Write His Answer

The Power of Story

February 2, 2018 by Marlene Bagnull

Three Continuing Sessions for Fiction Writers

Because one of the most effective ways to present truth is through the power of story, we’re offering not one but three continuing sessions on writing fiction at the May 16-19 Colorado Christian Writers Conference:

Award-winning novelist Deborah Raney will teach a 6-hour continuing session on Writing Women’s Fiction. Beyond covering many writing tools that apply to all genres: strong characterization, complex plots, and deft use of point-of-view, Deborah will discuss key elements unique to contemporary women’s fiction: addressing social issues in fiction, creating likeable-yet-flawed characters, using strong dialogue, creating page-turning action (despite a lack of explosions or car chases), and writing cinematically (making it that much more likely your book might become a movie).

Brian Bird who has spent three decades in Hollywood, will provide soup-to-nuts advice for authors adapting their own stories into screenplays in his 6-hour Screenwriting session. Brian has written or produced two dozen films including The Case for Christ and Captive as well as nearly 300 episodes of such shows as Touched by an Angel. He is also the executive producer and co-creator of the Hallmark Channel original series When Calls the Heart, now in its fifth season.

A third option for fiction writers (it’s going to be difficult to choose) is Dave Lambert’s Advanced Fiction Writing. Dave has a M.F.A. in fiction writing and is the author of 11 books. He spent 18 years as an acquiring editor at Zondervan, and most recently, 3 years as senior fiction editor at Howard Books. He also wrote the fiction curriculum for the Jerry B. Jenkins’ Christian Writers Guild. Dave will help take your fiction to the next level as he examines some of the more advanced techniques: character growth and change, creating believable character emotion, voice, exposition, a sense of place, style, conveying meaning through implication, and more. Time will be set aside to discuss the problems you’re encountering in your work-in-progress.

Did I say it’s going to be difficult to choose?

Plus there are five more continuing sessions. Three of them would also be a good choice for those who write fiction. Watch for the next blog!

For more information about all our continuing sessions go to http://colorado.writehisanswer.com/continuingsessions.

Online registration opened February 1. Click here.

The earlier you register, the better opportunity you have to get your top choices for the five free one-on-one appointments you are entitled to if you register for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. And if you’re among the first 75 to register, you’ll receive a 6th appointment.

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference | 3 Comments »

News You Can Use

February 2, 2018 by Marlene Bagnull

reading newspaper pexels-photo-404976

Yes, I believe our writing is a ministry! But if we want to reach the most people possible with the message Father has entrusted to us, we can’t ignore the business aspect of our ministry. Especially when it comes to social media, we need to learn the most effective ways of connecting with our audience and with influencers.

So . . . below is some “news you can use” that will hopefully help you to expand your ministry. But one word of caution. Be careful to guard against getting so caught up with numbers and the world’s way of doing things that you leave the Lord out of the equation. He is able to make things happen that you could never do on your own.

God can pour on the blessings
in astonishing ways
so that you’re ready for anything and everything,
more than just ready to do what needs to be done.
2 Corinthians 9:8 MSG

The Ultimate Book Marketing Plan

Rob Eagar, www.startawildfire.com, announced: “I’m giving away an incredible new 10-part email course called the Ultimate Book Marketing Plan for FREE at Reedsy.com. Reedsy is a new global online marketplace for authors that I encourage you to visit. It’s like AirBnB or Angie’s List for the needs that authors face, such as finding a book cover designer, editor, or a marketer like me.

“This new email course officially launched January 26. You get to be one of the first authors to access it for free. It’s a perfect complement to the Ultimate Book Marketing Template that many of you have downloaded. Click here to take the free email course at Reedsy.”

A Writer’s Best Friend

A helpful and humorous blog by author and literary agent Bob Hostetler about a tool every writer needs to use. I won’t tell you what it is. 🙂 You need to read Bob’s blog. Click the link above.

Connect with Influencers in Three Sentences

If you need to secure endorsements for your book, you need to read this helpful blog post from Mike Loomis who has served on the faculty of the Colorado Christian Writers Conference.

What Facebook’s 2018 Change Means for Authors

This blog post from Thomas Umstattd Jr. (another former CCWC faculty member) explains Facebook’s EdgeRank algorithm. One important change: “Reactions (like laugh, heart, and crying face) are now weighted more than likes. So if somebody gives you a heart emoji, that’s more than if they just give you a regular thumbs up.” Let’s remember to do this when responding to posts of those who need our support.

Posted in Craft of writing, Marketing, Platform building, Writer's Life | Leave a Comment »

Equipping you to make a difference

January 30, 2018 by Marlene Bagnull

This morning, an article on www.CharismaNews.com grabbed and held my attention. Below are excerpts of what Larry Tomczak wrote January 29 in “We are Now in a Second Civil War in America.”

Are you aware how seriously we’ve gone off track as a nation? . . .

The dark is getting darker and the light is getting lighter while the difference between the two is becoming increasingly evident. . . .

Like the frog boiled to death slowly in water without recognizing what happened, scores of Americans are imperceptive to today’s encroaching darkness. . . .

My greatest concern in this hour is that so many sincere Christians are not being prepared amidst the escalation of evil, apostasy and mounting persecution. . . .

frog-in-the-kettle

I can’t help think that many of us are like this frog. We’re ignoring the signs of the times and are happily doing our thing, oblivious to the fact that the heat has been turned up and life in America as we have known it is in danger of collapsing.

It’s the complacency, the apathy, of so many Christians that causes me to keep on keeping on directing three writers’ conferences even though I’m well past retirement age.

Repeatedly I’m reminded of the words of my dear friend, Hannah Crabtree, who grew up in Switzerland before the start of the Second World War. She said,

The church in Germany saw what was happening,
but the church in Germany was silent.

It’s why I’ve asked my friend, Bill Watkins, to keynote and teach a continuing session on Writing to Change Lives at both the February 9-10 Write to Impact Lives Conference in Lansdale, PA, and the May 16-19 Colorado Christian Writers Conference (CCWC) at the YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park Center.

“Culture,” Bill says, “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.”

Because one of the most effective ways to present truth is through the power of story, we’re offering not one but three continuing sessions on writing fiction at the Colorado conference:

Award-winning novelist Deborah Raney will teach a 6-hour continuing session on Writing Women’s Fiction. Beyond covering many writing tools that apply to all genres: strong characterization, complex plots, and deft use of point-of-view, Deborah will discuss key elements unique to contemporary women’s fiction: addressing social issues in fiction, creating likeable-yet-flawed characters, using strong dialogue, creating page-turning action (despite a lack of explosions or car chases), and writing cinematically (making it that much more likely your book might become a movie).

Brian Bird, who has spent three decades in Hollywood, will provide soup-to-nuts advice for authors adapting their own stories into screenplays in his 6-hour Screenwriting continuing session. Brian has written or produced two dozen films including The Case for Christ and Captive as well as nearly 300 episodes of such shows as Touched by an Angel. He is also the executive producer and co-creator of the Hallmark Channel original series When Calls the Heart, now in its fifth season.

A third option for fiction writers (it’s going to be difficult to choose) is Dave Lambert’s Advanced Fiction Writing. Dave has a M.F.A. in fiction writing and is the author of 11 books. He spent 18 years as an acquiring editor at Zondervan, and most recently, 3 years as senior fiction editor at Howard Books. He also wrote the fiction curriculum for the Jerry B. Jenkins’ Christian Writers Guild. Dave will help take your fiction to the next level as he examines some of the more advanced techniques: character growth and change, creating believable character emotion, voice, exposition, a sense of place, style, conveying meaning through implication, and more. Time will be set aside to discuss the problems you’re encountering in your work-in-progress.

Did I say it’s going to be difficult to choose?

Plus click here to view four more continuing sessions at the May 16-19 CCWC:

Write from the Deep with Erin Taylor Young
Writing Narrative Nonfiction with Craig von Buseck
Your Book Launch Game Plan with Scoti Domeij
Indie Publishing with Ken Raney

Online registration for CCWC opens February 1
Click here

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

Four-hour learning lab on Going Indie with Sarah Bolme, director of the Christian Small Publishers Association (CSPA) on Friday afternoon. (Opposite it are optional 30-minute paid critiques and free 15-minute appointments.)

Saturday, in addition to two keynotes, a marketing panel, optional 30-minute paid critiques, and 15-minute free appointments, participants will choose a 3-hour continuing session:

Taming Fiction Dragons with Karen Ball who has built fiction lines for 4 major publishers.
The Five Rs of Nonfiction with Jim Watkins, an award-winning author of over 20 books and 2,000 articles.
Develop a Personalized Marketing Strategy for Your Book with Karen Whiting, an award-winning author of 25 books.
And Writing to Change Lives with Bill Watkins.

The price for the Writing to Impact Lives Conference increases February 1 so don’t delay! And be sure to check out the three free books you’ll receive as part of your registration to the entire conference. Click here to register.

And pray! Ask Father what He wants you to write. And believe! At this critical time in history, He can enable you to write words that will make a difference.

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

Feeling alone? Questioning your call to write?

January 29, 2018 by Marlene Bagnull

Lord, when doubts fill my mind,
when my heart is in turmoil,
quiet me and give me
renewed hope and cheer.
Psalm 94:19 TLB

You try, really try to be positive, to not doubt your ability or your call.

You affirm His promises. “He is able to do far more . . .”

But you may be feeling stuck – blocked. Words are not flowing. You may fear that your creativity has dried up.

And you feel alone. Friends and family who are not writers don’t “get” you. Why do you keep banging your head against a blank computer screen or tossing it (the screen, not your head!) out the window?

computer airbag 781

(Used with permission.)

Yes, writing is a lonely task. And yes, disappointments, doubts, discouragement (the “Deadly Ds”) will nip at your heels. But I’ve searched the Scriptures. Jesus never promised it would be easy to follow Him. And it is definitely not easy to “write His answer” to those who are lost and so wounded by life they want to give up.

But I believe, really believe, that God can use the words you write to impact lives now and for eternity. That’s why, despite the disappointments, doubts, and discouragement I also face, I choose to affirm my call

to encourage and equip you
to write about a God who is real,
who is reachable,
and who changes lives.

It’s why I said yes to direct the Write to Impact Lives Conference February 9-10 in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, and why I didn’t cancel the conference when the sponsoring organization had to back out. The workload has been daunting in the midst of also planning the May 16-19 Colorado and July 26-28 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference. But I’m praising God that the 16-page brochure for the Colorado conference is at the printer a week earlier than last year! Amazing, but then we serve an amazing God!

I know it’s been a cold winter, and it’s tempting to stay warm in your cozy home rather than venture out to a February conference. And I know budgets are tight, and it may seem wiser to save your money for a conference where you can pitch your ideas and manuscripts to editors and agents.

But the Write to Impact Lives Conference is about sharpening your writing and marketing skills so you will be better prepared to create interest in your work at future conferences. And it’s about fellowship with other writers and the encouragement we need to receive and to give.

I believe Father is asking me to “sweeten the deal” and give you “more bang for your buck.” My words, not His! And so, for new registrants and those who have already registered, I’m including 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).

The price increases February 1 so don’t delay. Again, please do not let the cost prevent you from coming. Ask Father to make the way possible. If friends, family, or your church are unable to help, email me (mbagnull@aol.com) or call me (484-991-8581) to request scholarship help or time payments.

Click here for more information and to register for a conference that will help you not to feel alone, strengthen your call, and equip you to write to impact lives.

Posted in Called to write, Overcoming self-doubts, Writer's Life | 1 Comment »

Putting the Pieces Together

January 27, 2018 by Marlene Bagnull

puzzle pexels-photo-164531 I’m not very good at putting puzzle pieces together. While others find them challenging and fun, I find them frustrating and a waste of time.

A picture of the completed puzzle helps, but not enough for me to persevere. Perhaps it’s because puzzles don’t just take time, they take patience. And all too often my work can be for nothing when someone bumps into the table and sends the pieces flying.

Then too, puzzles are a reminder of things in life that I can’t figure out – of pieces that don’t seem to fit together even though I know God has a plan and I can trust Him.

And so I pray,

Lord, lead me as you promised me you would . . .
Tell me clearly what to do, which way to turn.
Psalm 5:8 TLB

As I began putting together the puzzle pieces of 42 workshops for the May 16-19 Colorado Christian Writers Conference, He answered. (Sometimes the hardest part of solving a puzzle is simply to getting started.)

There were so many great workshops to choose from. Father, show me what is most needed by the writers You are calling to come.

Wksps grid for web I thought of how overwhelmed I felt when I attended my first conference around 45 years ago. Yes, the Feeling Green? workshop the four Kandel sisters proposed would speak to the questions I had back then and that others have today. What do you do when you are so green to the publishing process that you feel like you know nothing? How do you handle it, when you discover that some of what you thought you knew was so wrong that it makes you feel queasy?

Do you long to Share Your Faith Story? Carol Round’s workshop will help you learn how to do it without beating someone over the head with the Bible.

Do you need help determining the big picture for a book project. Terry Whalin’s workshop, Nonfiction Book Creation from the Ground Up, will teach you storyboarding techniques that will help solve the puzzle.

You’ve poured your heart and soul into your latest writing project, but have you done everything you can to convince an editor? In Before Submitting Your Proposal, editor Tamara Clymer will walk you through the proposal process and show you what you need to do to get your manuscript past the proposal stage and into production.

Do you want to write a novel your readers can’t put down? In Creating Page-Turning Fiction Jennifer Slattery will share the components you need: high stakes, a sense of urgency, sensitivity to the emotions of the reader (balancing emotive sections with comic relief), a strong and consistent moral premise (not to be confused with spiritual theme), and a consistent and believable plot and subplots that work together.

You’ve heard you need to be on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and all kinds of other social media, and you need 10,000 “friends” if you want to be taken seriously as an author. Who has time for all of this and still find time to write? And what if you don’t know a Tweet from a Hoot and your Friends are on your Christmas Card list? Cheri Cowell’s workshop, Social Media for the Reluctant: Connecting to Your Readers, will give you the answers you need.

Do you have a life story the world needs to hear? Do you want to leave a legacy in print for family, friends, and beyond? In Master the Memoir Marti Pieper will discuss the dos and don’ts of this popular genre, including the importance of a narrative thread, how thinking small makes a big difference, and the mystery of marketability.

But what can you do When You Don’t Have a Platform? Literary Agent Nick Harrison will share ideas for how to compensate for not having a platform, both in your proposal and when the book is published.

And if you’re just beginning and can’t imagine ever writing much less publishing a book, in Matchmaker, Matchmaker editor Sherri Langton will teach you how to study a magazine and shape your writing for different markets. Bring an article you haven’t yet sold or an idea and Sherri will help you find the right match.

I could go on and on (yes, I’m excited) but why don’t you click here and see for yourself the 42 workshops you can choose from at this year’s CCWC? Or perhaps instead you’d prefer to be part of a hands-on clinic with 6-8 other writers. Watch for info on our clinics and our 8 continuing sessions coming soon.

Our 16-page brochure is at the printer and will be uploaded to the website in the next several days. Meanwhile, I’m praying you’ll begin making plans now to come to the May 16-19 Colorado Christian Writers Conference. Registration opens February 1.

And when we obey him,
every path he guides us on is fragrant
with his loving-kindness and his truth.
Psalm 25:10 TLB

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference | 7 Comments »

Are you on the growing edge?

January 26, 2018 by Marlene Bagnull

So don’t lose a minute in building
on what you’ve been given,
complementing your basic faith with
good character,
spiritual understanding,
alert discipline,
passionate patience,
reverent wonder,
warm friendliness,
and generous love,
each dimension fitting into
and developing the others.
2 Peter 1:5-7 MSG

Where are you at in your faith walk? Are you on a growing edge spiritually, or just kind of going through the motions?

See that you go on growing in the Lord,
and become strong and vigorous
in the truth you were taught.
Colossians 2:7 TLB

Scripture also says, “Check up on yourselves. Are you really Christians? Do you pass the test? Do you feel Christ’s presence and power more and more within you?” (2 Cor. 13:5 TLB)

These are tough questions. Important questions, especially if you have been called to “write His answer.”

I’m praying you will take a day and a half apart from your normal routine to gather with other Christian writers at the new Write to Impact Lives Conference, February 9-10 in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. You’ll learn tons and make new friends. Most important of all, together we will be encouraged to go deeper in our walk with the Lord. Then, and only then, can we expect to “write so that eternity will be different.”

Those were the words my writing paper, Lee Roddy, used to challenge me and countless others through his many years of ministry. He’s now home with the Lord, but I know He is cheering me and you on.

Oh, that we might know the Lord!
Let us press on to know him.
Hosea 6:3 TLB

The price for the conference increases February 1, but please do not let the cost prevent you from coming. Ask Father to make the way possible. If friends, family, or your church are unable to help, ask me for scholarship help or time payments. Click here for more information and to register.

Posted in Called to write, Writer's Life | Leave a Comment »

Early Birds at Colorado Christian Writers Conference

January 24, 2018 by Marlene Bagnull

doves

Wow! I’ve just finished uploading information on the 16 early bird workshops at the May 16-19 Colorado Christian Writers Conference. I’d love to take a bunch of them, but I know I’ll be so busy with directing the conference that I won’t be able to slip into even a portion of one.

But you can come early and choose one, two, or even three workshops.

Here are just some of the questions that will be addressed – and answered!

♦ Do you use Scrivener but would love for someone to sit beside you to help you master advanced techniques that will help you write faster and smarter?

♦ How can you write about the events in your life without violating the privacy and trust of others who have played some part in your life story?

♦ Did you know there are five variations of showing vs. telling?

♦ Are you a poet who longs to publish your poetry?

♦ Do you know why your novel hasn’t sold – yet?

♦ Would you like to create your own coloring book?

♦ Do you long to grow your platform and presence on social media without wasting huge amounts of time and energy?

♦ Are you leaning toward indie publishing but have questions and some doubts?

♦ How can you fast-track your speaking outreach and create a best-seller brand?

Click here for descriptions of our 16 early bird workshops and click here for a list of the 58 agents, editors, and authors on faculty.

Registration opens February 1 when our 16-page brochure will be live on the website and in your home mailbox mid-February. (Be sure to email me your USPS address if I don’t have it.) Those who register by March 1 will receive an additional free appointment with a faculty member of your choice.

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)

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference | Leave a Comment »

I’m so glad I was impulsive!

January 22, 2018 by Marlene Bagnull

Guest blog from Barb Haley

Have you EVER done something impulsive and been SO GLAD afterward?

Years ago, I decided, on the spur of the moment, to attend a 3-day Christian writers’ conference.

I had nothing ready. I just wanted to learn how to write.

I wanted to run my ideas past seasoned authors and editors. I wanted someone to recommend the best books on the craft. I wanted to meet writing friends I could stay in touch with between conferences. And, most of all, I wanted to know, for sure, that God was calling me to write.

Did I have to scrape to find enough money to cover my expenses? Sure. We had two kids in college at the time and normal family expenses. But my husband encouraged me to take a leap of faith, and I’ve never regretted it!

My first surprise was that every conference day began with worship and praise. In fact, that’s when I relaxed and realized I was at home with other believers. We were all at various levels of our writing journey, but it never mattered. The subject rarely even came up. And my meeting with faculty members? Wow. I learned SO much and headed home excited to apply all the information I’d gleaned.

Now, I want to encourage you to follow my lead! Click below to sign up for Write to Impact Lives Conference in Lansdale, PA, on Friday and Saturday, February 9-10.

http://philadelphia.writehisanswer.com/writetoimpactlivesnewconference

This shorter conference with a smaller faculty offers all the things I looked for at my first conference, but at a reduced price. Teaching tracks include Indie Publishing, Fiction, Nonfiction and Marketing. You also have the opportunity to meet individually with faculty members for twenty-minute sessions. Plenty of praise and worship. Fellowship with other writers. A great assortment of craft books and books written by faculty and conferees. Oh, and a lot of laughs!

God has given us each a specific message to carry to our world.

Will you do it? Trust me, you’ll never regret it. I’ll be there, and I hope to meet you, hug your neck, and support you in every way possible!

Blessings!

Barb Haley
Registrar – Write to Impact Lives Conference
haleybarb@yahoo.com

P.S. Please feel free to write if you have any questions.

And a P.S. from Marlene:

Barb continues to learn the craft of writing and I am so proud of her. Her latest books:

Lord Get Your Needle

Barb Christmas devotional

Posted in Called to write, Writer's Life | 2 Comments »

Did God Really Ask You to Write?

January 21, 2018 by Marlene Bagnull

Guest post used with permission from Karen Ball and Erin Taylor Young’s website, www.writefromthedeep.com.

Karen will keynote at the February 9-10 Write to Impact Lives Conference in Lansdale, PA. Her topic:

Write From The Deep
God’s call to us is clear: come away with Him, let His words sink deep into us first, then take His truths to the world. This session, based on Ezekiel 2:1-3:22, will challenge writers to go deep with God in their call and their craft, for it is in the Deep that writers find refreshment, renewal, and restored passion.

Erin will present a continuing session at the May 16-19 Colorado Christian Writers Conference on “Write From The Deep.” She says,

“In these interactive sessions, writers will be challenged to go deep with God in their call and their craft. We’ll explore what it means when God calls us to the deep, and we’ll see how God uses the deep to help us find our story, hone our message, and understand our audience. Finally, we’ll talk about how to equip ourselves to face down obstacles—external and internal.”

To view a list of the 58 agents, editors, and authors on faculty at the Colorado conference, click here.

And now, here is an excerpt from Karen and Erin’s podcast. I urge you to subscribe.

Did God Really Ask You to Write?

Have you ever sat back and wondered if you heard wrong about being a writer? If God really did give you the task to write, then why is it all so…difficult? Frustrating? Disappointing? And why isn’t He confirming that He gave you this task?

Most of us are doing this task of writing because we believe God has given it to us. So why do so many writers struggle with doubt? Why do we wonder if we really did hear God correctly? Or struggle to know what He’s leading us to do right now?

The good news is that you’re not alone. It’s not uncommon for writers to wonder if maybe they heard God wrong. Or to want, down the road, some sense of confirmation that God really said what they thought He did. . . .

This issue really isn’t about hearing God at all. It’s about knowing Him. As well as—or even better than—you know your closest friends and family. Think about it, when your best friend calls you on the phone, do you recognize his or her voice? Of course, because you know that person so well. You know the inflections in his words, the sound of her laughter and weeping. You know her as well as you know yourself. That’s how well you need to know God.

You have within you the very spirit of the living, Almighty God. If you don’t know Him, or His spirit, as well as you do your friends and family, you need to focus on getting to the point where you, the sheep, are so well acquainted with the Shepherd’s voice that your response to it is immediate. That the sense you have when He speaks is one of trust and obedience. And you don’t doubt that you heard it, because you know it too well to do so.

The way to hear God, to know it’s His voice speaking to you, is simply to take the time to build relationship with Him.

Doubt isn’t an issue of not hearing, it’s an issue of not knowing and, as a result, not trusting.

If you don’t really KNOW Him, then of course you’ll start to doubt that He put you on this path when it doesn’t go the way you think it should. The key is knowing, deep in the fabric of your soul, that how the journey goes isn’t a validation—or invalidation—of God’s call.

We’re called to follow a suffering Savior, so you can be sure there will be difficulties and suffering. But we endure because He’s there with us. And we don’t take a detour unless it’s clear, deep in our soul, that He is the one telling us to do so.

Click here to read on for solutions to doubt and much more.

Posted in Called to write, Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Writer's Life | 4 Comments »

8 Reasons Why You Need to Come

January 17, 2018 by Marlene Bagnull

Come to what? When? Where? The NEW

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

And why?

Question & Exclam pt

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. To take advantage of the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a faculty member for a paid critique or marketing consultation for just $25. Barb Haley, our registrar, says: “Learning in a classroom is awesome, but to have someone give specific feedback about your writing is so valuable. There have been conferences where I’ve scheduled 3-4 of these!” Space is limited and available on a first-come basis. Your manuscript (first 7 pages and a one-sheet) or marketing questions (and more click here) must be submitted by February 1.

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.

Posted in Craft of writing, Indie publishing, Marketing, Platform building | 1 Comment »

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