Feeds:
Posts
Comments

We Thank You, O Lord

November 24, 2021 by Marlene Bagnull

tg-bible

We Thank You, O Lord
To the tune “We Gather Together”

We thank You, O Lord, for Your mercy and blessings,
Your love that we never can merit or earn.
Our praises we’re bringing to You on this Thanksgiving.
We worship You, O Lord -, our hearts for You yearn.

We need You, O Lord, in our lives, in our nation.
Our land You will heal if Your people will pray.
If humbly we’ll seek You and turn away from evil,
There’s hope that our- nation will see brighter days.

And so, Lord, we give You our praise and thanksgiving,
Our worries and fears we surrender to You.
We choose to rejoice in Your promise, Your provision.
We will trust You, O Lord -, for Your Word is true.

 Marlene Bagnull

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Unbeatable Opportunity

July 27, 2021 by Marlene Bagnull


Invest only $157 (before August 1; $177 after) and “hit the ground running” in your writing life by experiencing three days at the COLORADO Christian Writers Conference described below!

UNBELIEVABLE!

Guest Blogger, Leona Choy

Your flight, hotel, food and total expenses are FREE! This super-conference is VIRTUAL–so you live and eat and sleep at your own home! Colorado is awesome and beautiful, but you don’t have to go there to “attend” this event.

All you have to do is sit in front of your computer or open your laptop and ZOOM along with a VIRTUAL gallery full of writers (well-published and beginners) and an outstanding faculty of agents, authors, editors, publishers, workshop leaders, and keynote inspirational speakers. You can schedule personal appointments with faculty and discuss your writing in “real time.”

AN INCREDIBLE BONUS!

Since no one is able to “attend” every one of these outstanding sessions in three days, as a perk because you registered, you’ll be able at your leisure to go back and sit in on all the recorded video sessions you missed or want to experience again. For how long? FOR TWO ENTIRE MONTHS after the conclusion of this conference. A mega-bargain for such a small investment!

A few weeks ago I VIRTUALLY participated in the “big sister” Christian Writers Conference in Philadelphia, but we were also  VIRTUAL so not located there. It was truly life-changing and unforgettable. The writing progress of some participants since attending has gone to a new level. In fact, some writers were so inspired that they are “attending” both conferences this year and doubling their learning opportunity.

If you are serious about writing and believe God has called you, learn all you can about the writing craft and current opportunities. Pray and consider “going” to this Colorado Conference–while staying at home. Let me know if you decide to register. I will pray for the Lord to arrange His ordained encounters for you during those life-changing three days in August and will hope to see you there!

Leona Choy,
Christian Writing Coach

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference | Leave a Comment »

Why Do I Choose Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference?

June 12, 2021 by Marlene Bagnull

Guest post by Chris Richards

I can go online, search for writers’ conferences, and get a huge list I could read in, ooohhh, let’s say, about 8 hours – if I wanted to spend my time that way. The things they have in common are classes teaching:

  • Writing
  • Marketing
  • Editing
  • Publishing

And they will provide:

  • Inspiration
  • Opportunities to meet fellow writers
  • Opportunities to make writing friends

And most will have opportunities to meet with agents and editors.

I can also find conferences lasting from one day to all summer. There are conferences online, in-person, and both. They are close to home and far away. They focus on all genres, or only one. They come from different points of view – secular, spiritual, Buddhist, communist, ecological, etc. And some are Christian.

So, why should I choose GPCWC over all the others?

Heart.

The heart of the conference. The heart of the staff and faculty. The heart of the conferees. The heart of the world.

First, I am Christian, so I prefer Christian conferences. The list is still long.

Next, I review speakers and select conferences with those I want to learn from. Finally, I look at where they are and how much they cost.

What makes GPCWC different? What makes GPCWC stand out?

In addition to the above list they build me up as a Christian and help me as I evangelize through my writing. All Christians are called by Jesus to evangelize (Mark 16:15).

We all know this world and this country have turned away from our first love, Jesus (Rev. 2:4).

It requires only a few moments watching the television or reading the news or listening to our neighbors fight or walking along a downtown street in any major city and you know this world and country are sliding off a cliff into the depths of evil.

Our desire is to turn off the TV news reports, stop reading the news, hide in our homes behind the pretty white picket fence where everything is beautiful and there are no lions who wander the streets seeking to devour us (1 Peter 5:8). Or is that just what we desire to believe regardless of the truth?

At GPCWC (June 24-26) one of the keynotes and a seven-hour continuing session will focus on the issues facing our nation – on those things we desire to ignore, but ones that God wants us to see and where He wants us to shine His redemptive Love.

I will attend these presentations at GPCWC and listen to what the Lord wants me to do and where He wants me to be.

For more information go to the Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, https://Philadelphia.writehisanswer.com.

Trust…given or earned?

As Officer Logan Taul’s nightstick plummets toward the teen’s arm, he sees the monster he has become reflected in the warped storefront window.

Thus begins his journey, back to the officer, man, and father he wants to be. Logan must face his own nature and insecurities and defy those who do not want him to succeed. His quest for redemption leads him to search for the family he deserted. Despite physical attacks on both himself and those he loves, and attempts to frame him, can he bring his family back together? Will he once more wear the badge in a position of trust?

Posted in Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Issues | Leave a Comment »

Do you know a teen who loves to write?

June 10, 2021 by Marlene Bagnull

Do you know a teen who loves to write?

Because of going virtual this year, we have decided not to offer Teens Write. But teens are the future, and it’s important to support and encourage them. So please see the email below from one of our team members, Darcie Gudger, and pass it on to a teen who is interested in writing or to your church secretary. With going virtual, teens from all over the country can participate. And at $59, it’s one-third the price of an adult registration.    


Hey aspiring teen writers,  

Things are a bit different this year… well, they have been different for the past year and a half.   

Anyway, since there is no Teens Write with the virtual June 24-26 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, your friendly neighborhood Teen’s Write expert (me!) has curated a list of continuing sessions and workshops to help boost your novel-writing aspirations.   

Before I share the list, lean in. Closer. I have a secret. Don’t tell the adults because they don’t get this deal.

For you guys who are in 6th – 12th grade, we will reduce the cost of the conference to only $59 dollars.  

SHHHHH! I know you’re excited and the shrieks are bursting from your lips. Because you teens are my FAVORITE people, the conference director decided to give your MORE than 50% off. Actually, my calculator tells me it’s one-third off! How cool is that? It’s the cost of a Switch game.   

I hope I can connect with you all over a lunch or dinner break during the conference so we can chat about writing. And remember, this deal is for teens ONLY! Because you are awesome and I want to see a lot of you!  

From the desk of the Mad Scribbler,

Darcie
Editor, Instructor
Author of SPIN, TOSS, and CATCH  

P.S. Here’s the list:
The Novelist’s Toolbox – a 7.5 hour continuing session spread over 3 days

Deep, deep, deeper POV – taught by a literary agent

Researching your novel – with best-selling author Liz Curtis Higgs

Grammar – what you really need to know – a class taught to college students

Be Bold – edgy Christian Fiction

Show and Tell Time – How to KNOW if you SHOW!   

Go to https://philadelphia.writehisanswer.com
to find out more and to register.

Posted in Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference | 1 Comment »

Baker’s Dozen

June 9, 2021 by Marlene Bagnull

Baker’s Dozen of reasons why YOU need to come . . .

#13 Going virtual. Save $$$ – NO cost for travel, lodging, and meals!

#12 Connect with other writers through breakouts and online chat.

#11 Six-hours in a LIVE continuing session. Choose from eight offered.

#10 Total of 42 workshops plus pre-conference webinars & zoom meetings.

#9 LIVE panels – agents, editors, indie publishers.

#8 LIVE mealtime breakouts. Get your questions answered.

#7 Five LIVE inspiring keynotes.

#6 Faculty of 65 agents, editors, authors, and other professionals.

#5 Appointments with editors and agents.

#4 Author’s Night and opportunity to sell your latest book.

#3 Worship with Marty Goetz.

#2 Experience a new or renewed vision for your writing ministry.

#1 And . . . videos of everything (over 100 HOURS) available to view for two months after the conference at NO additional charge! Plus this year’s registration fee is half what our last three day conference cost.

For more info and to register go to
https://philadelphia.writehisanswer.com

“All writers conferences stimulate the mind;
Marlene Bagnull’s conferences
challenge the heart.”

Cec Murphey

Posted in Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference | Leave a Comment »

Why did you write this book?

June 4, 2021 by Marlene Bagnull

Thinking on my feet was never one of my strong points.

I remember my very first television interview for the book that accumulated 42 rejection slips over the six years I worked to find a home for it. When the invite came to be live on TBN, I was more panicked than excited. I made my list of ten interview questions as requested and tried to memorize my answers. I even did a practice interview with a friend.

I was beyond nervous when I arrived at the studio. Seeing the circular staircase I would need to walk down to get on the set didn’t help. PTL I didn’t fall down the stairs, but my mouth fell open and my mind went blank when I was asked:

Why did you write this book?

I remember my mind racing and my frantic prayer. “God, help! That wasn’t one of the questions!”

I don’t remember what I answered, but the next 30 minutes flew by. To my amazement I was asked to come back the next time I was on the west coast.

Why am I sharing this story? Because it’s critical that we know the why as well as the who, what, when, and why of what we’re writing.

Who is our audience. What need are we addressing. When and WHY nd where of what we are writing.


ho, what, when, and why I don’t want you to have the same experience Friday, June 25, during the Author’s Night at the Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference when Eric Sprinkle and Darcie Gudger ask you why you wrote your book – why people need to read it.

Eric will have the timer set on his iPhone, so you won’t have time to mentally rehearse what you want to say or to ramble as you think out loud.

So be prepared! It’s amazing how thinking ahead, and especially praying ahead, relieves anxiety. And the bottom line is I guarantee you will enjoy our Author’s Night. Hopefully you will also get orders for an autographed copy of your book.

We did a lot of thinking and praying about how to make it possible for you to sell your book at our VIRTUAL conference. PTL we’ve found a way to make it work. To find out what you need to do ASAP if you’re planning on coming to the conference and have a book to sell, go to “Selling Your Book” at https://philadelphia.writehisanswer.com.

I’d love to see you, and your book, June 24-26.
Now glory be to God,
who by his mighty power at work within us
is able to do far more than
we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—
infinitely beyond our highest prayers,
desires, thoughts, or hopes. 
Ephesians 3:20 TLB

Posted in Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Marketing, Promotion | 2 Comments »

Do you feel a growing sense of urgency?

June 1, 2021 by Marlene Bagnull

Do you see the storm clouds gathering?

Will our nation survive?

Do you believe God can use the words you write to bring our nation back to Him?

At the June 24-26 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference you will learn tons about the craft of writing and marketing. In fact, your registration will give you access to over 90 hours of valuable information that you can view for two months after the conference – information that will help launch or expand your writing ministry whether it be through a nonfiction book, novel, personal experience story, article, or poetry.

But GPCWC will also encourage and equip you to address the issues facing our nation. After Leona Choy’s Thursday evening’s keynote, the six faculty teaching the “Impact Our Culture” continuing session will share in a panel discussion and lead us in a time of praying for our nation.

A keynote you won’t want to miss!

Leona Choy will turn ninety-six two days before the conference. She says, “As writers who are Christians, we can’t afford to stand down, to back off from writing honest words in appropriate ways. We can’t afford to live or write on the safe side by avoiding controversial topics. We must tackle edgy subject matter.

“We can’t be wimpy writers. Let’s stand our ground and stand up for our faith and truth and righteousness even if we stand out with a target on our back. When we see deception and fakery, God is counting on us to pray and write well with courage.”

Will you accept the challenge to “Write – and Live – His Answer”?

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 Called to write, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Issues, Praying for our nation | Leave a Comment »

Memorial Day

May 31, 2021 by Marlene Bagnull

Father, help us not forget those who have given their lives for our country and those who are presently serving in places near and far. You know the sacrifices they and their families make as well as how difficult it is to see a son or daughter, husband or wife, mother or father cope with physical disability or PTSD.

Others are grieving the loss of a loved one from covid-19.

And then there are countless others who are battling cancer and other frightening conditions or are overwhelmed caring for a family member or close friend.

It’s not easy, Lord, but then You never promised life would be easy. But thank You that You have promised always to be with us.

Jesus said: “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 TLB

If someone you love has cancer, or if you know of a caregiver who needs comfort and encouragement, this gift book will provide spirit-lifting thoughts for celebrating the gift of life in the midst of troubles. My good friend, Cec Murphey, who cared for his wife as she battled cancer, has given Write His Answer Ministries a box of these beautiful full-color gift books. Only $7. Click here to order.

Let him have all your worries and cares,
for he is always thinking about you
and watching everything that concerns you.
1 Peter 5:7 (TLB)

Posted in Compassion | Leave a Comment »

Yes, It Is Worth It!

May 25, 2021 by Marlene Bagnull

Writing is hard work! But is it worth it? Oh yes, Eric Sprinkle, our tech guru for our virtually amazing June 24-26 Greater Philly and August 26-28 Colorado Christian Conference says in this short but powerful video.

I’m reminded of my journey to publication with my first book. “All you gotta do is figure out what keys to hit,” a cartoon says.

Back then (yes, many, many years ago), when an editor was interested in a book manuscript, he would ask for the entire typed manuscript to be mailed to him via the USPS along with a SASE (self addressed stamped envelope) for its return if it was not accepted. [There were no computers back then so I definitely didn’t want to type another copy, and it was too expensive to make copies.]

I still remember the day my book was returned – again – and the note that was inside.

“This was reasonably well written
but exceptionally well typed!”

Wow! As I’m sure you can imagine, I was so encouraged by the “compliment.” I passed Typing 101.

As many of you know, it took six years and 42 “returns” (I learned not to call them “rejection slips”) before my book was finally accepted by an editor I met at a Christian writers conference.

Despite the deadly Ds of disappointments, doubt, and discouragement, I didn’t give up. Why? Because I knew God had called me to write that book. And I hung on to the encouragement of an editor who told me it was well written and needed to be published, but his house didn’t want to deal with the topic.

Much has changed since the 1970s when my fourteen-year-old half sister came to live with us because her father (my step-father) had sexually abused her. There was no social media or #MeToo movement to encourage those who had been abused to tell their story and receive the help they needed to recover. There were few professionals trained to provide hope and healing to victims or to extended families who stepped in. And only Tyndale House had published a book about incest.

[See https://myfamilytoo.com for info about this new edition that I indie published two years ago.)


Had I not persevered, I would have missed the door that finally opened to publish a book about a sensitive topic – a book that is a testimony to God’s faithfulness. I’m also certain I would not have gone on to publish 12 other books or to found and direct the Greater Philly and direct the Colorado Christian Writers Conference.

Last week I recorded a video workshop on how to prepare a Nonfiction One Sheet in preparation for meeting with an editor or agent at the Greater Philly or Colorado Christian Writers Conference. (I have learned a lot in the 40+ years I’ve been writing and publishing.)

I talk about what to include and why this information is needed to interest an agent or editor in your book. I also share some of my testimony to encourage you to overcome the Deadly Ds and to pursue your call to write.


Because the journey to publication is not easy and I do not want you to give up, I’m making this workshop available free of charge to everyone – not just those who register for one of the conferences. Here’s the link:


https://youtu.be/RMCGbbq4BlQ


Thank You, Father, for all You have done and will do for me and for each one who reads this and chooses to trust Your promises and timing.

I can do everything God asks me to
with the help of Christ
who gives me the strength and power. 
Philippians 4:13 TLB

Posted in Called to write, Get your book in print | 1 Comment »

Are we being shocked into silence or are we too fearful to speak?

May 16, 2021 by Marlene Bagnull

Did you have a happy day last Sunday celebrating our newest holiday, Birther’s Day? Seriously? What next?

I am seventy-six years old. Through the years I have watched our nation slide down a “slippery path” (Psalm 73:18). But as a friend says, “We’re now in a free fall.”

Like the frog in the kettle that keeps adjusting when the temperature is turned up, I’m deeply concerned that Christians have grown increasingly complacent and even apathetic. Yes, thank God I know that is a blanket statement. Not everyone has been too fearful to take a stand for righteousness.

As the director of the Colorado and Greater Philly Christian Writers Conferences, that have become known as the “Write His Answer” conferences, we address the issues facing our nation and offer workshops to help writers incorporate biblical truth in their manuscripts, no matter the genre.

Last year Covid forced me to cancel both conferences. This year, out of an abundance of caution, both conferences are going virtual. What will next year bring? Only God knows. But as I watch our religious freedom eroding, I can’t help wonder how much longer we will have the freedom to gather together at a Christian writers conference or how much longer until God will allow our nation to destroy itself.

I do not think I’m being an alarmist, and I certainly do not feel I’m a prophet. With all my heart I long for our nation to return to the biblical principles upon which America, the “land of the free and home of the brave,” was founded. But I doubt that will happen unless there is a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit in response to the prayers of God’s people and our nation repents and turns back to Him.

I do believe that “for such a time as this” God is raising up an army of writers. This is my 37th year directing the Philly conference, my 24th year directing the Colorado conference. The urgency I feel to “encourage and equip you to write about a God who is real, who is reachable, and who changes lives” is stronger than ever. And so, rather than reduce the size of the faculty and offer less this year, I’m “going for broke” and have cut the cost in half. Plus, with going virtual, you save the cost of travel, lodging, and meals. If financially the conference is still beyond what you can afford, thanks to Cec Murphey’s generosity, scholarships are available.

I know finding the time to attend is difficult for many. But this year, everyone who registers will have access for two months to the videos of ALL 42 workshops, 8 continuing sessions (48 hours of teaching), 5 keynotes, and panels – at NO additional cost.

I urge you to register for either or both conferences. Registration for the August 26-28 Colorado conference opened yesterday, May 15. The price for the June 24-26 Philly conference increases June 2.

Unlike previous years, you can’t wait until the last minute to request appointments. This year, if you want to meet with an editor or agent, you need to request your appointments by June 1 for the Philly conference (August 1 for Colorado) and submit a one sheet and the first page of your manuscript by June 10 for Philly (August 10 for Colorado). For those wanting to meet with a periodical editor, you’ll find what they want you to submit with their bio on the conference websites. (The editorial needs have not yet been added to the Colorado site.)

New this year we are including pre-conference webinars and zoom meetings at NO additional cost to prepare you to make the most of your appointments.

Friends, NOW is time to “write His answer.” We cannot assume that the doors to publish and distribute Christian literature will always be open. As for the Internet, the freedom to share God’s truth is already being limited.

You may have heard me quote a friend who grew up in Switzerland before the start of World War 2. She said, “The church in Germany saw what was happening, but the church in Germany was silent.”

Father, please help us not to listen to the voice of fear. Give us courage to write, speak, and live Your answer. Show us how to “Make the most of [our] chances to tell others the Good News” — [how to] “be wise in all [our] contacts with them” (Colossians 4:5-6). And please help us always to demonstrate the love of Christ by our words and actions.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »