Write His Answer

Lancaster Christian Writers April 7 Super Satuday

March 29, 2018 by Marlene Bagnull

LCW SS 2018

A reminder this is the last week of preregistration for Lancaster Christian Writers’ Super Saturday 2018!! on April 7th, 2018, from 8:30am-4:30pm at Lancaster Bible College, 901 Eden Road, Lancaster, PA, 17601. Preregistration of $55 is due by Wednesday, April 4th, and includes soup/sandwich buffet lunch and LCW membership. Registrations after April 4th and walk-ins day of the conference are $65. Seventh-twelfth grade aspiring writers are also welcome at a two-for-one rate, or half-off if accompanying a parent, which includes lunch buffet. Note a few conference updates below:

SCHEDULE: The conference schedule is now posted on LCW’s webpage, along with workshop and faculty descriptions, flyer, registration, and payment forms (see right column). OR it can be found HERE:

ONE ON ONE FACULTY APPOINTMENTS: A perk of the conference is scheduling fifteen minute appointments to share your work with or pick the brain of a faculty member. We are excited to have two auxiliary faculty, who will not be teaching but will be available throughout the day for appointments:

David E. Fessenden is the publisher for Honeycomb House Publishing LLC, and a literary agent for WordWise Media Services. He has degrees in journalism and theology, and over thirty years of experience in writing, editing, and editorial management for Christian book publishers. A frequent speaker at writers’ conferences, he is also author of seven books, including Writing the Christian Nonfiction Book: Concept to Contract, A Christian Writer’s Guide to the Book Proposal, and The Case of the Exploding Speakeasy.

Donna L.H. Smith is managing editor OF Almost an Author, or A3 (www.almostanauthor.com), which focuses on teaching the craft of writing and helps writers build their very-important platform. In January, A3 was named #6 on the Top 100 Websites for Writers by The Writer Life. A3 is actively acquiring submissions in wide range of genres from fiction to non-fiction to the writer’s life (300—500 words) so bring that piece for an appointment! Donna adds, “We’re a great way to build platform and obtain a publishing cred.” Donna is also author of Meghan’s Choice, published in 2017. Please note:

1. Appointments are first come, first served, sign-ups open from 7:30am morning of conference, so plan to get there early if you have a specific faculty signup in mind.
2. Only ONE appointment can be signed up until after the first workshop. A second one can be signed then. After lunch, all available remaining slots are fair game. But be considerate that others also are wanting to meet, and appointment slots are limited.

LOCATION: Conference activities all take place in LBC’s Sebastian Academic Center except lunch, which will be hosted in the Olewine Dining Commons. There will be signs posted to direct you once you are on LBC campus.

BOOK DRAWING/BOOKSTORE: Each conferee will also receive a ticket for a book drawing, both faculty titles and a wide array of writing books. Keep in mind that the drawing takes place in first half of opening session, so again you will want to be there on time. The good news, if you don’t draw the book you want, they will all be available in the conference bookstore.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR CONFERENCE SET-UP: We do need a few good humans for conference set-up and registration. We will be there from 7am, so any time from 7-8am that volunteers can come early would be HUGELY appreciated. Helping with bookstore set-up and manning registration table are main duties. Bonus is first crack at faculty appointments. ALL volunteer help will be finished before opening session.

More information, including the Super Saturday 2018 Flyer/Registration Form and Press Release can be found at Lancaster Christian Writers Today (http://lancasterchristianwriterstoday.blogspot.com/) OR email LCW president Jeanette Windle at jeanette@jeanettewindle.com. Payment can be made online (http://lancasterchristianwriterstoday.blogspot.com/), or mail check/ money order payable to: Lancaster Christian Writers, c/o Jeanette Windle, 1776 Euclid Drive,
Lancaster, PA 17601.

**~ * ~ * ~ * ~**

P.S. From Marlene – I’ll be there with the Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference bookstore. I’ll also be teaching a workshop, ““Hook ‘em from the Get-go and Hold ‘em to the End.” I hope to see you there!

Posted in Craft of writing | Leave a Comment »

Grafted Into Christ

March 29, 2018 by Marlene Bagnull

EPSON MFP image

Abide in Me.
Be grafted into Me,
for on the Cross
I allowed My body to be broken
in order that I might receive you,
in order that I might draw you into Me.
I have exposed to you My inner self,
and I have opened a way for you
to become one with Me.

Place your life into Mine.
I will surround you with My love.
I will cover you with My protection
that you may stand steady
despite the gales of life.
I will nourish you
with My unlimited resources.
I will quench your thirst
with My life-giving water.

As you allow Me to shape and prune your life
through your obedience to My teachings,
I will help you to grow
and become so much a part of Me
that your life will produce
the fruit of Christlikeness –
the fruit of love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,
and self-control.

And through this fruit
that I will produce in your life,
others will see Me in you;
and they, too,
will be led to become grafted into Me.

Based on John 15:1-8; Galatians 5:22-23
Marlene Bagnull

Posted in Pondering Biblical Truth | Leave a Comment »

As you reflect on Christ’s passion . . .

March 24, 2018 by Marlene Bagnull

Tomorrow 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!”

Jesus entering Jerusalem

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 this message – really a Bible study that I’ve given several times as a keynote – is available online. I hope you’ll download it and make time to prayerfully consider the passages.

This week as you focus on Jesus’ passion, ask Him how He wants to use you to share His love with those who do not yet know He loved them enough to go to the cross.

blessed

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

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

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

Entrusted to us,
His light will grow brighter.
A cloud of witnesses are cheering us on,
to daily take up our own cross
and follow Him closely.
Blessed is He who is coming – again!

Marlene Bagnull

Posted in Called to write, Our Christian witness, Pondering Biblical Truth | 3 Comments »

Lancaster Christian Writers Super Saturday

March 21, 2018 by Marlene Bagnull

LCW SS 2018

LANCASTER CHRISTIAN WRITERS HOSTS ONE-DAY CONFERENCE SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2018, AT LANCASTER BIBLE COLLEGE

A call to all Christian writers, aspiring or expert, teen through centennial, all genres, to kick their writing to the next level at Lancaster Christian Writers’ Super Saturday 2018, April 7th, 2018, from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm at Lancaster Bible College, 901 Eden Road, Lancaster, PA, 17601. This one-day writers conference offers a dual track of workshops in fiction and non-fiction.

SS2018’s very affordable registration price of $55 is due by Wednesday, April 4th, and includes soup/sandwich buffet lunch and LCW membership. Registrations after April 4th and walk-ins day of the conference are $65. Seventh-twelfth grade aspiring writers are also welcome at a two-for-one rate, or half-off if accompanying a parent, which includes lunch buffet. Group rates for homeschool co-ops or Christian schools can be negotiated by contacting Jeanette Windle at jeanette@jeanettewindle.com

Non-fiction faculty include writers conference director, author, editor Marlene Bagnull; writing coach and author Pierre Eade; best-selling Tyndale author Lynn Eib; and magazine writer Donna Brennan. A fiction track will be taught by award-winning novelists Loree Lough, Gayle Roper, and Shawn Smucker. New York bestselling novelist Loree Lough will be keynoting as well.

Workshops cover such topics as:

• Don’t Waste That Research: Turning Your Extra Data into Writing Income
• But I Love Her! Making Your Characters Live
• Before You Write–Theology and Philosophy of Christian Fiction
• Hook ‘em from the Get-go, Hold ‘em to the End: A Bestseller’s Checklist to Sellable Articles
• Writing Out of This World: A Practical Guide to Speculative Fiction from Concept to Publication
• Make It Personal: Mastering Deep Point of View
• Faith-Based Writing Both Believers and Seekers Will Read
• The Power of Story: Using Personal Anecdote and Humor to Write Compelling Non-Fiction

A conference bookstore will offer a wide variety of writer resources and faculty titles. Personal consultations with faculty are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

More information, including the Super Saturday 2018 Flyer/Registration Form can be found at Lancaster Christian Writers Today (http://lancasterchristianwriterstoday.blogspot.com) OR email LCW president Jeanette Windle at jeanette@jeanettewindle.com. Payment can be made online (http://lancasterchristianwriterstoday.blogspot.com), or mail check/ money order payable to: Lancaster Christian Writers, c/o Jeanette Windle, 1776 Euclid Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601.

Posted in Called to write | 1 Comment »

Why write poetry?

March 19, 2018 by Marlene Bagnull

poetry in Bible pexels-photo-257013 Have you ever attended a workshop on writing poetry?

I never had. In fact, to be honest, I wasn’t interested in reading poetry much less writing it. Okay, of course, I read and loved many of the Psalms. I guess I just didn’t think of them as poems.

But then I took a poetry workshop with David Page at the St. David’s Christian Writers Conference that transformed my thinking and my writing. Since then, I’ve published over 50 poems in numerous Christian periodicals, many of them more than once.

Through the years I’ve offered poetry workshops at the Colorado and Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference. Sadly, they are usually not well attended. This year I hope that will change and that you will seriously consider taking Catherine Lawton’s early bird workshop Wednesday afternoon, May 16, from 1:00 – 2:00 at the Colorado Christian Writers Conference. The cost is only $25 ($15 if you take a second or third early bird workshop). You won’t regret it!

Ten Ways Poetry Can Improve Your Prose
by Catherine Lawton

Writing poetry provides practice in developing skills of concise wording (something we editors like!).
The writing (and reading) of poetry can sharpen your observation skills.
Because syntax matters in poetry, you will improve in your understanding of syntax matters.
Figures of speech used in poetry teach you finer subtleties of word usage and connotations and make you a better wordsmith.
Precision in word choices, necessary in poetry, sharpens your skill in choosing the most fitting, evocative, precise words in your prose.
The rhythms and rhymes of poetry tune your ear to hear fluctuations and patterns in the sense and sound of language.
Writing (or reading) a poem can provide a rejuvenating break from a long writing project. It may even break you out of writers block.
Writing a poem can help you distill a thought, discover the kernel of the truth, and find your focus on a topic to develop more fully later, in prose.
A poem or short rhyme can add variety/spice/interest to a longer piece, when used in an organic way in a novel, memoir, blog post, even an expository piece of writing (and it looks good on the page).
You may possibly find your calling as a poet and discover that your poetry will reach your reader’s mind and heart more effectively than 1,000s of prose words.

Cathy Lawton 2017

Catherine Lawton is an author and co-owner, publisher, and editor at Cladach Publishing that she founded fifteen years ago.

Cathy has enjoyed producing written expression since she was a toddler scribbling in the margins of her preacher-father’s theology books. This desire was encouraged when she had a poem published in a national periodical at the age of twelve. Cathy is the author, as-told-to author, or compiler/author of four books, including her collection of poetry written throughout her life, Remembering Softly: A Life in Poems. Her writing has appeared in a variety of periodicals.

Cladach is a small royalty press that produces and distributes 2-3 new titles per year and currently has 38 titles in print. Cladach publishes trade paperbacks, ebooks, and some audio books. This family company includes Cathy, her husband, Larry, and their daughter, and they wear all the hats of publisher, editor, design, marketing, sales, and fulfillment. With a BA in English and training in music, Cathy has worked as a substitute teacher in public schools, a private piano teacher, a freelance writer and editor. Cathy finds regular renewal in nature, contemplation, poetry, music, friends, and family.

Cladach is pronounced: Kla’ dak ~ This Scottish Gaelic word means “shore” as in “seashore.” “Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore” (John 21:4). The Lord sends us forth on life’s sea to venture for him, then welcomes us to the safety of his shore; and always He is with us.

Note from Marlene: Cathy’s workshop is one of 16 Wednesday early bird workshops. I encourage you to subscribe to her blog, “The View from This Publisher’s Shore,” at http://cladach.com/blog.

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Craft of writing | 3 Comments »

Springtime in the Rockies

March 17, 2018 by Marlene Bagnull

2017 snow CCWC
With another nor’easter on the way (the fourth one in three weeks on the east coast), I am so looking forward to springtime in the Rockies. Well, not the “spring” we experienced last year at the Colorado Christian Writers Conference when we were in the bulls-eye of a storm that dumped 41″ of snow! Yes, 41″ – that’s not a typo!

The YMCA of the Rockies did an incredible job keeping the walkways and roads passable. They even cleared snow off the cars in the main parking lot. And really, it was awesome, especially for the folks from the south who had never seen this much snow.

Even more awesome was how Father again met us on the mountain. I expect He will do the same this year blanketing us with His presence but without the snow!

The bios of all 60 faculty members are now on the conference website. Click here. Also on the website are the wonderfully helpful charts of editorial needs, genres our agents our interested in representing, and areas of expertise Barb Haley, our appointments coordinator, has prepared to make it easier for you to choose your free 15-minutes one-on-one appointments.

If you come Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (Wednesday is a pre-conference day with 16 afternoon workshops and not one but two powerful keynotes in the evening), you’re entitled to 5 (yes, FIVE) appointments.

New this year is a chart you can click on for each faculty member for more info. Here’s a sample:

Chart Steve Barclift 2018 CCWC

The price increases March 18 – not by much, but the earlier you register the better opportunity you have to get your top appointment requests.

With 8 continuing sessions, 42 workshops (plus the 16 Wednesday early bird workshops), 4 clinics (by application due April 16), challenging keynotes, panels, and those important one-on-one appointments CCWC will encourage and equip you to write about a God who is real, who is reachable, and who changes lives!

For you are dealing with the One who formed the mountains, made the winds, and knows your every thought; he turns the morning to darkness and crushes down the mountains underneath his feet: Jehovah, the Lord, the Lord Almighty, is his name.
Amos 4:13 TLB

YMCA lodge

Posted in Called to write, Colorado Christian Writers Conference | Leave a Comment »

When You Think You’re Not the One to Go

March 16, 2018 by Marlene Bagnull

When You Think
You’re Not the One to Go

Guest Post
Dianne E. Butts

Have you ever had a moment when you witnessed something, knew God was doing something amazing and important, but had no idea it would affect your life let alone how?

I will never forget that evening in the Ruesch Auditorium at the Colorado Christian Writers Conference. I believe it was the year 2000, when Marlene gave the podium to Barbara Nicolosi. When Barbara took the mic, she asked the audience two questions. Here’s how I remember them:

How many of you have seen something objectionable come out of Hollywood recently?”

I think a majority, if not all, the people in the audience of maybe 200 raised a hand and nodded and murmured agreement.

Then Barbara asked:

How many of you have prayed for Hollywood recently?”

The room went dead. Still. Not a single hand moved that I could detect. Including mine.

ActOne 2018 promo HalfPageFlyer Barbara went on to tell us about the school she and some others had started, called Act One: Writing for Hollywood, to train Christian writers to write for Hollywood and thereby transform Hollywood from the inside out. And that is why she had come to the Colorado Christian Writers Conference to speak to us Christian writers.

At the time and for many reasons it was not possible for me to go to Act One, although I longed to. I didn’t think I’d ever be the one to go. But ten years later, through several amazing circumstances, the Lord made it clear He wanted me to apply. And go. And in more amazing ways He provided what was needed so I could. So in the summer of 2010, I attended the Act One: Writing for Hollywood classes for two weeks in Hollywood. This launched me into an area of writing I had never envisioned when I started out to write fiction books for the Christian market.

Since then I have written feature-length screenplays which are currently being considered by some production company executives (which I was able to meet through Act One sponsored events), I have also swerved into not only writing short films but producing them! I never saw that coming. Turns out the short documentary film I was producing at the time of last year’s CCWC won two awards at a film festival last August: Best Documentary and the Evangelista Award for the clearest presentation of the gospel of all the films in the festival.

Over the years I have prayed God would do Ephesians 3:20 things with my writing: “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus…” To my amazement, He is doing just that as He uses me in film.

Now, that you know my story, I have a question for you: Have you considered applying to and attending the Act One program? Yes, I mean you.

Right now Act One is preparing their summer Writing Program, and not only that but Act One also offers a Producing & Entertainment Program and a new Directing Workshop. Find all the details at these links:

Act One Hollywood Writing Program: New: Offering two tracks! Film Track and TV Track, or both. 10 days each track. Feature Films: July 9-19. Television: July 20-22 + July 23-Aug 2. Application* Deadlines: Early Bird Deadline is April 30, 2018 ($100 off price). Regular Deadline: June 15, 2018. Questions: james@actoneprogram.com

Act One’s Producing & Entertainment Executive Program: 14 weeks, May 12 – August 11, 2018. Application* Deadlines: Early Bird Deadline is (PASSED) March 1, 2018 ($200 off price.) Regular Deadline: April 15, 2018. Questions: Lara@actoneprogram.com

Act One’s Directing Workshop: 13 days, July 23 – August 4, 2018. Application* Deadlines: Early Bird Deadline is April 1, 2018 ($100 off price). Regular Deadline: May 15, 2018. Questions: james@actoneprogram.com

*$50 application fee

If you decide to apply for an Act One program, please tell them Dianne Butts sent you. And please let us know what adventure God is taking you on. We’d all like to know, to pray for you, and cheer you on.

And if you are interested in writing for the screen, whether feature films or TV, you won’t want to miss the amazing opportunity at the Colorado Christian Writers Conference this year! For the first time Executive Producer Brian Bird (The Case for Christ, When Calls the Heart, Touched by an Angel, more) will be teaching a continuing session — that’s six hours over three days — on screenwriting! Come meet Brian Bird (he’s really, really nice and not scary at all) and learn from him how to launch your career in screenwriting. To learn more about Brian and his six-hour continuing session click here and scroll down the page. To register for the CCWC conference click here.

Just one more thing: If you’re coming to the conference, Marlene is planning to show my award-winning short film, The Door, on Friday evening. I hope to see you there!

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, God's promises | Leave a Comment »

A Song of Thanksgiving

February 26, 2018 by Marlene Bagnull

“Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord!”
Psalm 150:6

Guest Post from CCWC & GPCWC Keynoter
Michael Gantt

Just about seven years ago, I stood looking across a weed infested, half flooded plot of land in Western Kenya. We had purchased the property for some future use for the Immanuel Christian School for the Deaf. The school had so many real and pressing needs, there were some who considered the purchase with great consternation, thinking that the purchase was a great waste of money. However, as I stood there gazing out over the little plot of land I saw neither weeds nor water. Instead, I saw great brick buildings rising up out of the overgrown soil. I saw sleeping quarters and a beautiful dining hall and kitchen. In my mind’s eye, I saw a meeting room for chapel services and public meetings and most beautiful of all – – a grand educational center towering above everything else; a place where Deaf children could overcome every disadvantage their Deafness had saddled them with.

I turned my gaze to a small room where I would meet with our Headmaster Wes Agengo and members of the school board. On a table in front of us we had rolled out a large piece of white paper and threw some markers on it. We prayed before picking up those markers and began to draw a dream. We asked God to give us a vision greater than us. He gave us a vision for a Center for Deaf Education that would not only train Deaf children in basic academics, but a technical center where they could learn a trade and eventually, a Deaf College and Technical Institute. We had scarcely a penny with which to begin but God had given us a vision and a kernel of faith and with that we began to dream and with the dream, to plan.

When I returned home to the US, I shared our vision with my own church. After one meeting a member of my church approached me with a twenty dollar bill. She said, “That’s all I have, but I am giving it to you in faith that like the loaves and fishes, Jesus is going to multiply this into all the money you need to finish this work.” Her faith (along with many others) has been rewarded, for God has indeed multiplied that small offering into a great miracle.

School for Deaf

The New Academic/Administration Center
for the Immanuel Christian School for the Deaf

This morning, I received some photos that are a testimony to the power of a small faith and the great faithfulness of our God. They are photos of that grand Educational Center that is within a few weeks and a few dollars of completion. It is beautiful beyond any words I can share, but I must tell what God has done. The campus I could only see in my spirit just seven years ago is today, almost complete. We are just $4,000 and a few weeks away from completion. How great is our God!!!

And yet, it is not merely buildings that have been built there; not just brick and mortar. The Immanuel Christian School for the Deaf is now considered the leading academic center for the Deaf in all of Kenya. Our students are excelling at a very high academic level. Recently, we entered into an agreement with a national Teacher’s College that is now holding lectures on the new campus, training teachers to teach the Deaf. Some of our own students are training at the college level to be teachers of the Deaf. I could not have imagined just seven years ago that this would be possible in such a short time.

I asked Marlene Bagnull if I might submit this article for publication on her blog because I wanted to express my deepest gratitude to so many who have been associated with Write His Answer and the Colorado and Philadelphia writers conferences who have been instrumental in the fulfillment of this dream. Each year as I have spoken at these conferences, those in attendance have sent me home with very generous offerings; amounting to many thousands of dollars in support of my kids in Kenya.

As we stand at the precipice of victory, I want to express my gratitude to the many persons associated with the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference and the Colorado Christian Writers Conference for your encouragement and support. Without your generous giving we would yet be many miles and many dollars away from completion. You came to the conferences to learn, to hone your craft, but in the midst of it you found it in your hearts to invest in the lives of desperate children who live far away from you.

I expect to see many of you in Colorado in May and then in Philadelphia in July. I plan to bring photos that are different than those I’ve brought in the past. Photos not of what we HOPE to do – but of a work that is DONE! Thank you Marlene for your generous allotment of time given to me to present the needs of the school and so many of Marlene’s friends who have made such generous contributions to our work. May His peace and blessings be yours.

Michael Gantt

From Marlene: Thank You, Father, for giving us the opportunity to be part of this ministry to the deaf children in Kenya. Thank You for again doing exceedingly, abundantly beyond . .

To learn more about this life-changing work go to http://www.kenyadevfund.org.

Posted in Compassion | 1 Comment »

Five more continuing sessions at CCWC

February 17, 2018 by Marlene Bagnull

These are in addition to Writing Women’s Fiction with Deborah Raney, Advanced Fiction Writing with Dave Lambert, and Screenwriting with Brian Bird. See https://writehisanswer.wordpress.com/2018/02/02/the-power-of-story/.

Write from the Deep
with Erin Taylor Young

In the challenging world of publishing, we need a way to find refreshment, renewal, and restored passion. And there’s no better place to do that than in the deep places. These interactive sessions will challenge you to go deep with God in your call and craft. Erin is the co-creator of Write from the Deep with Karen Ball. She’s also an award-winning humor writer with the gift to make her readers laugh out loud even as she’s delivering hard truths about living a life of faith.

Writing Narrative Nonfiction
with Craig von Buseck

The narrative nonfiction genre is a burgeoning market for writers who want to tell true stories with powerful messages. Learn the difference between narrative nonfiction, biography, and historical fiction. Discover how true stories can unlock the hearts of your readers to the ways God can move supernaturally in the lives of people who seek Him. Craig is an author, speaker, teacher, and Senior Editor for Inspiration.org, the official website of Inspiration Ministries.

Your Book Launch Game Plan
with Scoti Domeij

The biggest secret no one tells you behind an author landing an agent or book contract or making money in self-publishing—a savvy book marketing plan. Your Book Launch Game Plan provides a step-by-step, month-by-month, how-to action plan that covers the nitty-gritty groundwork of book marketing. It lays out a 6-month timeline to build a social media platform, to create pre-release marketing buzz, to launch your book, and to promote your book throughout the year after your book launches. Scoti has worked with 10 traditional publishers as an author; editor; senior research assistant; copyriter; marketing director; and production, art, and design coordinator.

Indie Publishing
with Ken Raney

In the first session discover the pitfalls, snags & triumphs two writers experienced. Bob Ruesch used an indie publishing company, Roy Hanschke a traditional publisher. In the next three sessions Ken 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, photomanipulation programs, etc. Ken has over 35 years of experience in graphic design, illustration, advertising, and marketing. His sessions will be practical and user-friendly info even for non-techies. The last session features a panel of indie authors.

Writing that Changes Lives
with Bill Watkins

Culture changes one life at a time. And those personal changes impact the lives of others, eventually bringing about changes in policies, laws, business, entertainment, education, the church, and a host of other spheres in society. Although there are multiple causes of change, one that’s proven effective long after its author is gone is writing. But not just any writing. It must be writing that connects, challenges, provokes, inspires, casts vision, provides hope, and refuses to back away from telling the truth. It does not waste time with the trivial and the comfortable. Instead it takes readers more deeply into the true, the good, and the beautiful in all their power and mystery. In his 35-plus years in publishing, Bill has worked with hundreds of writers including Mike Huckabee, Charles R. Swindoll, Leslie Vernick, Josh McDowell, and Cecil Murphey.

~ *~ *~ *~ *~

Be among the first 75 to register for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and you’ll receive a free 6th one-on-one appointment. For more information and to register go to http://colorado.writehisanswer.com.

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference | Leave a Comment »

Eight, no NINE reasons why you need to come

February 4, 2018 by Marlene Bagnull

I’m risking being a pest because I so believe in the value of this new conference. Plus there is now a 9th reason for you to come!

Come to what? When? Where? The NEW

Write to Impact Lives Conference
February 9-10 in Lansdale, PA

And why?

Question & Exclam pt

9. Writers love books, and they need books! And if you register for both days, along with those who have already registered you will receive FREE the following three books that support the purpose of this conference.

My Bible study for writers that addresses the struggles we face and must overcome.

Jim Watkins’ book that I believe every Christian writer needs to read.

The info you need to find markets for your work as well as literary agents, writers conferences and seminars, writers groups, editorial services, publicity and marketing services, and contests.

The three books sell for $44.97 on Amazon ($37.99 through the Write His Answer Bookstore), but if you register for the entire conference, you will receive them free of charge (or the equivalent value in other books we’ll have for sale).

8. To give your writing the jumpstart it needs in the midst of the winter doldrums and prepare to meet with editors and agents at the July 26-28 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference. Attendees will receive 10% off GPCWC’s registration fee .

7. To participate in our Friday evening author interviews and book signing. If you’re not yet published, you’ll be encouraged by their testimony and by fellowship with other conferees and our faculty. We need to

Encourage each other and build each other up,
just as you are already doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT

6. To be challenged, encouraged, and inspired through three powerful keynote addresses.

“Christians Are Hateful” – The Cultural Challenge for Today’s Christians – Bill Watkins
Write from the Deep – Karen Ball
Keeping Your Dreams Alive – Jim Watkins

5. To discover the advantages of Going Indie with Sarah Bolme, Director, Christian Small Publishers Association (CSPA). Self-publishing is no longer viewed as the last resort for writers unable to land a contract with a traditional publisher. Even best-selling authors often choose to go indie. This 4-hour learning lab will give you the knowledge and tools you need to publish and market your book.

4. To keep growing your writing skills in a 3-hour continuing session.

Taming Fiction Dragons with Karen Ball who has built fiction lines for Tyndale, Multnomah, Zondervan, and B&H Publishing Group. As an editor, author, and former literary agent with The Steve Laube Agency, Karen has over 30 years publishing experience.
The Five Rs of Nonfiction with Jim Watkins, an award-winning author of over 20 books and 2,000 articles. Jim will give you practical, step-by-step methods to get into print and pixels.
Writing that Changes Lives with Bill Watkins – Writing that connects, challenges, provokes, inspires, casts vision, provides hope, and refuses to back away from telling the truth can change lives and eventually cultures. During his 35-plus years in publishing, Bill has worked with hundreds of authors including Chuck Swindoll, Josh McDowell, Leslie Vernick, and Mike Huckabee. He is also an award-winning author with 7 published books, the president of Literary Solutions, and senior editor at BroadStreet Publishing Group.
Develop a Personalized Marketing Strategy for Your Book with Karen Whiting, an award-winning author of 25 nonfiction books. Whether it’s still an idea or an already published book, learn how to use your strengths to develop a marketing strategy that fits you and reaches your potential readers.

3. To learn ways to build your “platform.” Whether you land a contract with a traditional publisher or go indie, you need to learn how to effectively reach your audience. Our faculty panel will share what works (and doesn’t) and answer your questions.

2. You’re too late to take advantage of a paid critique, BUT as their schedule allows, faculty will be available for free 15-minute appointments. Sign-up when you arrive.

1. Last but first, to hear from the Lord and recommit yourself to write to impact lives!

God can do anything, you know—far more
than you could ever imagine or guess or request
in your wildest dreams!
Ephesians 3:20 MSG

For more information and to register, click here. Walk-ins are welcome, but please check the website for specific info on the location.

Posted in Craft of writing, Get your book in print, Indie publishing, Issues, Marketing | Leave a Comment »

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