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Branding, Speaking, Plus a Bonus!

April 18, 2018 by Marlene Bagnull

DickBrusoPhoto_014ret-2
Two Power-Packed Programs
in One Incredible Early Bird Workshop
at the May 16-19, 2018
Colorado Christian Writers Conference

presented by international speaker
and branding expert,
Dick Bruso

 

 

As the saying goes, “The early bird gets the worm.” Arrive early at the Colorado Christian Writers Conference and attend a very special two-part, 90-minute, early bird session starting at 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16th. This is a workshop you can’t afford to miss!

Part One: Create a Best-Seller Brand 

Come learn how to develop a unique and enduring brand that will powerfully capture the marketplace by applying the “umbrella branding” approach to every aspect of your writing career. You will discover how you can bring absolute focus, clarity, and life to both your work and your brand.

Part Two: Fast-Track Your Speaking Outreach

Accelerate your writing career by tapping into the ideal professional speaking organizations, resources, and tools. Learn the inside secrets every Christian writer needs to know about the world of public speaking and building a solid and professional platform.

Last year these two programs (now combined for one jam-packed two-part workshop) were standing room only and the CDs of these sessions sold like hotcakes on a wintry day.

But, wait! There’s more!” 🙂 And, there really is more: Everyone attending this session will be given a complimentary 30-minute one-on-one phone consultation with Dick Bruso to help further their careers.

So register now for this special early bird workshop to begin your exciting adventure with CCWC on Wednesday, May 16th!

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Marketing, Platform building | Leave a Comment »

More thoughts on indie publishing

April 16, 2018 by Marlene Bagnull

Underwood tpewriterI’ve been writing for publication for over 40 years. So much has changed since my first devotional was published in The Secret Place in the 1970s. Well, I’m not as ancient as this old manual typewriter, although I do remember my grandfather had one in the basement. I had to press really hard on the keys for the letters to print clearly. And I often had to untangle the keys.

Selectric
In high school I learned QWERTY touch-typing. By the end of the year I was typing 60 wpm on a Royal electric. That was faster than most in my class, but it wasn’t until I was introduced to an IBM Selectric on my first job after high school that my speed topped 100 wpm. I loved my Selectric and was fascinated by the little typeball that spun around.

Never did I imagine how far technology would take us. Truly these are exciting days filled with opportunities for writers to reach the world.  “For such a time as this” the Lord has provided the technology to do what we could have never done in the past. Because I am so excited about indie publishing, in my latest seminar, Grow Your Writing Ministry, I devote a good portion of time to the why and the how-to. The entire seminar of approximately 5 hours is available as MP3 files along with detailed handouts for only $18.

I’ve also made it a priority to include sessions on indie publishing at the two conferences I direct.

At the July 26-28 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference Dan Walsh, the bestselling author of 19 novels, will teach the continuing session The Brave New World of Indie Publishing. Dan says “Five or six years ago, almost no one considered indie or self-publishing as a worthwhile path to pursue. Now all of that has changed. After successfully publishing 13 novels the traditional way, in 2015 I joined a large number of my fellow authors who were all starting to publish their books on their own as indies. I’ve done 5 now and absolutely love it. I’ll cover the ins-and-outs of the publishing world (traditional, hybrid, and indie) and explain how to succeed at indie publishing if that path is the right one for you.” (Important – The faculty and program are almost finalized for the Philly conference. Info coming soon to http://philadelphia.writehisanswer.com.)

At the May 16-19 Colorado Christian Writers Conference, in addition to Cheri Cowell’s workshop on Evaluating Your Options (click here for Cheri’s blog)  we are also offering a continuing session on Indie Publishing. 

Bob Ruesch colorRoyHanschke_2x2x600
In the Thursday morning session you’ll discover the pitfalls, snags, and triumphs two writers experienced. Bob Ruesch used an indie publishing company. Roy Hanschke a traditional publisher.

 

 

Ken RaneyIn the next 3 sessions, Ken Raney will address formatting the interior and designing professional looking book covers, business cards, newsletters, blogs and websites, bookmarks, postcards, email signatures, ads, and more  along with accessible online resources for writers such as templates, themes, stock photography, fonts, photo-manipulation programs, etc. Ken has over 35 years of experience in graphic design, illustration, advertising, and marketing. He will provide practical and user-friendly info even for non-techies. The last session features a panel of indie authors.

Shelley Ring Jan 2018
In addition, Shelley Ring will teach a Saturday morning workshop on Back Cover Copy. If you don’t know where to start, this workshop is for you. You’ll learn how to write a short, sweet package to woo readers to buy your book. Bring your synopsis or current WIP.  Be prepared to write!

 

 

We’ve also got a track of  workshops on marketing at both conferences since whether you publish traditionally or go indie, you need to commit to work hard at spreading the word about your book.  Does this all seem beyond you? It is, in your own strength. But God . . .

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

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Indie publishing, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

The Tale of Three Authors

April 15, 2018 by Marlene Bagnull

Cheri Cowell closeup from webGuest post by
Cheri Cowell

I am an author/publisher. I began writing in 2000 with magazine articles and seven years later published my first book. Recently, I had my fourth traditionally published book release with Zondervan, but it is helping my fellow authors extend their reach through my company, EABooks Publishing, that gives me the most satisfaction. So here is my opus, The Tale of Three Authors.

Amy* was considered a successful author with two books published by traditional publishing houses. However, there was one book she’d pitched and pitched and had been unable to sell. The book represented her heart’s cry and passion and she wouldn’t rest until it was published.

Chip* was a leader in his local critique group, winning several writing awards, and the admiration of many. Yet, when he sat before editors at writers’ conferences he performed poorly and never knew how to answer the platform question. He wasn’t good at selling himself or his work, but he was a good writer with a lot to say.

Bonnie* was a retired high school English teacher who’d married her high school sweetheart. Together they’d served as missionaries around the world. Now that her husband was gone and her years waning, she’s begun to look at the legacy she was leaving. Her grandchildren loved the story she always told about a young girl in Bangladesh, the true story about a girl and her life of faith in a foreign land. Bonnie knew she didn’t have the funds most self-publishers were charging, and yet she didn’t fit the profile of the up and coming author the traditional publishers were looking to sink their money into. Was there a place for her in this publishing world?

These three writers found a place with EABooks Publishing

The same year Amy released two traditionally published books, she released the book of her passion as an e-book. She timed it perfectly to piggyback on the publicity from her traditionally pubed books. Now she knows the message of her ‘passion book’ is reaching people and making a difference.

Chip has published five books with EABooks Publishing, some as e-books and others as print-on-demand. He’s found a new outlet for his creativity, and with marketing help from EABooks he’s developed a fan base. And he’s even making a little money. His fans can’t wait for the release of his latest project—an audiobook.

It took Bonnie a long time to make her decision, but when she finally decided to go with EABooks Publishing she found the whole process empowering. When her book began selling on Amazon she sent a link to a friend, who decided to purchase hundreds of copies for the children’s home he supported. Bonnie would have been happy to sell only to her family and friends, but sharing the gospel with hundreds of needy children makes her heart sing.

This tale is still being written and has room for the stories of more authors. Come share yours with Cheri Cowell, Owner and President of EABooks Publishing, at the May 16-19 Colorado Christian Writers Conference. She’d love to hear about your book.

* Names and genders have been changed but these stories are true.

Note from Marlene 

I’m happy to have Cheri Cowell on the faculty of this year’s CCWC. She will teach a Wednesday early bird workshop from 4:45 – 6:00 on Evaluating Your Options. Cheri will discuss traditional publishing, answer some forbidden questions, and take a look at the many options for self-, independent and co-publishing, and partnership publishing. As someone with her foot in both worlds, Cheri can help you evaluate your options.

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Get your book in print, Indie publishing | 1 Comment »

How to Write a Book AND Get it Published

April 14, 2018 by Marlene Bagnull

Debbie Hardy for GPGuest Post by
Debbie Hardy

So, you’ve been told that you should write a book, but where do you start? And after you’ve put pen to paper or opened a Word doc, what next? How in the world do you get published?

That’s exactly where I was just a few years ago. In fact, I was so terrified of going to my first writers’ conference that I paid a friend’s way and took her with me so I wouldn’t chicken out and go back home!

Since that time, I’ve attended dozens of conferences, workshops, and seminars and learned a lot about the publishing industry. And I’ve published 3 books, I’m working on 2 others, and I have a literary agent. I’m going to share what I’ve learned at the Colorado Christian Writers’ Conference in May.

Come join my Wednesday, May 16, early bird workshop from 1:00 – 2:00, “How to Write a Book AND Get it Published,” and learn how you too can become a published author. We’ll talk about how to get that book to come out of you, how to not appear to be an amateur, and how to get your book into the hands of your target audience.

I’ll also give you a glossary of publishing terms, so you can understand the industry lingo and feel at home.

The CCWC conference has 8 continuing sessions, 4 hands-on clinics to have a professional work on your WIP (Work In Progress) with you (deadline for applying is April 16), and over 50 workshops (including 16 early bird workshops on Wednesday) covering anything you could want to learn about the industry.

Probably the most important feature of this conference is the opportunity to sit down one-on-one with authors, editors, agents, and publishers to discuss your writing dreams.  (Click here for info about CCWC’s appointments.) That’s how I met my agent, my publicist, and my first publisher. (If you want to know the difference between a publicist and a publisher, come to my workshop. I’ll let you in on the secret!)

See you in Estes Park, May 16-19.

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Get your book in print, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

In just a little over a month . . .

April 13, 2018 by Marlene Bagnull

2018 CO banner

  • Do you ever doubt your abilities as a writer?
  • Have you almost given up on getting published in today’s competitive market?
  • Do you hate the “slush pile” and wish you could talk to an editor one-on-one?
  • Are you secretly terrified of the idea of building a “platform”?
  • Do you feel like you’re all alone in your writing adventure/struggle?
  • Is it really worth hanging in there for the long haul?
  • Is there a desire burning in your heart to write words that will potentially lead others to Christ?

7 Top Reasons You Need to Register
for the May 16-19 CCWC

1.  Master the craft of writing. Okay, no one will ever achieve that lofty goal. There’s always more to learn. But as one conferee said, the Colorado Christian Writers Conference is equivalent to a semester college course in writing. A faculty of 59 editors, agents, and authors will provide instruction for wannabe and advanced writers of fiction, nonfiction, and screenwriting. With 58 workshops and 8 continuing sessions to choose from, there really is something for everyone.

2.  Learn how to sell your work to potential publishers. Whether you’ve received more than your share of rejection slips or have yet to get your first, our Publishing track of six workshops will give you the information you need to make the best possible impression on an editor.

3. Face-to-face opportunities to pitch your work to editors and agents. In today’s publishing world the only way to connect with many agents and editors is through meeting them at a conference, and no conference provides more opportunities than CCWC. Those who register for Thursday through Saturday are entitled to FIVE 15-minute one-on-one appointments with the faculty of their choice. You’ll find lots of helpful info on how to prepare and make the best choices by clicking on http://colorado.writehisanswer.com/appointments. Authors are also available to meet with you.

4. Explore the benefits and how-to’s of indie publishing. Cheri Cowell’s Wednesday early bird workshop from 4:45 – 6:00 will help you “Evaluate Your Options.” Our “Indie Publishing” continuing session will give you the tools you need to go indie.

5.  Learn the craft of marketing/promoting your published work. Yes, it’s a craft, and not one that comes naturally to most writers. I’ve often said that the reason I quit Girl Scouts was the stress of trying to sell cookies. Whether or not you enjoy marketing, you hold the key to the sales of your book. And the good news is that marketing can be learned. We have a track of six hour-long marketing workshops and a continuing session on “Your Book Launch Game Plan.”

6.  Fellowship with other writers. Writers connect deeply with one another faster than I ever have in the chit-chat before and after Sunday-morning worship services. A key verse that I’ve sought to follow is 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Encourage each other to build each other up” (TLB). It happens every year at CCWC!

hands joined in prayer

7.  Renew your faith and passion to “write His answer.” Each year Father meets us on the mountain and challenges and equips us to keep on keeping on.

There’s still time to register and to request appointments. Housing is still available at the YMCA – Estes Park Center. Thanks to the Y’s spacious classrooms, none of the workshops or continuing sessions are filled. To register securely online click here. There is a slight price increase April 17.  Some scholarship help is still available (click here).

God can do anything, you know—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.
Ephesians 3:20
Matt mountain

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference | Leave a Comment »

And the ants are back . . .

April 11, 2018 by Marlene Bagnull

Always be joyful.
Never stop praying.
Be thankful in all circumstances,
for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT

Although the snow has finally melted, it still feels like winter here in Pennsylvania. The good thing is the ground (mud) in the backyard is frozen – at least in the morning. But it doesn’t take long for the mud to thaw and to end up on our labradoodle’s paws and from there onto our rugs.

I have 100 strawberry plants that arrived the day we got 6″ of snow. I need to get them planted but it’s still too cold and too wet and muddy.

Important papers in my office again are in the land of the missing. Seriously, how can the bills that I need to pay this morning, and that were on the top of my desk last night, have disappeared? I know they weren’t paid by a bill fairy.

Somehow my email address got hacked. I’ve received and deleted over 7,000 “thank you for subscribing” emails from around the world. Finally, after a  four day battle, I’m only getting a couple every hour. I’m grateful most of them ended up in my spam, but legit emails I need to answer also turn up in my spam folder. I hope I haven’t deleted anything important.

To add to all this and more, I’m in the conference crunch zone and need to finalize the faculty and program for the July 26-28 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, redesign the brochure, and update the website. Meanwhile, countless details for the May 16-19 Colorado Christian Writers Conference need my attention – now!

And the ants are back . . .  Yep! Every  spring, even though it doesn’t feel like spring, they know it’s spring and they invade my office. At least they are tiny little black ants and not giant size. Still, it’s distracting to have an ant run across my computer screen. But what if those ants are a reminder to turn my attention to the Lord? What if I choose to

Give thanks to him and bless his name.
For the Lord is always good.
He is always loving and kind,
and his faithfulness goes on and on . . .
Psalm 100:4-5 TLB

 

Posted in Overcoming distractions, Pondering Biblical Truth | 1 Comment »

Has God called you to write a nonfiction book?

April 10, 2018 by Marlene Bagnull

God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn;
he will never go back on his promises.
Romans 11:29 TLB

  • Do you feel called to write a nonfiction book?
  • Have you been procrastinating because you don’t feel up to the task?
  • Perhaps you’ve begun writing but now you’re feeling stuck?
  • Or maybe you’ve got a completed manuscript, but now what? Should you try and find a traditional publisher, or is indie publishing a better option?

When I finished my first book about 45 years ago (yes, I’ve been writing for a long time), indie publishing wasn’t an option. Back then it was called vanity publishing. Not only was it outrageously expensive, it “branded” the author (but not in today’s positive understanding of the word) as not being good enough to find a real publisher.

Today, because indie publishing is often the best option, the May 16-19 Colorado Christian Writers Conference is offering a 6-hour continuing session on Going Indie.

Cindy Lambert Mar 2015But God’s plan for you may be traditional publishing. If so, a strong book proposal is essential to gain the attention of an agent and publisher. I highly recommend Cindy Lambert’s Nonfiction Book Proposal Clinic. Cindy is the former vice president and associate publisher of trade books with Zondervan. In addition to the six hours she will spend working with six authors on their book proposal, Cindy will meet one-on-one with each participant for 30 minutes. Click here for more information and the needed application. It is due April 16.

Proposal-writing classes have always left me feeling a bit bewildered. Each instructor had their own, different list of “musts,” “dos,” 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 – Phoenixville, PA

A pre-requisite for participating in Cindy’s clinic is her Crafting a Winning Nonfiction Book Proposal early bird workshop on Wednesday from 4:45 – 6:00. This workshop is open to everyone.

Instead of applying for Cindy’s clinic, nonfiction writers have the option to choose six workshops from the 42 offered Thursday through Saturday. In addition, you still get a 6-hour continuing session. Especially recommended for nonfiction writers is Writing Narrative Nonfiction, Your Book Launch Game Plan, or Write from the Deep.

And don’t forget CCWC’s one-on-one appointments. If you attend Thursday through Saturday you are eligible for FIVE free appointments. (The first 75 who registered get SIX.) That’s more than any other conference offers. Five of the six agents on faculty are interested in acquiring nonfiction books and more editors than I’ve got time to count. See the charts below.

Agents NF

Click here to view a 3-page full-size PDF
of all genres agents are interested in representing.

Editors Chart NF p 1.jpg

Click here to view a 5-page full-size PDF of all editorial needs.

Editors Chart NF p 2.jpg

The conference registration fee increases on tax day, April 17. You can register securely online by clicking here. If you’re waiting for your tax return, you can register now , pay a $100 deposit in the next 7 days and the balance at the conference.

Always remember to:

Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him to help you do it, and he will.
Psalm 37:5 TLB

 

Posted in Called to write, Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Get your book in print, Publishing journey, Writing Nonfiction Book Proposals, Writing Nonfiction Books | Leave a Comment »

Teaching this old dog some new tricks

April 5, 2018 by Marlene Bagnull

Don’t worry about anything;
instead, pray about everything;
tell God your needs, and don’t forget
to thank him for his answers.

Philippians 4:6 TLB

It’s been one of those all-too-familiar frustrating and unproductive days.  Maybe you can identify? Father, please increase my prayers and decrease my worries.

I had planned to get a number of invites out to prospective faculty for the July 26-28 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference and tackle the never-ending to-do list for the May 16-19 Colorado Christian Writers Conference. But Emmy . . .

Erin & Emmie 2
Our adorable Labradoodle puppy is now 8 months old, 47.3 pounds, and a much bigger handful than we ever anticipated. Her favorite game, when we catch her with something in her mouth that she shouldn’t have, is “Catch Me If You Can.”

This morning, it was a AAA battery! I don’t have a clue where she found it or  left it. I just know it wasn’t in her mouth when we finally caught her, and it wasn’t anywhere to be found in the house. And I searched, everywhere, down on my hands and knees and tummy.

Convinced that Emmy must have swallowed the battery, I did a quick Internet “what to do if” search and then a quicker call to the vet who said to bring her right over.

Three x-rays later revealed no battery inside Emmy.  Now what, besides paying the $270 bill? Since she found it once, certainly she’d find it again. And this time she might not be as lucky.

We put Emmy in quarantine in my office and continued the search with no success. Finally, around dinnertime I fluffed the blankets on our bed – again. I was tempted to crawl in and pull the covers over my head when . . .  You guessed it! There was the battery. There were some tooth marks, but thank the Lord no leaking battery acid.

We’ve raised three children, three Golden Retrievers, and babysat three grandchildren. None have been as much of a challenge as this Doodle puppy.

I prayed and did lots of research before we got her. Now I can’t help but wonder, and worry, that she’s more than two seniors in their 70s can handle. But surely Father is not surprised, and surely He can use this strong-willed, difficult puppy to teach me some new tricks. I do love her. So, thank You, Father, that Emmy didn’t swallow the battery and need surgery. And thank You for yet another lesson in trusting You.
______________
If you’ve had a puppy (or have one now), what is the biggest challenge you’ve faced and overcome?

 

 

Posted in Pondering Biblical Truth | 3 Comments »

Darkness Shattered

April 1, 2018 by Marlene Bagnull

Empty tomb

Darkness Shattered

They had believed he was the Messiah.
Leaving everything behind,
they followed him.
The Kingdom of God
had seemed so real, so near.
He healed the sick,
fed the hungry,
calmed the storm at sea –
and in their hearts.
His words had given them life
and hope and purpose.
But now he was dead.
How could they have been
so mistaken, so misled?

Hiding in the room
where he had broken the bread
and passed the cup,
hopelessness and despair
closed in around them.
They laughed –
a cold, hard, bitter laugh –
when Mary said she had seen him.
People didn’t come back to life
after dying on a cross.

Suddenly the darkness shattered
at the sound of the familiar voice.
“Peace be with you.”
Jesus stood before them
not dead – but alive!
Light filled the room
and the darkness in their hearts.

Everything he had taught them was true.
He was and is and shall be
alive – forevermore!
Christ is risen.
He is risen, indeed!

Marlene Bagnull

 

Posted in Pondering Biblical Truth | 4 Comments »

Only Love

March 30, 2018 by Marlene Bagnull

crucifixion-clipart-RTAG4M8TL

Only Love

Despised and rejected.
Forsaken – it seemed,
even by His Father
who turned His face away –
Jesus writhed in agony,
His hands and His feet
nailed to a tree.

“They’re not worth it,”
Satan must have taunted.
“Come down from the cross.
Give them what they deserve.
Death – now
and for eternity!”

All of heaven’s armies
stood on alert – ready
to obey the Son’s command.
Would Jesus choose
to save Himself – or men?
Would He endure to the end?

Only love kept Jesus on the cross
knowing only His blood
could set men free.
“It is finished!” He shouted.
Sin and death no longer reign.
Christ has won the victory!

Marlene Bagnull

 

Posted in Pondering Biblical Truth | 4 Comments »

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