2021 Schedule – CCWC
Highly interactive, virtually amazing!
Everything is LIVE via Zoom Meetings
except 36 pre-recorded video workshops
You may view all of the workshops during the conference & for 2 months afterwards.
Continuing Sessions, Keynotes & Panel available to view
several weeks after conference also for 2 months.
All times are Mountain Time
Pre-conference
Webinars – more info coming
Build Your Amazon Author Page & More – Dianne E. Butts
If you have at least one produce on Amazon, learn how to use Amazon’s Followers and Giveaways to market your book and build your Social Media Platform. Discover a dozen sites to make book trailers and memes and images with quotations and more to market your books!
Find Your Readers on Social Media – Rachel Schmoyer
Tik-tok. Instagram. Reels. Facebook. Clubhouse. Twitter. Pinterest. Social media is EVERYWHERE. Learn how to use the power of the Internet to your advantage as Rachel shares the latest developments as well as best practices.
Get the Book Inside You to Come Out – Debbie Hardy
How do you get the book inside you to come out? And then what? We'll cover the process, from writing to pitching, submitting, publishing, publicity, and marketing. And you'll get a basic knowledge of writing terms, dispelling many myths of the publishing world.
The Dreaded “E” Word – Edwina Perkins
Getting the words on the page is only the first step. Next, time to edit. The ability to self-edit is an important component to polishing your manuscript. Any writer who is serious about publication needs to work hard to learn how to self-edit. This workshop will introduce you to some basic—and not so basic—self-editing tips to help take your manuscript to the next level.
To Prepare for Your Appointments
Nonfiction One Sheet – Marlene Bagnull
Beyond explaining what needs to be included on your nonfiction one sheet and why, Marlene shares some of her journey to publication.
Fiction One Sheet – Darcie Gudger
First impressions are everything. Like a resume for that dream job, your one sheet needs to leave a lasting impression on agents and editors who require them. Since expectations change like the weather, come learn how you can craft that unforgettable, colorful fiction one sheet.
The Weight of the First Page – Linda Glaz
Learn to put POP! and action onto the first page of your work, in a manner that keeps a potential reader … well … reading.
Pitching to Industry Professionals – Linda Glaz
Learn how to construct the much-needed Pitch.
Zoom Meetings
(more info, daytime, and link coming to registered conferees)
Developing a Great Nonfiction Pitch – Karen Whiting
Make the best pitch to not only grab an editor’s attention to help get a contract but to start developing a marketing plan. Karen is the author of 27 traditionally published books. She will provide individual help to polish each person’s pitch. An effective pitch will, in 30 seconds:
Your Fiction Pitch – Gayle Roper
So you only have a few minutes tops. What do you say to catch the ear of an editor, an agent—anybody? Let's work together on your pitch. Let's get the best first sentence you can devise, the best story arc you can present in the fewest words. If ever there's a time you need to prepare, it's now so you sound professional and your story sounds irresistible. Gayle is an award winning author of more than forty books including three times as a Christy finalist for her novels Spring Rain, Summer Shadows, and Winter Winds.
Monday, August 23 – IMPORTANT
Be watching for an email with instructions for checking in online on Tuesday or Wednesday. At this time we will also do a tech check to make certain you’re all set to connect with our virtually amazing conference.
Tuesday, August 24
10:00 am – 7:00 pm Online check-in using link in the email you will receive on Monday.
Wednesday, August 25
9:00 am – 6:30 pm Online check-in continues.
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Early Bird Workshop – Crafting a Winning Nonfiction Book Proposal – Cindy Lambert
A winning book proposal is a tool that entices seven audiences (author, agent, editor, pub board, marketing, creative, and sales) to grasp a contagious vision for a book, and then equips them to successfully play their parts in placing the book into the hands of its ideal readership. (Prerequisite for those accepted for Cindy’s clinic.)
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Early Bird Workshop – Solving Plot Problems – Dave Lambert
Every novel is a mystery novel. By that I mean that every reader is reading to find something out—and when they no longer care about that something, they stop reading. The way you keep their interest piqued is by the skillful use of plotting. In this class, we’ll examine many aspects of this all-important fiction technique: Handling suspense; handling conflict, confrontation, and compulsion; foreshadowing; plot structure; the intersection of plot and common mistakes. (Open to everyone but a prerequisite for those in Dave’s clinic.)
5:30 – 6:15 pm
The 25 Hour Day – Ava Pennington
Ever wish you had an extra hour (or more) each day? Everyone’s day starts with the same 24 hours, so why are some writers more effective than others in using their time? Whether you’re a full-time writer, or you’re snatching writing time when the rest of the family is asleep, learn planning and organizing tips to help you make the most of your busy schedule.
6:20 – 6:40
Finding YourWay Around Our Dashboard – Marlene Bagnull
Getting the most out of the conference.
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Brandstorming – Dick Bruso
Don’t miss out! Learn how to set yourself apart by attending Dick Bruso’s highly acclaimed story-based Brandstorming session for creating powerful, unique, and enduring brands in a very noisy marketplace.
For well over two decades, Dick has presented his in-demand Brandstorming program all across North America. This year, it’s being offered virtually, at no additional cost, as a special bonus, via Zoom, to all registrants of the 2021 Colorado Christian Writers Conference.
During this dynamic interactive session, Dick will demonstrate (with the assistance of two randomly selected attendees) how you and your writer colleagues can develop brands based on your unique and powerful life stories. You’ll also learn the secret of how to apply the “umbrella branding” approach to encompass all aspects of your career as a professional writer while staying totally congruent with your desired target markets.
Thursday, August 26
8:00 – 9:10
Sanctuary
• Welcome
• Worship with Marty Goetz (pre-recorded from his House of Worship)
• Keynote – Old Paths, Ancient Markers: Guarding the Treasures of the Gospel – Michael Gantt
9:15 – 9:25
Small Group Breakouts
9:30 – 10:45
Continuing Sessions, Part 1
1 – Authentic Writing that Changes Lives – Dr. Peter Lundell
2 – Going Indie – Amy Deardon
3 – Serve Your Audience: The #1 Way to Grow a Rock-solid Platform – Patricia Durgin
4 – The Fiction Writer’s Toolbox – Susan Baganz
5 – Developing Your Nonfiction Book Unable to come – Please consider taking Continuing Session 1 or 7. Both of these will enrich your knowledge and skill in terms of writing nonfiction.
6 – Reach the World with Your Message – Linda Evans Shepherd
7 – Growing Your Craft to Increase Your Impact (fiction & nonfiction) – Tim Riter
8 – How to Build a Book Promotional Power Pack – Scoti Domeij
10:45 – 11:00
Break
11:00 – 12:00
Workshop 1 (pre-recorded videos except as noted)
1A – How to Thrive as a Creative – Karen Scalf Bouchard
1B – The Importance of Sensitivity/Diversity Readers – Edwina Perkins
1C – Fiction with a WOW Factor – Miralee Ferrell LIVE
1D – Write Your Story and Change Lives – Dr. Mel Tavares
1E – Marketing Into Ministry – Cheri Cowell
1F – Workshop 1F: Post-it Planning: Stick your way to success (a non-electronic way to track and meet your goals) – Debbie Maxwell Allen
1G – Ghostwriting: How to Write Someone Else’s Story or Message – Michael Klassen
OR
11:00 – 11:30 Group Appointments (you will receive your schedule by email)
11:30 – 11:35 Transition
11:35 – 12:05 Group Appointments
OR
11:00 – 12:00
Nonfiction Book Proposal Clinic with Cindy Lambert (Closed)
Fiction Clinic with Dave Lambert (Closed)
12:00 – 12:15
Sanctuary – Announcements
12:15 – 12:55
Lunchtime and Small Group Q & A’s (Drop in and out of an many groups as you’d like)
• Celebration Web Design – Jonathan Shank
• Blogging – Michael Klassen
• Scrivener & Vellum – Debbie Maxwell Allen
• Certified AWSA Coaches (Advanced Writers & Speakers Association) – Patricia Durgin, Michelle S. Lazurek, Susan Neal, Ava Pennington
• Social Media – Terry Whalin
• Faculty Networking – closed to conferees
1:00 – 1:40
• Book Editors Panel
• Magazine Editors Panel
1:45 – 1:55
Small Group Breakouts
2:00 – 3:00
Workshop 2 pre-recorded videos except as noted)
2A –Handling the Word with Your Words – Ava Pennington
2B – The Christian Mind and Christian Linguistics – Laura Bartnick
2C – Let’s Talk Screenwriting – Dianne E. Butts
2D – Nonfiction Research Strategies & Organization – Jendayi “J” Harris
2E – Your Marketing Profile – Stephanie Alton
2F – Create a Best Seller Brand – Dick Bruso – LIVE
2G – Challenging Youth Trends – Dr. Mel Tavares
OR
2:00 – 2:30 Group Appointments (you will receive your schedule by email)
2:30 – 2:35 Transition
2:35 – 3:05 Group Appointments
OR
2:00 – 3:00
Nonfiction Book Proposal Clinic with Cindy Lambert (Closed)
Fiction Clinic with Dave Lambert (Closed)
3:00 – 3:15
Break
3:15 – 4:30
Continuing Sessions, Part 2
1 – Authentic Writing that Changes Lives – Dr. Peter Lundell
2 – Going Indie – Amy Deardon
3 – Serve Your Audience: The #1 Way to Grow a Rock-solid Platform – Patricia Durgin
4 – The Fiction Writer’s Toolbox – Susan Baganz
5 – Developing Your Nonfiction Book Unable to come – Please consider taking Continuing Session 1 or 7. Both of these will enrich your knowledge and skill in terms of writing nonfiction.
6 – Reach the World with Your Message – Linda Evans Shepherd
7 – Growing Your Craft to Increase Your Impact (fiction & nonfiction) – Tim Riter
8 – How to Build a Book Promotional Power Pack – Scoti Domeij
4:45 – 5:45
Critique groups
FIction – Susan Baganz
Personal experience stories & articles – Marlene Bagnull and Ava Pennington
OR
4:45 – 5:15 Group Appointments
5:15 – 5:20 Transition
5:20 – 5:50 Group Appointment
5:45 – 6:00
Sanctuary
Announcements & Give Aways
6:00 – 6:40
Dinnertime & Small Group Q & A’s (Drop in and out of an many groups as you’d like)
• Manuscript CPR – Jim Watkins
• CIPA (Christian Independent Publishers Assn.) Marketing – Susan Neal
• Editorial Services – Marti Pieper
• Speaking – Joel Armstrong, Del Duduit, and Peter Lundell
• Create a Brand – Dan Balow
• Dinner with Authors
6:45 – 8:30
• Worship with Marty Goetz
• Keynote: The Price of Mercy – Dr. Bruce Porter
• Keynote: America at the Crossroads – Charles J. Patricoff
8:30 – 9:00
Night Owl Chats
Friday, August 27
8:00 – 9:10
Sanctuary
• Welcome
• Worship with Marty Goetz (pre-recorded from his House of Worship)
• Keynote: Be Still and Know – Angie Bass Williams
9:15 – 9:25
Small Group Breakouts
9:30 – 10:45
Continuing Sessions, Part 3
1 – Authentic Writing that Changes Lives – Dr. Peter Lundell
2 – Going Indie – Amy Deardon
3 – Serve Your Audience: The #1 Way to Grow a Rock-solid Platform – Patricia Durgin
4 – The Fiction Writer’s Toolbox – Susan Baganz
5 – Developing Your Nonfiction Book Unable to come – Please consider taking Continuing Session 1 or 7. Both of these will enrich your knowledge and skill in terms of writing nonfiction.
6 – Reach the World with Your Message – Linda Evans Shepherd
7 – Growing Your Craft to Increase Your Impact (fiction & nonfiction) – Tim Riter
8 – How to Build a Book Promotional Power Pack – Scoti Domeij
10:45 – 11:00
Break
11:00 – 12:00
Workshop 3 (pre-recorded videos except as noted)
3A – Get Out of the Boat – Angie Bass Williams
3B – Three Puzzles of Periodicals – Sherri Langton
3C – Dialogue Tags: Needed or Overused? – Linda Glaz – LIVE
3D – Master the Memoir – Marti Pieper
3E – Think Outside the Publication Box – Debbie Maxwell Allen
3F – Marketing for Writers Who Don’t Like to Market – Jim Hart
3G – Focus on the Family Children’s Magazines Panel
OR
11:00 – 11:30 Group Appointments (you will receive your schedule by email)
11:30 – 11:35 Transition
11:35 – 12:05 Group Appointments
OR
11:00 – 12:00
Nonfiction Book Proposal Clinic with Cindy Lambert (Closed)
Fiction Clinic with Dave Lambert (Closed)
12:00 – 12:15
Sanctuary – Announcements
12:15 – 12:55
Lunchtime and Small Group Q & A’s (Drop in and out of an many groups as you’d like)
• Celebration Web Design – Jonathan Shank
• CIPA (Christian Independent Publishers Assn,) – Supporting Authors in Every Way – Susan Neal
• Editing & Writing Coaches – Susan Baganz and Edwina Perkins
• Editing & Writing Coaches – Joel Armstrong l
• CAN (Christian Authors Network) – Miralee Ferrell, Michelle Lazurek, Ava Pennington, Marti Pieper
• Screenwriting Ins & Outs — Dianne E. Butts and Vicki Dorshorn
• Faculty Networking – closed to conferees
1:00 – 1:40
• Agents Panel
• Indie Publishers Panel
1:45 – 1:55
Small Group Breakouts
2:00 – 3:00
Workshop 4 (pre-recorded videos except as noted)
4A –Are Authors in Their Write Minds? – Jim Watkins
4B – Build Your Platform with Twitter and Facebook – Dianne E. Butts
4C – The 3-Step Secret to Making Your True Story or Novel More Riveting – Karen Scalf Bouchard
4D – Using Negative Experiences for Positive Impact – Sherri Langton
4E – Workshop Not Available
4F – Fast-Track Your Speaking Outreach – Dick Bruso LIVE
4G – Writing Books for Children – Michelle Lazurek
OR
2:00 – 2:30 Group Appointments
2:30 – 2:35 Transition
2:35 – 3:05 Group Appointments
OR
2:00 – 3:00
Nonfiction Book Proposal Clinic with Cindy Lambert (Closed)
Fiction Clinic with Dave Lambert (Closed)
3:05 – 3:15
Break
3:15 – 4:30
Continuing Sessions, Part 4
1 – Authentic Writing that Changes Lives – Dr. Peter Lundell
2 – Going Indie – Amy Deardon
3 – Serve Your Audience: The #1 Way to Grow a Rock-solid Platform – Patricia Durgin
4 – The Fiction Writer’s Toolbox – Susan Baganz
5 – Developing Your Nonfiction Book Unable to come – Please consider taking Continuing Session 1 or 7. Both of these will enrich your knowledge and skill in terms of writing nonfiction.
6 – Reach the World with Your Message – Linda Evans Shepherd
7 – Growing Your Craft to Increase Your Impact (fiction & nonfiction) – Tim Riter
8 – How to Build a Book Promotional Power Pack – Scoti Domeij
4:45 – 5:45
Critique groups
Fiction – Susan Baganz
Nonfiction – TIm Riter
OR
4:45 – 5:15 Group Appointments
5:15 – 5:20 Transition
5:20 – 5:50 Group Appointments
5:45 – 6:00
Sanctuary
Announcements & Give Aways
6:00 – 6:40
Dinnertime & Small Group Q & A’s
• Word Ninjas – Karen Bouchard
• Writing for Children – Stephen O’Rear
• Writing for CBN – Kimberly Carr
• Writing Coach – Del Duduit & Peter Lundell
• Marketers on a Mission – Patricia Durgin
• Dinner with the Authors
6:45 – 8:30
Sanctuary
• Worship with Marty Goetz Testament Worship & Shabbat – Tracy Meola
• Old Testament Worship & Shabbat – Tracy Meola
• Author’s Night
8:30 – 9:00
Night Owl Chats
Saturday, August 28
8:00 – 9:10
Sanctuary
• Welcome
• Worship with Marty Goetz
• Keynote – Our Voice in a Hostile Climate – Dr. Peter Lundell
9:15 – 9:25
Small Group Breakouts
9:30 – 10:45
Continuing Sessions, Part 5
1 – Authentic Writing that Changes Lives – Dr. Peter Lundell
2 – Going Indie – Amy Deardon
3 – Serve Your Audience: The #1 Way to Grow a Rock-solid Platform—Patricia Durgin
4 – The Fiction Writer’s Toolbox – Susan Baganz
5 – Developing Your Nonfiction Book Unable to come – Please consider taking Continuing Session 1 or 7. Both of these will enrich your knowledge and skill in terms of writing nonfiction.
6 – Reach the World with Your Message – Linda Evans Shepherd
7 – Growing Your Craft to Increase Your Impact (fiction & nonfiction) – Tim Riter
8 – How to Build a Book Promotional Power Pack – Scoti Domeij
10:45 – 11:00
Break
11:00 – 12:00
Workshop (pre-recorded videos except as noted)
5A – From Conference to Contract – Del Duduit
5B – Revelation, Inspiration, or Perspiration? – Angie Bass Williams
5C – The Otherworldly Challenges of Speculative Fiction – Joel Armstrong
5D – Using Fiction Techniques in Your Nonfiction – Catherine Lawton
5E – Evaluating Your Options – Jim Watkins
5F – Impact Our Culture Prayer Meeting – LIVE
5G – How to Make a Living as a Freelance Writer – Michael Klassen
OR
One-on-One Appointments
11:00 – 11:15
11:15 – 11:30
11:30 – 11:45
11:45 – 12:00
OR
11:00 – 12:00
Nonfiction Book Proposal Clinic with Cindy Lambert (Closed)
Fiction Clinic with Dave Lambert (Closed)
12:00 – 12:15
Sanctuary – Announcements
12:15 – 12:55
Lunchtime and Meet the Indie Publishers (Drop in and out of an many groups as you’d like)
• Ampelos Press – Marlene Bagnull
• EBooks Listing Services – Amy Deardon
• EABooks Publishing – Jim Watkins
• Illumify Media Global – Michael J. Klassen & Karen Bouchard
• Morgan James – Terry Whalin
• Laura Bartnick – Capture Me Books
1:00 – 2:00
Workshop 6 (pre-recorded videos except as noted)
6A – What to Do When the Words Are Not There – Robert Ruesch & Roy Hanschke
6B – A Million Little Pieces: Ethics for the Christian Writer – Marti Pieper
6C – Creating Believable Characters – Edwina Perkins LIVE
6D – Writing a True Story – Debra Moerke
6E – Before Your Book is Published – Laura Bartnick – NOTE: This will be a Zoom workshop in the fall
6F – 5 Easy Steps to Create Freebies and Lead Magnets to Grow Your Email List – Karen Scalf Bouchard
6G – The How and Why of Writing Poetry – Angie Bass Williams and Catherine Lawton
OR
One-on-One Appointments
1:00 – 1:15
1:15 – 1:30
1:30 – 1:45
1:45 – 2:00
OR
1:00 – 2:00
Nonfiction Book Proposal Clinic with Cindy Lambert (Closed)
Fiction Clinic with Dave Lambert (Closed)
2:00 – 2:10
Break
2:15 – 3:25
Continuing Sessions, Part 6
1 – Authentic Writing that Changes Lives – Dr. Peter Lundell
2 – Going Indie – Amy Deardon
3 – Serve Your Audience: The #1 Way to Grow a Rock-solid Platform—Patricia Durgin
4 – The Fiction Writer’s Toolbox – Susan Baganz
5 – Developing Your Nonfiction Book Unable to come – Please consider taking Continuing Session 1 or 7. Both of these will enrich your knowledge and skill in terms of writing nonfiction.
6 – Reach the World with Your Message – Linda Evans Shepherd
7 – Growing Your Craft to Increase Your Impact (fiction & nonfiction) – Tim Riter
8 – How to Build a Book Promotional Power Pack – Scoti Domeij
3:30 – 3:40
Small Group Breakouts
3:45 – 5:15
Sanctuary
• Wrap Up & Awards
• Worship with Marty Goetz
• Keynote – Open My Eyes, Lord – David Rupert
• Closing Challenge
