Highly interactive, virtually amazing!
Everything is LIVE via Zoom Meetings
Our August 9-12, 2023, Write His Answer Conference
will have a similar structure as our 2022 conference below.
Pre-conference
Hour of Encouragement – Open to all writers.
Join us on Zoom once a month on Sunday night at 6:30 pm to be encouraged and to give encouragement to other writers. It’s a great way to make new friends. The link will come by email the week we are meeting. If you are not on my email list, click here.
Webinars – Open to everyone, not just conferees.
Writing the Personal Experience Story – Marlene Bagnull
https://youtu.be/YlUUzQXPspI
Writing Articles – How to Hook ’Em from the Get-Go; Hold ’Em to the End – Marlene Bagnull
https://youtu.be/SNqfLHvKx3o
Zoom Sessions – Open to everyone, not just conferees.
Brandstorming – Dick Bruso
Tuesday, April 19, 5:00 pm
Link to recording: https://youtu.be/uSR5bUQQY9M
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 2022 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.
To Prepare for Your Appointments – Links coming when you register
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.
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. Click here for link to sample fiction one sheet.
Zoom Meetings – Links coming when you register
Developing a Great Nonfiction Pitch – Karen Whiting
Tuesday, April 26, 4:30 pm MT (6:30 ET, 5:30 CT, 3:30 PT)
AND Saturday, April 30, 2:30 pm MT (4:30 ET, 3:30 CT, 1:30 PT) (Saturday is 2 hours later than first scheduled)
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:
Practice Your Fiction Pitch – Gayle Roper
Date & Time: May 1, 2022 1:00 pm MT (3 pm ET, 2 pm CT, noon PT)
& 3:00 pm MT (5 pm ET, 4 pm CT, 2 pm PT)
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.
Connect at the Conference – DeeDee Lake
Monday, May 2, 6:30 pm (MT)
DeeDee is an expert in connecting and relationships. Raised as a military brat and an Army wife, she has lived in 50 houses. She knows how to relate! Connecting is one of the best aspects of a conference. Don’t know how to relate? Come to this Zoom workshop to know how to make the best impression, schedule and attend appointments, to have realistic expectations, and the dos and don’ts of following up after the conference. The literary business is a relational business. Let’s talk about creating relationships.
Navigating the Conference and Hour of Encouragement – registered conferees will receive link
Sunday, May 8, 6:00 pm (MT)
Zoom with Marlene to learn how to navigate the conference dashboard and to get your questions answered.
The schedule below is for your info pre-conference.
It is subject to change.
During the conference you will access the sessions through the dashboard.
You will receive the link to the dashboard
when you check-in online Wednesday morning.
All times are Mountain Time
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Click here for a PDF of the schedule for all 4 days.
It’s easier to read.
Highly interactive, virtually amazing!
Everything is LIVE via Zoom Meetings
Registered conferees may view keynotes, learning labs,
continuing sessions, workshops, and panels
for 3 months after the conference
so you do not need to attend everything.
Round tables, small group breakouts,
critique groups, and clinics are not recorded
8:00 am – 12:30 pm Online check-in, sign waiver, tech check
You will receive an email with the link you need to check in. You MUST check in to be able to access the conference dashboard.
12:45 – 12:55 Welcome & Prayer
1:00 – 3:25 pm – Learning Labs (Choose one)
An Afternoon with Liz – Liz Curtis Higgs
An afternoon to remember and treasure with best-selling author and beloved storyteller Liz Curtis Higgs. As a writer of both contemporary and historical novels, Liz believes the best fiction is built on a solid, factual foundation, which research alone provides. From hands-on experience to online exploring, from finding the right books to interviewing the right people, Liz will show you how to create a believable time and place for your characters to live and breathe.
Too Much Data, Too Little Time – Scoti Domeij
Not every author wants to become a data geek and too few authors pay close attention to metadata. Metadata—your book’s DNA—is the most crucial information to market and sell your book today. Bar none. Global access to your book increases the importance of metadata. What is metadata? Online info that describes your book and connects your book to prospective book buyers. Metadata is how your book is found online, marketed, tracked, and referenced. Every publishing platform requires metadata. (Click here for more info.)
Superb Style: In Three Big Steps – Tim Riter
In last year’s online Colorado Conference, Tim Riter shared four keys to excellent writing in a well-received continuing session. Tim and his passion for excellence in the craft of writing will return, in a three-hour learning lab where superb style will be explored, giving readers an improved chance for their writing to be noticed in the midst of the glut of information that cries, “Read ME!” The key is to intentionally play with three elements of style: word choice and structure (diction and syntax), to know when and how to break the rules and conventions of grammar to enhance the impact, and how to craft your work to persuade your readers.
Jumpstart Your Creativity! – Mary Potter Kenyon
You’ve set aside time for creativity, but when you sit in front of your keyboard, you get stuck. Nothing is flowing. If it’s true that the hardest part is getting started, what can you do to jumpstart your creativity? A dynamic presentation that includes a brief synopsis of pertinent creativity research, a reflective quiz, and ideas for reigniting creativity. Are you ready to reclaim that box of crayons from your childhood and reconnect with your creative side? Attendees leave with their own “magic pencil” and permission to add play into their life.
3:30 – 3:55 Orientation
4:00– 4:10 Small Groups
4:15 – 5:15 – Workshop 1
Crafting a Winning Nonfiction Book Proposal Clinic – 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. (Open to everyone but a prerequisite for those accepted for Cindy’s clinic.)
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.)
Incorporating God's Word to Transform Lives – Michael Klassen
God’s Word is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. Use it correctly, and lives will be changed. Use it incorrectly, and you will hurt your readers. During this workshop you’ll explore essential dos and don’ts, take a brief look at Bible translations, and examine best practices.
Faithful & Effective Writing/Publishing in a Postmodern Context – Catherine Lawton
We are living in a time of upheavals in society and church—but also of hopeful promise. Get an overview of both postmodernism and "the great emergence" and how to write and publish into this maelstrom in a way that will be heard and will be life-giving.
How Not to Talk to an Agent or Publisher – Lori Wildenberg
Gain some tips on things to avoid doing or saying when pitching your book to an agent or publisher.
5:30 – 5:40 Announcements
5:45 – 6:15 pm Dinner & Meet the Authors (not recorded)
6:20 – 7:30 pm Evening Program
Worship with Marty Goetz
Keynote: The Power of Writing to Change the World . . . and Yourself! – Jesse Florea
God uses the power of the Word to change society and shape our lives. Through experiences in our lives, including the difficult ones, we’re able to reach out to others. God uniquely equips each writer with a message He wants to tell. But to do this, we must lean into Jesus and grow closer to Him. Our writing can change the world, showing people what they have lost and what their souls truly yearn for.
7:30 Prayer Fellowship
Thursday, May 12, 2022
7:45 – 9:10 Opening General Session
Welcome & Worship with Marty Goetz
Keynote: The Danger and Power of Words – Edwina Perkins
Words have started wars, soothed broken hearts, and most importantly brought the university into existence. God made it clear words are influential in making differences. Words have power and will cause change one way or the other. Your words have the potential to change the world and reach generations to come. Your words can help reach a hurting and racially divided world.
9:10 – 9:25 Small Group Breakouts
9:30 – 10:30 Continuing Sessions, Part 1
1 – Screenwriting & Story Structure – Dianne E. Butts
2 – Writing (& Selling!) Personal Experience Stories – B.J. Taylor
3 – From Idea to Manuscript to Masterpiece – Dr. Sharon Norris Elliott
4 – The Successful Author of Nonfiction – Dan Balow
5 – Building Rock-Solid Fiction – Tim Shoemaker
6 – The Short Road to Publication: Writing Articles and Devotions – Karen Whiting
7 – Mastering Marketing – Tamara Clymer
8 – Your Writing Life - Dig Deep, Build High: Set a Solid Foundation & Fan the Flames of Your Passion! – Ava Pennington
9 – Writing for Children and Teens – Pam Halter
10:30 – 10:45 Break
10:45 – 11:45 Clinic OR Workshop
Clinics (Application due March 30)
Nonfiction Book Proposals – Cindy Lambert
Fiction Clinic – Dave Lambert
Workshops Click here for a grid of the workshop tracks and levels
1A – The Sacred Journey – Debbie Alsdorf
As Christian communicators we are all on a sacred journey. Part of the calling is to use what we've learned and the paths we have walked to help others. This session will help you identify your "why" and examine the "how" of writing from personal growth and experience. You will leave equipped to be a storyteller of redeeming value.
1B – The Art & Science of a Fiction Proposal – Janyre Tromp
A proposal is key to winning a publisher. But how does an author capitalize on the opportunity? In this workshop, you’ll learn the secrets to developing a fiction proposal from Janyre Tromp, who has intimate knowledge of 3 of the 4 sides of the publishing world—author, marketing manager, and editorial representative.
1C – Starting Strong: Strategies for First Lines and First Pages for Nonfiction Authors – Jim Hart
Jim will cover the importance of knowing what the first pages of your nonfiction books should accomplish such as: hooking your reader, informing your reader, persuading your reader. Along with discussing Strategies for Strong First Lines, Jim will also talk about the importance of knowing how to begin unpacking your Big Idea in the early pages of your book.
1D – Six Deadly Self-Publishing Mistakes & How to Fix Them, Part 1 - Mike Klassen
Publishing your own book may sound like a great idea – and it can be – IF you know how to avoid 6 major pitfalls that keep many self-published books from “WOW!”ing their audiences. Karen and Michael will identify deadly mistakes made by many self-published authors and provide simple fixes that will give your book a competitive advance in the marketplace. Topics will include:
1E – Breaking Into the Magazine Market – Jesse Florea
This workshop looks at the reasons you may want to write for periodicals, which include the 3P’s (not to be confused with the C-3PO’s): profit, platform and portfolio. It’s also a great way to express your passion. (Hey, that’s a fourth P!) We’ll talk about how to capture an editor’s attention, practice crafting an effective lead, learn about different types of periodicals and stories, and discover how good interviewing skills can open doors to big-time periodicals.
1F – Fear Factor – Lori Wildenberg
If you are a writer, then you will most likely be a speaker. And . . . it doesn’t have to be scary. Whether you are speaking at your local library, neighborhood book club, or to a large audience you will learn surefire tips to communicate your message comfortably and effectively to your audience.
1G – Would God Call You to Write for a Secular Market? – Mary Potter Kenyon
There are “Christian writers” and then there are writers who are Christians, and there is a marketplace for both. Would God ever call a Christian to write for a secular market, and how can we know where our writing belongs? Mary Potter Kenyon’s five books were published by a secular publisher, and she once worked as a reporter for a secular newspaper. Yet, because of her stories, God hit the front page in her small-town newspaper countless times, and readers of her book, Refined By Fire: A Journey of Grief and Grace, learn how faith got her through a dark period in her life. In this 50-minute power point, Mary shares how God has led her down this writing path, demonstrating with concrete examples of faith-filled pieces written to reach an audience that might not set foot in a Christian bookstore or have a personal relationship with Jesus. Are we preaching to the audience that already knows Christ, or do we need more Christian authors in the secular marketplace? This presentation will include common markets that aren’t necessarily labeled as “Christian” ones.
11:50 – 12:00 Announcements
12:00 – 12:30 Lunch & Round Tables (not recorded)
Your opportunity to ask questions and get to know editors and agents.
12:35 – 12:45 Spotlight Authors & Give-Aways
12:45 – 1:25 Panels1
Agents Panel
Indie Publishing Panel
1:25 – 1:40 Small Group Breakouts
1:45 – 2:45 Clinic OR Workshop
Clinics (Application due March 30)
Nonfiction Book Proposals – Cindy Lambert
Fiction Clinic – Dave Lambert
Workshops
2A – Successful Co-Authoring – Jesse Florea and Karen Whiting
Co-writing a project brings challenges, but it can also bring greater creativity, accountability, and result in a better final product. In this workshop, Jesse Florea and Karen Whiting share from their experiences in co-authoring several book projects. It will cover utilizing each other’s strengths, workload, workflow, and other aspects of a successful co-writing process.
2B – Deep POV – Darcie Gudger
Deep POV transforms readers from passive observers to participants thus engaging them in your story. Many writers are mystified by this technique. Join me as I decode this elusive approach.
2C – Memoir Writing – Gail Kittleson
This workshop offers hands-on writing exercises to stir the imagination and motivate creative approaches to one’s life story. In-class activities provide a taste of the writing process and strategies for further work.
2D – Peaks and Pitfalls in Indie Publishing – Robert N. Ruesch and Roy Hanschke
Let’s face it, there are more and more companies willing to publish your book. Who do you choose? Why would you choose that company? What will the publisher and printer do to get your product to market, and then what? Bob is a three-time published author. Roy is a dynamic speaker, radio personality, and author. Both will share the pitfalls and the peaks that turned into perks in their publishing journey.
2E – The Anatomy of the Query – Tez Brooks
Learn the elements you need to include to ensure your query letter says everything you need it to say, and nothing more! This simple checklist will help writers get noticed with a query that stands out from the rest.
2F – Magnify Your Message – Patti Shene
Behind every good book, whether nonfiction or novel, is a message. Magnify your message over the airwaves. Learn how to create an engaging podcast and how to share your message effectively as a podcast guest.
2G – Write for the Reader – Lori Wildenberg
Why do you write? What is the message God has put on your heart? Who needs to hear it? No book (other than the Bible) is for everyone. Discover how to write to your reader to expand your reach.
2:45 – 3:00 Break
3:00 – 4:00 Continuing Sessions, Part 2
1 – Screenwriting & Story Structure – Dianne E. Butts
2 – Writing (& Selling!) Personal Experience Stories – B.J. Taylor
3 – From Idea to Manuscript to Masterpiece – Dr. Sharon Norris Elliott
4 – The Successful Author of Nonfiction – Dan Balow
5 – Building Rock-Solid Fiction – Tim Shoemaker
6 – The Short Road to Publication: Writing Articles and Devotions – Karen Whiting
7 – Mastering Marketing – Tamara Clymer
8 – Your Writing Life - Dig Deep, Build High: Set a Solid Foundation & Fan the Flames of Your Passion! – Ava Pennington
9 – Writing for Children and Teens – Pam Halter
4:05 – 4:15 Announcements
4:15 – 5:00 Critique Groups & Q & A’s (not recorded)
5:05 – 5:15 Spotlight Authors
5:15 – 5:45 Dinner & Round Tables (not recorded)
Your opportunity to ask questions and get to know editors and agents.
5:45 – 6:00 Break
6:00 – 7:30 Evening Program
Worship with Marty Goetz
Grand Staff Ministries – Becky Spencer
Keynote: Why Don’t the Lights Work – Dr. Sharon Norris Elliott
"You are the light of the world." This direct quote from the Master Teacher and Savior Himself is encouraging, empowering, and--well yes--enlightening. We writers are uniquely positioned to live out this identity as "lights" as we function as His poema--His workmanship--allowing the Gospel to creativity flow through our fingertips onto the page. But are we actually being effective in our post-Christian society? Are we making a difference in our world for the Kingdom of God? Why don't the lights work?
7:30 For such a Time as This – Panel
8:30 Prayer Fellowship
Friday, May 13, 2022
7:45 – 9:10
Welcome and Worship with Marty Goetz
Keynote: Ministering to Our Readers – Liz Curtis Higgs
Liz has a question for you: Is your writing career entirely in God’s hands? Discover the surprising answer as Liz shares the life-changing lessons she's learned from three decades of writing for the Lord.
9:10 – 9:25 Small Group Breakouts
9:30 – 10:30 Continuing Sessions, Part 3
1 – Screenwriting & Story Structure – Dianne E. Butts
2 – Writing (& Selling!) Personal Experience Stories – B.J. Taylor
3 – From Idea to Manuscript to Masterpiece – Dr. Sharon Norris Elliott
4 – The Successful Author of Nonfiction – Dan Balow
5 – Building Rock-Solid Fiction – Tim Shoemaker
6 – The Short Road to Publication: Writing Articles and Devotions – Karen Whiting
7 – Mastering Marketing – Tamara Clymer
8 – Your Writing Life - Dig Deep, Build High: Set a Solid Foundation & Fan the Flames of Your Passion! – Ava Pennington
9 – Writing for Children and Teens – Pam Halter
10:30 – 10:45 Break
10:45 – 11:45 Clinic OR Workshop
Clinics (application due March 30)
Nonfiction Book Proposals – Cindy Lambert
Fiction Clinic – Dave Lambert
Workshops
3A – Self-Editing, Spelling, and Style – Twila Belk
Why is self-editing important? What should we look for when editing our project? What are some of the commonly misspelled words that are often overlooked? Where can we go for answers on style issues? In this class you’ll learn about writing problems, get the help of a writer’s checklist, and receive recommendations for valuable resources. When equipped with this knowledge, you can take your work to a new level.
3B – Use Figurative Language for More Effective Description – Holly DeHerrera
Every writer is told “Show, Don’t Tell.” But do you know how to move away from telling and into showing the story? This workshop teaches you how to create a story that breaks away from cliché and flat description to writing vibrant, breathing scenes that draw in readers on a multi-sensory level.
3C – Writing Epic Bible Studies for a Post-Pandemic World – John Herring
The obvious: The world has changed due to COVID-19 and its variants. As a result, many students of the Bible have had to adapt to new ways of learning the timeless stories and truths contained therein. In this workshop, we will examine new ways of engaging learners, connecting them in ways that best fit the new paradigm of life we find ourselves living. We will discuss leading readers in Bible exploration that makes sense for our times. Finally, we will share practical tips for leading our Bible study participants from merely investigating the Bible to life-changing transformation.
3D – Six Deadly Self-Publishing Mistakes & How to Fix Them, Part 2 – Mike Klassen
Publishing your own book may sound like a great idea – and it can be – IF you know how to avoid 6 major pitfalls that keep many self-published books from “WOW!”ing their audiences. Karen and Michael will identify deadly mistakes made by many self-published authors and provide simple fixes that will give your book a competitive advance in the marketplace. Topics will include:
3E – What’s In/What’s Out in Publishing? – Blythe Daniel
Do you feel like you hit roadblocks when what you want to publish comes back as “That’s not what we’re looking for” or “We don’t spend marketing dollars that way”? What is IN and what is OUT in publishing? This workshop is designed to give you this perspective from a literary agent on both editorial and marketing strategies. We’ll look at topics, techniques, and time-tested ways of publishing and marketing what’s selling. This applies to new writers, writers who have previously published, and established writers.
3F – Increase Website Traffic thru Blogging & Pinterest – Susan Neal
Authors want to obtain higher book sales. To gain that traction, they can market their books through media, retailers, and consumers. Media coverage spreads the word about a book. Retailers make the book available for readers to purchase. When more readers know a book exists, book sales rise. Taking a largescale marketing approach to media, retailers, and consumers will stretch your book’s visibility.
3G – Reaching Children & Youth (two mini workshops)
Do’s and Don’ts of Writing for Children – Jesse Florea
Kids are creative, funny, and thoughtful little humans. To write for children, your stories should be like them—creative, thoughtful, and funny. Kids are child-like, not childish. This workshop will help you think and be like a child. We’ll talk about who kids are, look at cultural trends, and uncover tips to capture a reader’s attention while playing by the rules of writing. By being a child, you’ll have a better chance of creating stories that will catch an editor’s eye and eventually entertain a child.
Reaching Youth with Your Writing – Tim Shoemaker
Christian fiction for youth often has a reputation for being unbelievable, preachy, and downright hokey. We’ll look at how to avoid those traps so you can reach the youth market with the story God has put on your heart.
11:50 – 12:00 Announcements
12:00 – 12:30 Lunch & Round Tables (not recorded)
Your opportunity to ask questions and get to know our editors and agents.
12:35 – 12:45 Imagination Videobooks – Richard Rieman
12:45 – 1:25 Panel
Book Editors Panel
Magazine Editors Panel
1:25 – 1:40 Small Group Breakouts
1:45 – 2:45 Clinic OR Workshop
Clinics (application due March 30)
Nonfiction Book Proposals – Cindy Lambert
Fiction Clinic – Dave Lambert
Workshops
4A – Writing, Health, and Spiritual Life Balance – DeeDee Lake
Travel on an airplane? The first thing we hear are instructions to take care of ourselves before trying to help another passenger. The same is true as a Christian author. We need to keep a balance in our lives to remain healthy and able to create for the Creator. We can have it all, but not at the same time. Learn how to set boundaries and keep yourself healthy, creative, and close to the Savior.
4B – Tapping Into Your Own Story: Write What You Know – Holly DeHerrera
Writers are advised to “write what you know,” which is great advice. Yet how do you draw on your life experiences in your fiction? Discover how to create authentic characters, moments, descriptions, and problems by tapping into your own story. This workshop teaches you how to draw on that wealth of story inspiration and weave it into your work-in-progress.
4C – Book Doctor: Take Your Nonfiction from Good to Great – Marti Pieper
Marti applies both her writing and editing experience to expose common errors in nonfiction manuscripts and offers practical help. The workshop includes tips on identifying your unique selling point and target audience, proposal-writing, and eliminating the common flaws that leave manuscripts lingering in the slush pile.
4D – Everyone is Self-publishing – Or So It Seems – Terry Whalin
Should you? This workshop will cover five terrible reasons to self-publish, ten reasons to self-publish, plus seven keys to successful self-publishing. There are many pitfalls on the path to publishing and this workshop will explore the options and possibilities. The answers are different for each writer. Often the answer is not black and white but shades of grey. This workshop will help bring definition to what is going on in the publishing world and help you make a wise choice.
4E – Create a Caviar Audiobook on a Tuna Fish Budget – Richard Reiman
If you are considering creating an audiobook, this session is for you! You will get the key steps you need to take and plenty of insider tips and tricks of the trade from both the audiobook producer and author’s perspective, including:
4F – Revolutionary Writing – Darcie Gudger
We are living in a “such a time as this” where your God-given writing skills can be used to make a difference. In this workshop, we will see how a few writers sparked the revolution that built the greatest country in the world and how you can hone your skills to preserve it.
4G – Secrets of Writing for and About Males – Tez Brooks
Learn the unique challenges of writing for the male population and the features to implement so you can get your book read by men.
2:45 – 3:00 Break
3:00 – 4:00 Continuing Sessions, Part 4
1 – Screenwriting & Story Structure – Dianne E. Butts
2 – Writing (& Selling!) Personal Experience Stories – B.J. Taylor
3 – From Idea to Manuscript to Masterpiece – Dr. Sharon Norris Elliott
4 – The Successful Author of Nonfiction – Dan Balow
5 – Building Rock-Solid Fiction – Tim Shoemaker
6 – The Short Road to Publication: Writing Articles and Devotions – Karen Whiting
7 – Mastering Marketing – Tamara Clymer
8 – Your Writing Life - Dig Deep, Build High: Set a Solid Foundation & Fan the Flames of Your Passion! – Ava Pennington
9 – Writing for Children and Teens – Pam Halter
4:05 – 4:15 Announcements
4:15 – 5:00 Critique Groups or Q & A’s
5:00 – 5:15 Spotlight Authors
5:15 – 5:45 Dinner & Round Tables
Your opportunity to ask questions and get to know our editors and agents.
5:45 – 6:00 Break
6:00 – 7:30 Night of Celebration & Testimonies
Worship with Marty Goetz
Testimonies – Linda Shepherd, Tim Shoemaker & others
Keynote: The Persevering Writer – Bob Hostetler
7:30 Prayer Fellowship
Saturday, May 14, 2022
7:45 – 9:10
Worship with Marty Goetz
Keynote: Sitting at His Feet – Liz Curtis Higgs
9:10 – 9:25 Small Group Breakouts
9:30 – 10:30 Clinic OR Workshop
Clinics (application due March 30)
Nonfiction Book Proposals – Cindy Lambert
Fiction Clinic – Dave Lambert
Workshops
5A – Make Your Writing Sing – Twila Belk
Your writing doesn’t have to be dull and monotonous. Give your words rhythm. Create melodies. Build crescendos. Learn strategies for how to make your writing sing and give your reader an enjoyable and memorable experience.
5B – First Round Fiction Edits Using Story Structure – Janyre Tromp
Structure is key to a successful novel. In this workshop Janyre, a twenty-year veteran editor and novelist, discusses how to use structure to edit your manuscript like a developmental editor.
5C – The Literature of Personal Disaster – Sherri Langton
Is a story good just because it relates a horrific event? In this workshop we’ll discuss why we write about tragedy and how we make it real to the reader as well as redemptive.
5D – Alternatives for Publishing Your Book - Shane Crabtree
5E – Editors Read Book Proposals Not Manuscripts – Terry Whalin
How do you write a book proposal? What makes an excellent proposal and what makes a terrible one? Publishers receive thousands of these proposals. How do you determine which publishers are interested in your particular proposal? Terry Whalin has reviewed thousands of proposals from fiction and nonfiction writers. As a former literary agent and a current acquisitions editor, Terry knows exactly what he needs to secure a book contract for the writer—but often these proposals don’t include the critical elements. This session includes practical how-to information about proposal writing from the editor’s perspective. Terry has written many book proposals and his proposals have had great success in the Christian and general marketplace.
5F – How to Market Your Book When You Don't Want to and Don't Know How – Debbie Hardy
The title says it all. Most of us don’t know how to market and would rather not. Let’s learn how to sell your book.
5G – Seasoned with Salt – Becky Spencer
We have a message that changes lives, but we can’t force feed people whose lifestyle is counter to truth. Learn how to lure them with the bait of compassion without compromise.
10:30 – 10:45 Break
10:45 – 11:45 Clinic OR Workshop
Clinics (application due March 30)
Nonfiction Book Proposals – Cindy Lambert
Fiction Clinic – Dave Lambert
Workshops
6A – Perseverance – Jendayi Harris
Learn the five enemies to finishing your project with a scriptural motivational boost! Your enemies of Doubt, Fear, Unworthiness, Distraction, and Disorganization are going down. In this workshop you’ll learn how to overcome them successfully to move swiftly through your book project.
6B – Fantasy Genres . . . Where Do I Belong? – Rowena Kuo
How many fantasy genres are there, and where does your manuscript fit in? Can Science Fiction and Fantasy integrate in a successful novel? Discover the genres and subgenres of fantasy, where your novel would fall, your target audience, and ways to help your story find its niche.
6C – Narrative Nonfiction: The Power of Story – Marti Pieper
How can I make my nonfiction more compelling? How can truth and creativity coexist in my work? In this workshop, which includes both practical tips and inspiring examples, Marti shares the basics of this popular genre. Learn how to transform your writing through the power of authentic storytellng while you catch – and keep – your readers.
6D – How to Create a Professional Looking Book – Susan Neal
This workshop walks a self-published author through the steps needed to create an industry standard, professional-looking book. Instructions include interior formatting (front and back matter, content) and cover design for print books. Also, included is a Metadata Checklist that reviews all the information required by the book industry supply chain (distributors, retailers, and consumers) to describe a book. Complete and accurate metadata is critical for a book to be discoverable and found by consumers.
6E – Where's God in All This? – Tez Brooks
Reality check—the Christian writing industry is still about business and God’s okay with that. All the talk of branding yourself, promoting your book and negotiating deals can leave you disillusioned or even snarky. Whether you’re a Christian writer or a writer who just happens to be Christian, you’ll learn how to recognize when you need refreshment and time with the Lord. Together we’ll refocus on the importance of the Holy Spirit’s role in your writing career and why God has you here in the first place. Please bring your Bible to this class.
6F – Building a Platform that’s Genuine – Blythe Daniel
With the needed emphasis on the community that an author has, how do you develop a platform that’s genuine to you? What are the key areas that publishers look for when deciding to take on a writer and his/her book? Do you need different platforms if you write more than one genre? What is proven to be most effective? In this workshop, we’ll look at what type of platform is needed today. We’ll tackle the top questions writers have and why publishers need to see what you have to offer before moving forward with you, even previously published authors. Since platform has become so valuable, we’ll look at how to maximize yours.
6G – Reaching Women – Linda Evans Shepherd
What if you knew the best online strategies to reach women with your message, book, or ministry? Join best-selling author and nonprofit founder of the Advanced Writers & Speakers Association, Linda Evans Shepherd, as she shares the latest and best ways to reach the women you long to share your heart with. New ideas as well as revived strategies that work.
11:50 – 12:00 Announcements
12:00 – 12:30 Lunch & Round Tables
Your opportunity to ask questions and get to know our editors and agents.
12:35 – 12:45 Spotlight Authors
12:45 – 1:25 Will They Read On?
Book Editors Panel
Magazine Editors Panel
1:25 – 1:40 Small Group Breakouts
1:45 – 3:15 Continuing Sessions, Part 5
1 – Screenwriting & Story Structure – Dianne E. Butts
2 – Writing (& Selling!) Personal Experience Stories – B.J. Taylor
3 – From Idea to Manuscript to Masterpiece – Dr. Sharon Norris Elliott
4 – The Successful Author of Nonfiction – Dan Balow
5 – Building Rock-Solid Fiction – Tim Shoemaker
6 – The Short Road to Publication: Writing Articles and Devotions – Karen Whiting
7 – Mastering Marketing – Tamara Clymer
8 – Your Writing Life - Dig Deep, Build High: Set a Solid Foundation & Fan the Flames of Your Passion! – Ava Pennington
9 – Writing for Children and Teens – Pam Halter
3:15 – 3:30 Small Group Breakouts
3:30 – 5:00 Closing Session
Worship with Marty Goetz
Awards & Give Aways
Keynote: Find Your Place at the Table – Tim Shoemaker
Time of Commitment
