’ll use  engaging object lessons to illustrate six starting points for being a hero in everyday life.                   

Smashed Tomatoes – In fiction, often life looks really dark to a character before light dawns. In life sometimes we  feel like junk and  see  no  hope. Take  heart. Life has  a way of  making great things out of  messed-up lives.

In response to assemblies a couple of weeks ago, Tim received nearly 60 letters from students. “I’m blown away by them,” he says. “And based on what they wrote, they were listening every bit as good as it appeared they were.) If you know of a school that might be interested, please email Tim at familydevotionsworkshop@gmail.com.

Need a professional photograph?  If you’re like quite a few folks I know, you HATE having your picture taken and may be using one on your Web site or PR literature that is very old. Jodie Westfall, a professional photographer from Texas, would love to come to the conference and spend 15 minutes with YOU. After spending a few minutes getting to know you and what you need photos for, she will give you the photos she takes of you with no copyright notice needed for reproducing for only $50 and you can have access to them on Dropbox. (An hour long session is $167.) The price is a bargain especially since you will own the photos and will be able to use them without a copyright notice. You can find out more about Jodie at her website: www.jodiewestfallphotography.com.  

In order to make this happen, Jodie needs to know there will be enough interest to justify the expense of her coming. So . . . if this is something you want to do, please email  jwp@jodiewestfallphotography.com no later than April 14 so she can book her flight. Put “Photos at CCWC” in your subject line and she will send you a PayPal invoice. When you arrive at the conference and receive your appointment schedule, you can then choose the time that fits best for your photo shoot.

Marlene Salcher book cover
New Book and Testimony CCWC Conferee
Marlene Salcher www.marlenesalcher.com

“All the self doubt, the enemy’s voice and sometimes the challenges in family life and in ministry made me wonder if what I had to say would make any difference anyway. But I kept going by the grace of God and can take no credit for the way He kept prodding, pushing, encouraging, and comforting when I so wanted to quit. And now, it’s almost done, after thirty long, painful and challenging years. . . . I’d appreciate your prayers as I watch and wait for what He would like to do next in my life.”

Updates – Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference

Continuing Sessions – This info is now posted on the conference website. There really is something for everyone.

News You Can Use

Building Your Platform – In a 10-part series, Cec Murphey  who will keynote and teach a continuing session at the Philly conference, shares important information.  Check out his Writer to Writer blog.

Free guides – Book Baby has some helpful free guides including Twitter for Authors in 10 Minutes a Day. Except for my Facebook messages that are automatically posted on Twitter, I don’t Tweet. Someone,  however, hacked my account a couple of days ago and sent out 225 messages in less than an hour!

Talking about self-confidence – Paula Moldenhauer’s video on “Belonging” will encourage you. http://abenewjourney.com/2014/01/27/monday-morning-makeover-belonging/

Until next week, keep living and writing His answer – Marlene

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Excuses, Conference Updates, News You Can Use

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Writer's Life on March 1, 2014| 1 Comment »

Marlene BagnullThe postcards announcing the July 30 – August 2 date for the 2014 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference have been ready to mail for several weeks. My plan was to get them out the beginning of the year, but I didn’t get them designed and to the printer until early in February. Now it’s March 1. Can you believe it? And can you believe that yet another snowstorm is threatening to shut down much of the Midwest and northeast?

But I can’t use the snow or busyness as an excuse for not getting the postcards mailed sooner. The fact is I have put off the huge and not-fun job of updating the mailing list – a task that took over 12 boring hours yesterday.

Not every aspect of directing two conferences is fun. It’s the same with writing. We may, as someone has said, “love to have written.” It’s just the getting started part when we make “I don’t have time” excuses.

Or we may love the process of creating, but then abandon our creations because we do not love rewriting. This is when we may begin to doubt ourselves – when making excuses becomes easier than finishing what we started.

“I want to suggest that you finish what you started to do a year ago,” Paul admonished the Corinthian Christians (2 Cor. 8:10 TLB). “Having started the ball rolling so enthusiastically, you should carry this project through to completion just as gladly, giving whatever you can out of whatever you have. Let your enthusiastic idea at the start be equaled by your realistic action now” (2 Cor. 8:11 TLB).

Have you been making excuses to avoid something you know God is calling you to do?

Colorado Christian Writers Conferences Updates

Paid Critiques – I confess that this is another not-easy and not-fun task, but finally this page is posted with the names of faculty members who have agreed to do paid critiques and their genres. For $35 you can choose one of these professionals to review your manuscript (please adhere to the specified length) prior to the conference in preparation for meeting with you for 30 minutes.

One-on-One Appointments – The first 75 to register for the entire conference receive an additional free 15-minute appointment with the faculty of their choice (based on availability). That’s a total of five 15-minute appointments to pitch your ideas to editors and agents or get helpful feedback from an author. Be sure to carefully and prayerfully review the editorial needs posted on the conference website along with their bios. And get your registration in as soon as you can to get your top picks.

Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference

Drum roll please – The names of 51 faculty members are now posted at http://philadelphia.writehisanswer.com/facultyataglance. Bios and editorial needs coming soon along with info on the 8 continuing sessions and 3 clinics. Prayer is much appreciated as I work this coming week to update the website. Now that is a fun job thanks to the wonderful EZ-CMS (Easy Content Management System) my friends at SKWD Associates have created. Thanks much, Bruce, Jonathan, Scott and team. If you need a new or redesigned custom website with the tools to make changes and additions yourself, I highly recommend SKWD.

News You Can Use

MovieGuide Awards – Please support  Dr. Ted Baehr (a regular faculty member at both conferences) in his work to make a difference in Hollywood. By tuning in to the REELZ CHANNEL today, March 1, at 2PM Eastern/11AM Pacific you’ll be sending a message to Hollywood that people want faith and family content.    

Gala-Reelz-4x5

 A Writer’s Dream – Many of you have heard Bob Hostetler’s powerful keynote, “A Writer’s Dream.” If you were to ask Bob about his “Grandpa’s Dream,” it would be finding a cure for Cystic Fibrosis for two-year-old Ryder and four-year-old Calleigh. Bob will be participating in the May 10 Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Walk. Please help him reach his goal of raising $3,500.

“Nobody Writes Good First Drafts” – Check out Rachelle Gardner’s blog. Father, help us to stop making excuses and to give you and our readers our very best.

Lent Begins on Wednesday – Thanks, Karen Ball, for your challenging thoughts on “What Will You Give Up for Lent?”

Lent-570x379

Keep living and writing His answer – Marlene

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Perseverance, Conference Updates, & News You Can Use

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, God's promises, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Pondering Biblical Truth, Writer's Life on February 22, 2014| Leave a Comment »

It’s been a challenging week! In addition to directing the Colorado and Greater Philly Christian Writer Conference, I’m also an author, editor, and publisher. That’s lot of hats, especially when I add the most important ones of wife, mother, and grammy – all, of course, under the umbrella of follower of Jesus Christ.

I’ve been reminded – again – that He never promised it would be easy to follow Him. Nor does He promise to remove obstacles from our paths. Instead, the Bible says “problems and trials are good for us—they help us learn to be patient” (Rom. 5:3 TLB).

Yes, this is the same passage I quoted several weeks ago from The Message. Obviously, I still have much to learn when it comes to patience.

Yesterday and into the wee hours of this morning I felt like I was hitting my head against a brick wall (or my computer!) as I tried to figure out how to remove the white background in the logo for my small publishing house, Ampelos Press.

2 AMPELOS LOGO trans

Ampelos is the Greek word for vine in John 15:4-5: “Take care to live in me, and let me live in you. For a branch can’t produce fruit when severed from the vine. Nor can you be fruitful apart from me.  Yes, I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in me and I in him shall produce a large crop of fruit. For apart from me you can’t do a thing.”

I’ve got Jasc Paint Shop Pro, a powerful software program if I just knew how to do everything I know it can do! I did online searches, followed the “easy” instructions I found, even downloaded a free graphic design program. Nothing worked.

My patience was growing – thin that is! Then suddenly the unwanted white background disappeared. I don’t know what I did, but it worked! Thank You, Father.

What if I hadn’t persevered? Yes, my dear friend Jo Hardesty Lauter, a gifted graphic artist and author, offered to remove the background for me. But I felt compelled (okay stubbornly driven) to learn how to do this.

Now, I’m not suggesting that you follow my example. Father calls us not just to give but to receive help. But I do know that it is far too easy for gifted writers to give up. Too many manuscripts are never finished, and too many finished manuscripts are never published because we give up.

Friends, let’s determine to “Keep [our] 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)

Colorado Christian Writers Conference Updates

Take a look at the new Breaking News page. You’ll be encouraged by the testimony of three conferees whose books are now published because they persevered. Marilyn Wentz says, “I’m 53 and I am now publishing something I started at 12.”

Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference Updates

Push cropped

Speaking of persevering . . . Mark Ammerman, a pastor from Lancaster, PA, is one the keynoters at this year’s Philly conference. I had the privilege of working with him to get his End Times novel, PUSH, into print. It’s a gripping page-turner that I believe the Lord is going to use in Ephesians 3:20 ways. I can’t urge you strongly enough to purchase a copy (it’s available on Amazon), read it, and pass it on. His keynote in Philly is “Write His Answer . . . Now!” I am convinced there is no time to waste.

Because the time is short, more than at any time in history Father is giving us the opportunity to not just write but to publish His answer. I’m very excited about the continuing session we’re offering this year, Indie publishing: A Walk through CreateSpace. In these interactive workshops led by Bart Palamaro from Indie Author Support, you’ll learn:  Critical Word page setup requirements. Using Styles and Sections to simplify your work and create a consistent appearance. How to open a free CreateSpace account with proper royalty and tax setup. When and how to get an ISBN.  Front and back cover size and resolution requirements. Choosing a cover style. Proof a book using Softproof and print copies, troubleshoot problems. Pick sales channel. Price your book. Order books, costs, and drop shipping to a third party. Convert your book to KDP (Kindle format). Much more.

Keynotes, continuing sessions, and clinics are now in place along with 48 faculty members. Now the work of updating the website begins.

News You Can Use

Dianne E Butts ebook cropped

Dianne E. Butts writes a blog I highly recommend, Dianne E. Butts About Writing. Her latest post has a wealth of info on How to Write and Get Published by Magazines and Book Publishers, also the title of her new ebook. Dianne will be serving on the faculty of both the Colorado and Greater Philly conference.

That’s all this week. Check the Colorado and the Greater Philly conference Facebook pages for updates between now and next weekend when I trust I’ll have loads more to share with you.

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Creativity, Conference Updates, News You Can Use

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Pondering Biblical Truth, Writer's Life on February 15, 2014| Leave a Comment »

Bananas

Creativity!

Where would writers, or artists, or musicians, or really anyone be without it?

Sometimes ideas may come more quickly than we can capture them. Other times we may feel empty of even one creative thought.

What can we do when we fear our creativity has dried up? When we’re feeling discouraged and stuck? When it’s been far too long since we’ve had a good laugh?

I love these dolphin bananas. (I can’t take credit for them though.) And what fun it was this morning to make animal waffles for my grandkids. The elephants, lions, and monkeys were almost too cute to eat.

What an amazing world God has created. If you’re feeling tired, drained, burned out, “Study GOD and his strength, seek his presence day and night” (1 Chron.16:11 MSG). Talk about creativity! Surely He must have laughed when He painted stripes on zebras, stretched the giraffe’s legs and neck, shaped the elephant’s trunk, and made intricate one-of-a-kind snowflakes. (Yes, it’s snowing here again!)

Colorado Christian Writers Conference Updates

Speaking of creativity, I’m reminded of the workshop John Chisum will be teaching on “Talent, Creativity, and Process.” How can you thrive creatively even in dry seasons? You’re sure to gain helpful insights from John who has been a publisher, author, speaker, poet, blogger, producer, songwriter with other 400 published songs, and worship leader for over three decades.

Megan Breedlove’s “Get Them Coming to Your Blog/Website” is one of four clinics at the May 14-17 Colorado Christian Writers Conference. Dave Weikel, one of the participants last year, said, “Our ministry received such value from Megan’s instruction. We learned so much about web presence. The proof is in the results.  by His design went from 1 or 2 visits on our website per day to 80 to 90 visits per day.  She gave us a real value.” Applications for all four clinics are now online at http://colorado.writehisanswer.com/clinics.

Except for the Paid Critiques page the website for our May 14-17 conference is up-to-date. You’ll find photos and bios for all 63 members of our faculty plus the editorial needs for 18 book editors and 11 magazine editors. There are also links to more info for the 6 agents on faculty.

The scholarship applications are also now online. In addition to the five scholarships Cec Murphey is offering to cover the cost of registration, partial scholarships are also available as well as $100 Vickie Baker scholarships for those writing their testimony in book form either as a personal experience story, fiction based on life experience, or a devotional/inspirational book? The deadline for applying is April 10.

Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference Update

I hope to nail down all eight continuing sessions this coming week and post the info online as well as begin making other website updates for our July 30 – August 2 conference.

News You Can Use

More on grammar from agent Chip MacGregor –    http://www.chipmacgregor.com/uncategorized/what-drives-an-editor-crazy-5/

Faculty member Dianne E. Butts has a brand new e-book on Amazon. How to Get Published by Magazines & Book Publishers: Find Markets, Submit Your Manuscripts, and More. Dianne has been coming to the Colorado Christian Writers Conference for 24 consecutive years. She has published more than 300 articles in print magazines and more for online sites. She is the author of six books including Dear America that I had the privilege or publishing through Ampelos Press. Dianne has worked hard to learn the craft of writing and marketing and continues to learn and to share what she learns with others. I’m very proud of her.

Food for thought – Do you spend more time on Facebook daily then you do in God’s Word? http://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com/2014/02/05/more-people-read-facebook-daily-than-the-bible-how-about-you/

Another look at 1 Chronicles 16:11, this time from the Amplified Bible – “Seek  the Lord and His strength; yearn for and seek His face and to be in His presence continually!”

Father, help us to make spending time with you our top priority. Only then can we hope to “write Your answer.”

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