For 36 years I have had the joy of bringing gifted keynoters to the Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference and inviting the community to come hear their messages free of charge.
These keynotes are for all Christians, NOT just those interested in writing for publication. You do not need to register. Just join us August 8-10 in the chapel at Dock Mennonite Academy, 1000 Forty Foot Road, Lansdale, PA (just off the Lansdale exit of the North/South PA Turnpike I-476). You won’t be disappointed!
Thursday, August 8, 7:30 pm Michael Gantt
The sad fact for America is that our gross national sin has made God our enemy. Can judgment be turned away without confession and repentance on a national scale?
Just as God spoke through the Old Testament prophets to warn His people to return to Him, I believe He has given Michael an urgent message for today.
Friday, August 9, 8:30 am Bill Myers
As communicators for Christ [and that’s all of us – not just writers] it’s imperative we understand Christianity is not for the religious. We must know the Good News is not about trying to be good but being supernaturally transformed.
Bill’s books and videos have sold over 8 million copies and won over 70 awards. Not bad for a man who never wanted to be a writer!
Friday, August 9, 7:15 pm Scoti Domeij
Deluged by stressful circumstances? Suffocated by a life-altering event? When swallowed by a monster billow, discover how the salty psychology of seismic circumstances will unleash a tsunami of words to comfort others and point them to the Lord.
Scoti is the proud Gold Star mother of Army Ranger Sgt. First Class Kristoffer Domeij, KIA October 22, 2011, in Afghanistan on his 14th deployment, the most deployed soldier in American history to be killed in action.
Author Interviews & Booksigning following Scoti’s keynote. Come meet over 40 authors who will be happy to autograph their book for you to give to a loved one or to keep for yourself!
Saturday, August 10, 8:30 am Peter Lundell
In a society that is increasingly deceived and divided, our calling is to write [and speak] in the opposite spirit. What does this mean, and how do we effectively and consistently do it?
Peter is a writer, pastor, and teacher who helps people connect with God and live by God’s Word and Spirit.
Saturday, August 10, 4:30 pm Beatrice Bruno
Do you doubt the gifting God has placed within you? You can be loosed from the doubt, fear, and unbelief many writers [and NOT just writers] face today because of what they have been told, what they believe, and what they acknowledge! But God . . .
Beatrice is an ordained gospel minister, life and writing coach, and Army veteran.
I used to think deadlines were exciting! Seriously! I loved the five years I worked in an editorial office – including the deadlines. Of course, my co-workers thought I was strange.
I guess I’ve grown up (well, I’ve certainly aged) because today deadlines and their accompanying time pressures are anything but exciting. I needed to re-read (and re-apply) what I wrote 27 years ago in Write His Answer – A Bible Study for Christian Writers.
Pressures to produce, to perform, to be more and do more than is realistic or possible.
Priorities demanding my attention, pulling me in multiple directions, creating guilt as I fail to properly order them.
Yet praise my God knows and understands. He promises peace in the midst, and teaches me how to rest in Him.
How about you? Are you tugged in so many directions you’re not sure what to do first. It’s a tactic the evil one uses to distract us from doing what is most important. If you’ve never read it, I encourage you to order the little booklet, Tyranny of the Urgent. You’ll find it on Amazon for only $1.99.
If time pressures are preventing you from registering for the August 8-10 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, I want to encourage you to ask Father how He wants to rearrange your schedule so you can come. I know it will be a life-changing conference. Although walk-ins are welcome, the price increases by $10 August 1 and meal tickets will no longer be available. So don’t procrastinate!
Here are the seven workshops you can choose from on Friday, August 9, from 5:00 – 6:00.
Michael Gantt did not have an ideal childhood. Anything but! Yet I have no doubt God used the heartaches he experienced to make him not just sensitive to the needs of others but determined to be used by God to make a difference. (His friends in Kenya and the students at the Immanuel Christian School for the Deaf will agree.) His workshop will challenge and equip you to write out of your broken heart.
Edwina Perkins came as a conferee to GPCWC many years ago. She is now the Managing Editor of Harambee Press, the Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas imprint for ethnic voices. She is also an award-winning writer, speaker, freelance editor, and treasured friend. Her workshop will help you discover and develop your writer’s voice.
Susan Baganz Lodwick is an editor with Pelican Book Group specializing in bringing great romance novels and novellas to publication. She is the author of 16 romance novels (contemporary and historical, and romantic suspense) and Ben Lodwick’s bride of seven months. You’ll meet the newlyweds at GPCWC. Needless to say, this is one of her favorite workshops to teach.
Catherine DeVries has been with us in the past. We’re delighted to have her back in her new position as Publisher, Kregel Publications. With 25 years of experience in the Christian publishing industry, and as the author of 25 books, Catherine knows the publishing world. Most important she knows the Lord. Her workshop, “Theological Accuracy in Nonfiction,” will provide examples of how errors can creep into publications due to lack of theological attention.
Linda Glaz is an agent with Hartline Literary Agency and is with us for the first, but I’m certain not the last time. She understands writers because she IS a writer. Linda served in the Air Force at a time when it wasn’t exactly politically correct for a woman, blazing many firsts for women in the military. She has taught karate and self-defense for 30 years and was a national instructor and referee for the largest soccer youth group in the US for 25 years. You’re going to enjoy this lady who isn’t afraid to try something new.
Patricia Durgin hasn’t been with us for several years so I’m delighted to have her back. Cec Murphey introduced us many years ago, and I’m so glad he did. Patricia’s Marketers On A Mission is a Facebook Live program for Christian writers and speakers. To date she has done over 250 hour-long interviews. In this workshop you’ll discover if you have what it takes to host a FB Live program. You’ll also learn five elements of a successful program and leave with a FB Live Action Plan.
Michelle Lazurek is an Associate Literary Agent with WordWise Media Service. She is also a multi-genre award-winning author, speaker, pastor’s wife, and writing coach. When she’s not too busy juggling all her responsibilities, she also comes to the critique group that meets in my home. Michelle says, “Many people want to write for children. but how do you write engaging content that not only tells a story but also keeps a young audience engaged despite the instant gratification world in which we live?”
As a 25-year publishing veteran who has worked with close to 1,000 writers including numerous NY Times best-selling authors), I’ve experienced a huge variety of writer conferences. Two that consistently stand out as a force for making good writers better and launching new authors are the Greater Philly and Colorado Christian Writers Conference —both, not coincidentally—led by Marlene Bagnull.Marlene’s passion and industry knowledge has created a powerful place for Christian creatives to gather and grow. I have personally invested in both conferences as a speaker and teacher. The reason why is I’m a fan of her vision for writers because I see the breakthrough that occurs at these events.
Allen Arnold Author, Speaker, Former Christian Industry Executive
My book would not exist without having attended the conference in 2017 so all your effort produces much fruit!
Melissa Rosenberger, MD
Melissa loved writing and illustrating stories as a child and authored her first book at the age of six. However, she eventually chose a career in medicine, practicing as an anesthesiologist in the Philadelphia suburbs for nearly a decade. Believing it’s never too late to discover God’s unique plans for each of us, Melissa stepped away from medicine in 2014. A tour of Israel inspired both the research for this novel and her return to writing.
I don’t think it’s possible to count all the books, articles, and devotions that have been published due to this conference. Personally, GPCWC has helped me go from a few published books to 25 and to speak around the world.
Karen Whiting
It’s not too late to register, and walk-ins are welcome. Time payments and some scholarship help is available if needed. If you register online by August 1, you’ll save $10 and be able to order meal tickets. Meals are not guaranteed after August 1. Lodging, at a discounted conference price, is available at the Holiday Inn (five minutes from the conference) through July 31. For more info go to https://philadelphia.writehisanswer.com.
“Haste makes waste.” I remember my mother saying this, and it wasn’t original with her. It’s first attributed to John Heywood from his 1546 glossary. He wrote:
Som thyngs that prouoke yong men to wed in haste Show after weddyng that haste maketh waste.
John Heywood
My husband was 21 and I was 18 when we married in 1963. Despite Heywood’s words, our 55 years of marriage have definitely not been a waste. But I admit I’ve often learned the hard way that “haste makes waste.”
I want to encourage you to “make haste” to register for the August 8-10 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference. It’s a once-a-year opportunity that has launched countless writing ministries. You can find out more at https://philadelphia.writehisanswer.com.
Here are the seven workshops you can choose from on Saturday, August 10, from 9:45 – 10:45.
Michael Gantt is a pastor from Vermont who has a standing invitation to serve on GPCWC’s faculty because he is a man who hears from and speaks for God. He says, “There are some who see what others do not see, hear sounds others do not hear, and discern danger before danger reveals itself. Should he sleep, the loss of the city will stain his hands forever.”
Susan Baganz is another frequent GPCWC faculty member. As an editor with Pelican Book Group and author of author of 16 romance novels (contemporary and historical, and romantic suspense), she knows the importance of submitting a manuscript that shines. Discover the tools she uses that you can use too.
Catherine DeVries says, “As a push for diversity is reshaping the publishing landscape, the need for sensitivity awareness and sensitivity readers is on the rise. The number of books about ethnic characters has risen over the last few years. This workshop will address questions such as: What is a sensitivity reader? Does my project need one? What does a sensitivity reader do?”
Charles W. Christian is Managing Editor, Holiness Today and Grace and Peace Magazine. This workshop is a basic overview for beginners but also includes creative ideas for experienced writers in regard to overcoming obstacles.
JP Robinson, the CEO of Logos Publications, asks, “What happens after your book rolls off the printing press or you hit ‘publish’ on KDP? These days, both traditionally published and indie authors are expected to market and sell their own books. Every author has a message and the potential to reach the masses. Discover free to affordable strategies that will help you market to your full potential.”
Emily Parke Chase was originally trained as an archaeologist but ended up as a counselor-advocate specializing in family relationships and abuse. She says, “God has an amazing sense of humor! Before, I repaired old pottery shards, but now I focus on gluing lives back together.” This workshop will focus on the importance of knowing your audience well – learning what they already know (don’t bore them) and what are their needs (challenge them to grow).
Debbie Hardy also serves on the faculty of the Colorado conference and stores our supplies. (Thank you, Debbie!) As a representative for ChristianDevotions.us, she will teach you how to write concisely, share your experiences, and, most importantly, touch hearts and change lives through devotionals.
Thank You, Father, that the answers we need are in Your Word. Help us not to believe the lies of the evil one but to live in faith and not fear because we know You love us and we know we can trust Your promises. And thank You, Father, that you do not edit my run-on and grammatically needy sentences!
Yes, this was published in 1983. And yes, I needed to read it again! Click here for a more readable PDF.
My husband and I went to dinner last week. The restaurant is under new management and has a new menu that left me overwhelmed. There were just so many yummy choices I had a hard time making up my mind.
The “menu” for the August 8-10 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference also offers a lot of choices that may seem overwhelming. Because I believe knowledge is power when making choices, I’m going to risk giving you information overload.
Below are the seven workshop choices for Friday, August 9, from 3:45 – 4:45. If you’ve already registered and chosen your workshops, you are not locked into your choices. If you are not yet registered, there’s still time before the August 2 price increase. Do keep in mind that our special conference rate at the Holiday Inn expires July 31, and meal tickets will no longer available after August 1. If you want to come but it seems impossible, remember nothing is impossible for the Lord.
If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you, for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him.
James 1:5 (TLB)
Terrence Clark has been part of GPCWC’s family for more than 10 years. It’s become a tradition for him to open the first morning of the conference singing “Days of Elijah.” Terrence has a powerful voice and a powerful ministry. His workshop will help you find your life and ministry purpose and stay on course to reach not only your writing goals, but to discover your God-given destiny.
Michael Klassen, president and publisher of Illumify Media, is new to GPCWC. He has served as the theological reviewer for over 30 study Bibles. He says, “Knowing how to rightly handle the Word of Truth enables you to change lives without being misguided, mistaken, or manipulative. . . . The good news is, you don’t need to be a seminary graduate to incorporate God’s life-changing Word into your writing!”
Linda Howard is Associate Publisher, Children and Youth, Tyndale House Publishers. Her passion for bringing children to a deeper understanding of Christ drives her acquisitions choices. Helping authors to create products that start children on a path to spiritual maturity is a responsibility she takes seriously. Her workshop will give you the tools you need to track what is happening in the industry for yourself.
Barb Haley is amazing! She serves as GPCWC’s Registrar and Appointments Coordinator. I thank God for her. Barb is a gifted writer of fiction and nonfiction as well as wise and caring emails to our conferees. Her workshop is a must for nonfiction writers because, as she says, “Story connects emotionally with readers and illustrates our message in a visual way. Use it as a beginning hook, to reinforce points, and more.”
Karen Whiting is frequently on GPCWC’s faculty. She has a passion for encouraging and helping writers. I confess that the illustration at the right is misleading. Creating a book proposal is not easy or fun. But Karen’s workshop will show you how the proposal shapes the book and marketing, and that makes it a valuable tool even if you go indie. You’ll learn how to craft unique book descriptions, identify and analyze the competition, and lay out a marketing plan.
Michelle Booth is an Acquisitions Editor and Marketing Coach with EABooks Publishing. She has proven skills in formulating and executing marketing communication plans, creating and implementing PR campaigns, planning advertising campaigns, and orchestrating special events. Most writers, including me, struggle with marketing. I hope to sit in on this workshop and learn how to turn my marketing efforts into ministry.
Stephen O’Rear is the Associate Editor (since 2011) of Focus on the Family Clubhouse Magazine. He says, “I write for the hopeless middle-school nerd in all of us.” He is the co-author of the children’s comic Captain Absolutely, four-time EPA winner for Best Cartoon. In his workshop Stephen will review the submission guidelines and content needs for Clubhouse and Brio magazines, Boundless.org, and other Focus properties.
Over 50 years ago I felt called to “Write His Answer.” Today, much of what I still feel called to write is on the backburner as I invest my time and energy in encouraging and equipping others to
write about a God who is real, who is reachable, and who changes lives.
But sometimes, like this afternoon, I find myself leafing through the binders of the 1,000 plus manuscripts I have sold to Christian periodicals. The piece below grabbed my attention. It was published 36 years ago in Christian Single. And it was what I needed to re-read, to re-pray, today. Perhaps you, too? Click here for a more readable PDF.
If you know God has called you to “write His answer” but you’re feeling empty and doubting your ability, I want to encourage you to seek the Lord and His “power for living.” He does speak to us when we are listening.
And please pray about registering for the August 8-10 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference. Because Father does not want anyone to be turned away because of financial need, partial scholarships and/or time payments are available. Click here for the scholarship application.
If your schedule can’t make room for a conference, why not order some CDs from the May Colorado Christian Writers Conference? There is a link to the order form on the home page of the conference website. We can get them to you in several days if you order soon before we’re in the home stretch for the Philly conference.
Finally, remembering the stern admonishment of my writing papa, Lee Roddy, who is now with the Lord, I need to encourage you to read my book, Write His Answer – A Bible Study for Christian Writers. You’ll find excerpts and a link to order it by clicking here. Father has used it in Ephesians 3:20 ways throughout the 27 years it has been in print.
Thank You, Father, for Your power that is available to us simply for the asking. Help us to “write Your answer.”
I know you are daily bombarded with needs. I am, too! Of course we cannot donate to every cause. Oftentimes the need is so huge, so overwhelming, that we simply conclude the little we could do wouldn’t really make a difference.
But below is an appeal from my good friend, Becky Spencer, director of Grand Staff Ministries, that I believe Father wants to use me and you to meet.
Becky has been on faculty at the Colorado Christian Writers Conference every year since 2011 where we’ve asked her to share about her ministry to abandoned, orphaned, and vulnerable children in Swaziland (now eSwatini), Africa. She says,
“They are like little lost lambs. The Good Shepherd’s staff is grand enough to care for each one – through you.”
The Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference also is blessed to have a part in Becky’s ministry to these precious children. Indeed, I think it is the emphasis both conferences put on missions that makes us unique.
Please take a couple of minutes to read Becky’s message below, pray for these children, and ask Father how He wants you to help. Just $10 from half of the people receiving this email would not only meet the need of these three youngsters but provide the funds to build another group home. Becky’s vision is big, but we serve an even bigger God.
I must “plead the cause of the orphan” and “defend the rights of the poor.” Jeremiah 5:28
We are leaving for eSwatini in four days. But Tema’s siblings can’t wait that long!
You might remember that a few weeks ago Tema joined our Shepherd’s Care Family. She’s a 7th grader with 7 siblings, and all have been abused and neglected.
Tema has been crying uncontrollably and for long periods of time. Thobile found out it’s because of so much concern for two of her siblings. She is grateful for the care she is receiving, but she doesn’t feel like she can enjoy it when she knows they’re in so much danger.
We didn’t plan to take on any additional children for Thobile, our “auntie”/helper who agreed to take on the responsibilities of house mama when we had to terminate the former house parents. But she insisted that we simply had to invite Tema to live in the home because of the awful abuse she was enduring.
But we felt we had to say no to taking two more of her siblings. We were told they were boys, and our home is really for girls. We have one boy who is a twin to one of the girls, and he is away at the school for the deaf most of the year.
I just learned day before yesterday that the two siblings in most dire need are also twins–a girl and a boy.
What’s happening to them?Their aunt makes them sleep in a shack without a door on it. They’re left vulnerable to anyone passing by who wants to hurt them.
She also leaves them unattended for a week at a time–without food.
They live too far from us to come to Shepherd’s Care Home for meals.
If we gave them food, it would do little good. Usually in situations like this the food is stolen from them. Besides, they are only in the 3rd grade, and they don’t have access to cooking supplies. Tema has been giving them the change left over from her transport money to ride the kombi to school. She hopes they can find chips or bread to eat on the way home.
We are brainstorming how to help them.
I realized yesterday that the three siblings could stay in one of our bedrooms, which would keep the boy away from the other girls in the home. When Philani, our other boy, is home during breaks, he could also sleep in that room.
But it means raising additional funds to meet their needs. It takes about $1500 for half a year of care for a child in elementary school. We still haven’t raised any funds to take care of Tema, and adding the twins brings it to $4500 we will need to feed them, pay for school fees/transport, provide medical/dental attention, purchase clothing and blankets and towels, and provide utilities/shelter. Just to get through December. Then twice that much will be needed to care for them in 2020.
My “Mama” heart wants to gather up the other four in this family and invite them “home,” too. But the funds have to come from somewhere. We will contact social welfare to let them know we are willing to take the twins.
But meanwhile, I’m pleading their cause.
Already $225 has been raised yesterday from the Facebook post concerning these children. And I know others have sent checks. And many are sharing on their own timelines or asking for a document with the information so they can print it and show it to others at church tomorrow. (I can see the Father smiling.)
If you feel called to contribute, you may do so on our websiteor mailing a check to GSM, PO Box 321, Buhler, KS 67522.
Some on Facebook saw the plight of these kids for the first time. They were shocked that children were being treated this way, but it’s common in eSwatini.
It’s why God sent us to work there.
The office/apartment will be completed this fall, and as you can see, we need to start immediately on the next care home. That means raising about $90,000 more. I’d love to keep our new builder immediately starting the next project as soon as one is completed, because we could fill all twelve homes that are planned!
And the need for a primary school is also great.
How can we see this happen?
Besides raising funds for the big projects, we’re praying for 150 people who will join the team with a $50/month commitment. Of course, any amount makes a difference. One dear couple is donating $1,000 a month, because they can. Another couple has faithfully paid $10/mo and now $20/mo because that fits their budget.
All I know is, the Lord’s heart for these children is big. And the call He’s given us to meet their needs is WAY bigger than us.
Together, we can meet it. Will you be part of showing these siblings that God has heard their cries in the night?
On another quick note, Tracy had to drive his mother to east Texas yesterday. His only sibling, Patsie, is extremely ill and in the hospital. We were told so far that she’s in liver shut down and has congestive heart failure. Tracy will bring Mom Spencer home tomorrow, just in time to work Monday and Tuesday and help me finish preparations in the evenings.
Right before each trip or major fundraiser, the challenges seem to pour on. No surprise. We’ve been hit hard with a couple of other family situations. I seldom ask for help personally or even say how I’m feeling when I’m down, but ugh, earlier this week I was in a bad place and really needed prayers. Facebook serves a wonderful purpose when we put out the plea from our weaknesses, and the family of God undertakes for us. I have felt carried, and my focus is back where it belongs. 🙂
Wednesday morning, we’re off! I can’t wait to love on the children!!!!
Thank you for being part of this through your giving, your encouragement, and your prayers.
As we celebrate our nation’s independence, I want to encourage you to not overlook the freedom that Jesus Christ offers us, that He purchased on the Cross.
Jesus promises (John 8:32 TLB) “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” from . . .
the consequences of sin – Isaiah 1:16-19; Romans 3:24; 1 John 1:9
the power of sin – Romans 7:15—8:2; 1 John 5:3-4
worry about financial problems – Psalm 34:8-9; Matthew 6:31-34; Philippians 4:19
Here we are, another year gone by and the August 8-10 Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference is now upon us. So much has transpired since last year. My book was finally written and in the editing stages. I felt excited about what God was doing. I was inspired and encouraged. Then my life changed.
By the end of summer last year, my husband and I had to declare bankruptcy on our business and house. We had to pack up sixty years of generational memories and items within a month and move them into an apartment rental that accepted two dogs and two cats. Very hard to do.
Moving day included an unexpected snowstorm as well as a 26-foot truck hitting one of our cars and ripping the whole front bumper off. By the time settlement came for the sale of the house and what little we received from it, I was left stressed and wanting to give up on everything–including my book.
My heart to write was crushed. I had no energy, will, or passion to continue. I was, in fact, overwhelmed with boxes from the move; animals in high anxiety; and a daughter who struggled with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and was very pregnant. I don’t know who cried more in those difficult and tumultuous days.
Thinking our nightmare was over, we were informed that we were going to be sued over a payout sheet that was incorrect by the mortgage company. Mind you, we had already settled and been left with basically nothing from the sale/bankruptcy of our house.
My job was far away, and we had one car between three people. Then we had an infestation of ants in our new apartment, a broken tooth with no dental insurance, and so much more. Mind you, all the time I was going through this, God was using every emotion that I was feeling.
You see, I wrote a devotional book called Turn the Tide of Emotional Turbulence: Devotions for Parents with Teens in Crisis. Never did I realize that those same emotions I traveled through as a parent would be highlighted once again in my life.
Sometimes we want to give up, but the Lord really wants us to give in. When I finally did, the ants went moving along, our kitties and doggies were calmer, I did less crying and more praying, and we were blessed with a donated car. We will most likely get more money back from the mortgage company, and the cost of publishing my book was paid for with not one penny out of my pocket. To top it all off, my chapters are more fine-tuned to what God wanted to say.
So, if you are in a place in which you want to throw in the towel in your writing, throw yourself on the floor instead and ask God what He wants to do. He is not finished with His story in you. He could be just adding another chapter.
I want to encourage you to register for the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference. I guarantee you will find many other aspiring writers at the conference who also have encountered thoughts of giving up. Yet, they will be there, taking a step of faith that God will see them through their writing trials.
But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded. 2 Chronicles 15:7 NIV
Stacy Lee Flury blogs at Anchor of Promise, a support and education blog for parents with hurting and troubled teens.
Write His Answer 