SHARE YOUR TALENT!!! Bring Your Best New WIP to LCW's 2017 Christmas Celebration Saturday, 12/16/17

Merry Christmas 2017!!! Needing an inspirational break from holiday frenzy? Then join your fellow LCW writers at Lancaster Alliance Church, 210 Pitney Rd (off Hwy 30 across from Costco) Saturday, December 16th, from 9:30AM-12 noon (registration opens at 9) for food, fun, fellowship, and fabulous speaker--YOU!!
 
SPEAKER: That's right. As per LCW tradition, December is for showcasing the creativity and genius of our own members. Submitting your work to a guaranteed and appreciative audience is an opportunity no writer should pass up. So pull out that inspirational prose, comedy sketch, poem, drama, devotional, even a scene (short!) of your novel, and come share with us. Time limit is 3-5 minutes (easy way to calculate is a maximum of 750 words), in order to permit as many to participate as possible. We do need an advance head count. SO please email if you want to participate so as to get you on the list.
 
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING: AND if you have published titles or Christmas crafts, do bring them along for display.  What better or more economic gift can you get for family member or friend than a personalized autographed title or craft. WHICH also means you may want to bring your checkbook and cash for shopping.
 
FOOD!!!  If you are baking any Christmas goodies and would like to contribute to the party, any and all will be greatly appreciated. If you have nothing to bring, don't let that discourage you from coming. We've never run short yet!
 
CRITIQUE GROUPS: We will be making time as well for our usual peer critique groups, so if you have that last piece you'd like critiqued before Christmas, bring 10 copies of up to 1500 words.

As always, email questions or concerns to jeanette@jeanettewindle.com

Blessings,
Jeanette Windle
President, Lancaster Christian Writers

Lancaster Christian Writers Welcomes Journalist/Novelist Donna Smith Saturday, 11/18/17, PLUS Invite to One-Day Writers Conference with Mike Dellosso

Take time out of your Thanksgiving rush to join Lancaster Christian Writers Saturday, November 18th, at Lancaster Alliance Church, 210 Pitney Rd (off Hwy 30 across from Costco) from 9:30AM-12 noon (registration opens at 9). Writer and journalist Donna L. H. Smith will be teaching you you can turn your story idea into publishing gold.

 
SPEAKER: Donna L. H. Smith’s extensive writing experience over the past forty years includes everything from radio journalism to newspaper to magazine articles, script-writing of slide sets and filmstrips, public relations and marketing, and promotional pieces. Her first novel Meghan’s Choice was a semi-finalist for Operation First Novel in 2015 and is being published in late 2017. Her novella Remember Honor was a semi-finalist in the 2016 ACFW Genesis contest. Donna currently serves as Mid-Atlantic Zone Director for ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). You can find more about her at http://donnalhsmith.com. 
 
WORKSHOP: Mining for Stories: Discovering Their Worth: Where can you get a unique story idea that hasn’t been done before? How can you know if a story idea is worth pursuing? Using the O2EU (Obscure, Opposite, Extreme, Unusual) formula, this workshop will teach you how to use every resource available to you to find to a unique angle for your story. Once you’ve discovered your idea, how do you know if it’s worth telling? A scoresheet will be included as a handout, but you’ll have to be brutally honest with yourself when scoring your story idea.
 
WRITERS ONE-DAY INTENSIVE INVITE FROM MIKE DELLOSSO: Mike Dellosso, a suspense novelist and writing coach well-known to our LCW group, invites all writers to a one-day intensive writers conference,  Creative Writing for Everyone, Saturday, November 11, 2017, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, at Calvary Bible Church, 603 Wilson Avenue, Hanover, PA 17331. Whether writing fiction or non-fiction, experienced or novice, this conference is for you. Cost for the day is $40 ($30 for students, ACFW, LCW members; simply mention that you are LCW when you register). Registration and other information can be found at: Creative Writing Instruction
 
SUPER SATURDAY 2018!!:  And it's never too late to get LCW's own one-day conference down on your calendar. Next year's conference is confirmed for Saturday, April 7th, at Lancaster Bible College. We are excited to have already confirmed a stellar faculty lineup, including New York bestselling author Loree Lough, author and conference speaker Pierre Eade, novelists Shawn Smucker and Rita Gerlach, journalist and Tyndale author Lynn Eib, conference director, editor, and author Marlene Bagnull, and more. Look for more info after the holidays.

CRITIQUE GROUPS: As usual, we will be making time as well for our usual peer critique groups, so if you have a piece you'd like critiqued, bring 10 copies of up to 1500 words.

As always, email questions or concerns to jeanette@jeanettewindle.com

Blessings,
Jeanette Windle
President, Lancaster Christian Writers

Join Lancaster Christian Writers in Welcoming Publisher and Author Dr. Amy Deardon Saturday, October 21, 2017.

Join Lancaster Christian Writers on Saturday, October 21st, 2017, in welcoming back Dr. Amy Deardon at Lancaster Alliance Church, 210 Pitney Rd (off Hwy 30 across from Costco) from 9:30AM-12 noon (registration opens at 9). 

Publisher, author, entrepreneur, Dr. Amy Deardon has become the go-to expert in indie publishing, teaching clinics and workshops on the topic at numerous writers conferences, including our own. This time she joins us to share cutting-edge new tech developments that can help YOU become your own publisher excellently, economically, effectively, and with expedited promptness.

SPEAKER: Dr. Amy Deardon is an award-winning author, publisher, and online entrepreneur who began her own indie publishing service because she'd seen too many authors falling into the costly pitfalls of self-publishing, hybrid, or even traditional publishing companies. She is eager to help writers take their words to the next level through story or nonfiction coaching/editing and guiding them through the indie-publishing minefield. In her life B.C. (before children) Amy was a Ph.D. scientist under a different name who did bench research. She lives with her husband and two children near Washington D.C. Visit her website at www.amydeardon.com.

WORKSHOP: “BECOMING YOUR OWN PUBLISHER”. This workshop showcases the difference between paying thousands of dollars to and receiving often minimal profits from a self-publishing or hybrid company and truly becoming your own publisher. Keep all rights and profits while you design and market your stunning new book—while keeping your costs low. We’ll look at an overview of the indie publishing process including: 1) finding topics that sell; 2) E-books and print books; 3) interior and cover design; 4) marketing ideas. See why indie publishing may work for you. You can do it!

MEETING PLACE: Please note we will be back in our normal meeting place this month, Uptown Theater to the right just inside main doors of church.

CRITIQUE GROUPS: As usual, we will be making time as well for our usual peer critique groups, so if you have that piece you'd like critiqued, bring 10 copies of up to 1500 words.

As always, email questions or concerns to jeanette@jeanettewindle.com

Blessings,
Jeanette Windle
President, Lancaster Christian Writers

Join LCW for our Fall Kickoff 9/16/17 PLUS Writer Opportunities

It's been a great summer, and now it's time to jump-start this year's writing goals. LCW kicks off our 17-18 year on Saturday, September 16, at Lancaster Alliance Church, 210 Pitney Rd (off Hwy 30 across from Costco) from 9:30AM-12 noon (registration opens at 9). Writing coach Jeannette Scott will be sharing how to take our writing to the next level, so you don't want to miss!

SPEAKER: Jeannette Scott is a professional, certified life coach who empowers Christian writers and leaders to THRIVE in life and ministry. She is an author, former editor, award-winning journalist, and pastor. She is passionate about people, communication, mental health, and quilting. She lives in Christiana, Lancaster County, with her husband and has three adult children. You may learn more about Jeannette and her coaching practice at www.mthrive.org.

WORKSHOP: "Taking Your Writing to the Next Level". Are you spinning your wheels to get published but stuck in the same spot as last year and the year before? Not sure what your next move should be? Tired of investing time and money in books and conferences but not seeing progress in your writing ministry? This interactive workshop will send you on your way with personalized next steps that you help create. Come ready to do some heavy lifting (with your brain, not your arms) as Jeannette Scott coaches you to discover and commit to your next steps.

And we've received two invites for our LCW members, one for submissions and the other a fabulous one-day writers conference, so check out the details below and do take advantage of these opportunities.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: SILENT ECHO LITERARY & POETRY JOURNEL (FIRST ISSUE DEBUTING SEPTEMBER 2017) has extended to LCW a call for submissions for this brand-new magazine: https://silentecholiteraryjournalblog.wordpress.com/  All submissions for first issue must be emailed no later than Aug. 28th to echoliteraryjournal@gmail.com. Work must be submitted via Microsoft Word as an email attachment including the cover letter. If your story is accepted or rejected you will receive an email.  Following genres considered: Suspense fiction. Crime fiction. Detective fiction. Thriller. Mystery fiction. Westerns. Women’s fiction. Historical romance. Essays. Poetry. Deadlines for poetry, essays & stories: 28th of each month

WRITING TO INSPIRE CHRISTIAN WRITERS WORKSHOP invites LCW members Saturday, September 9, 2017, in Frederick, MD. Details and their brochure can be found HERE.

CRITIQUE GROUPS: We will be making time as well for our usual peer critique groups, so if you have a piece you've been waiting all summer to have critiqued, bring 10 copies of up to 1500 words.

As always, email questions or concerns to jeanette@jeanettewindle.com

Blessings,
Jeanette Windle
President, Lancaster Christian Writers

Last Chance Before Summer: Join LCW Saturday, June 17th, in Welcoming Speaker/Author Emily Chase

These long days do make clear we are heading into summer. Which means Lancaster Christian Writers will  be taking its usual hiatus for July and August. So do join us for our final meeting before break .on Saturday, June 17th, at Lancaster Alliance Church, 210 Pitney Rd (off Hwy 30 across from Costco) from 9:30AM-12 noon (registration opens at 9). We are delighted that our cancelled March speaker, well-known conference speaker and author Emily Chase, was able to reschedule her planned workshop for our June meeting.

SPEAKER: Originally trained as an archaeologist, Emily Chase has lived and worked in places as different as Laos, Mexico and Peru. Now she serves as staff chaplain at Bethany Christian Services. She is the author of seven books, including Help! My Family's Messed Up! (Kregel) and Standing Tall After Falling Short (Moody). She and her husband of over forty years reside in Mechanicsburg, PA.

WORKSHOP: "Hitting Your Target Every Time." When you shoot an arrow, you want it to hit the target, right? As a writer, you want to reach a specific audience. But how much time do you spend considering your audience as you prepare your manuscripts? You don't want your readers to snore, start to flip pages or, worse, close the book! In this practical workshop, discover hints on how to sharpen your writing so it hits your target audience every time.

THIS SUMMER'S CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCES Also, if you haven't yet registered for Christian writers conference this summer, we are privileged to have two of the biggest in our region, a great way to jump-start your summer writing, so I can't recommend highly enough attending one or the other or both. Check out their links for more info:

MONTROSE CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE: July 16-21, 2017,. at Montrose Bible Conference, Montrose, PA (north-central PA). Info available at website:

GREATER PHILADELPHIA CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE: July 26-29, 2017, at Cairn University, Langhorne, PA (near Philly). Info available at website:

CRITIQUE GROUPS: We will be making time as well for our usual peer critique groups, so if you have that last piece you'd like critiqued before summer, bring 10 copies of up to 1500 words.

As always, email questions or concerns to jeanette@jeanettewindle.com

Blessings,
Jeanette Windle
President, Lancaster Christian Writers

Join Lancaster Christian Writers Saturday, May 20th to Welcome Author and Indie Publishing Expert Janet Richard PLUS Note Summer Conference Info

For the many who joined us last month for our Super Saturday 2017 at Lancaster Bible College, was that a great day or what? We had close to record attendance, and rave reviews from conferees and attendees alike. If you missed, it isn't too early to get next year on the calendar. OR check out two upcoming Christian writers conferences below.

Meanwhile we invite old and new members alike to join us for our May LCW meeting on Saturday, 5/20/2017, at Lancaster Alliance Church, 210 Pitney Rd (off Hwy 30 across from Costco) from 9:30AM-12 noon (registration opens at 9). We are delighted to welcome as speaker author and indie publishing expert Janet Richards, who will be demystifying the process of crowdfunding your book or other book for publication.

WORKSHOP: "Crowdfunding Made Simple". Want to self-publish your book, but lack the finances? Heard about crowdfunding, but it seems too scary or intimidating? In this workshop, you’ll learn about crowdfunding as a way to make your self-publishing dreams come true. A few of the topics of discussion are: demystifying crowdfunding, choosing a crowdfunding website, setting up a crowdfunding page, creating doable rewards, and communicating the message to friends and family. With time and courage, it IS possible to raise the money you need to turn that next project into a book!

SPEAKER: Janet Keller Richards has lived as a missionary in France and Italy and has taught seminars in Europe and Pennsylvania. As a former actor at Sight and Sound Theatres, she’s also written several full-length plays and musicals and numerous newspaper and magazine articles. Having authored two nonfiction books, Unlocking Our Inheritance, and From Addiction To Adoption, she will soon release her first supernatural fiction novel, The Other Side Of Visible. She credits her adventurous life to God, and to being married for thirty-six years to her wonderful husband, Rusty.

CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCES: And a reminder that summer--and writers conference season--is just around the corner. LCW has received personal invitations by directors of two great Christian writers conferences in our region, both of whom have spoken at our LCW conference and are known to you. Both conferences are wonderful opportunities to jump-start your summer writing, so I can't recommend highly enough attending one or the other or both.

MONTROSE CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE: The 28th annual Montrose Christian Writers Conference, directed by Marsha Hubler, will be held July 16-21, 2017,. at Montrose Bible Conference, Montrose, PA (north-central PA). Info available at website:

GREATER PHILADELPHIA CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE: GPCWC will be held July 26-29, 2017, at Cairn University, Langhorne, PA (near Philly). Marlene Bagnull is director of GPCWC as well as Colorado Christian Writers Conference and Greater Philly Christian Writers Guild. Info available at website:

CRITIQUE GROUPS: And don't forget to bring your latest work-in-progress for critique groups (ten copies up to 1500 words).
 
Blessings,
Jeanette Windle
President, Lancaster Christian Writers

SS2017 Conference Instructions and Directions

Dear SS2017 Attendee:

At two days out from our one-day conference at Lancaster Bible College, we are delighted at a good roster of registrations, a prognosis of sunny weather, and are looking forward to a great day of learning and experience. A special thanks to those who've volunteered to come early and help with setup. Just a few directions and instructions if you are among those joining us Saturday:

CONFERENCE LOCATION: The actual conference is being held in the Sebastian Academic Center of Lancaster Bible College, 901 Eden Rd., Lancaster, PA. Turn right at first stop sign once you are on campus and drive past the security booth, curling around to 2nd to last main parking area. You will see the SAC building to your left. There will be signs directing you to SAC and specifically to the LCW writers conference. Lancaster Bible College is basically at the junction of Hwys 222 and 30, but access is turning off 30 onto Hwy 272 (north of 30, not south), then turning right onto Eden Rd., which will lead directly pass entrance to college. It is too big to miss. However, if you'd like to check out both locations BEFORE arrival, here is a link to LBC directions and campus map.

REGISTRATION/APPOINTMENT SIGN-UPS: Registration opens at 7:45 a.m. Signups for faculty appointment are open at same time, first come, first serve. Please be aware that you can sign up for only ONE appointment before opening session. After first workshop, you can sign up for a second if available. In afternoon, any remaining slots can be reserved at will.

FOOD AND DRINK: If you need caffeine to get your day started, be aware you may need to bring your own; likewise water or other drinks. There IS a cafe onsite at LBC, but it is in a different building and does not open before 8 a.m. There will be coffee and a wide variety of drinks available with our lunch soup and salad buffet, but no refreshments at the actual conference location. There is a drinking fountain, and if necessary, you can walk over to the campus cafe.

BOOKSTORE: The conference bookstore takes both credit card and check, so do plan for some shopping. Marlene Bagnull's selection of writing craft titles is easily one of the largest outside Amazon, so worth the browse.

And finally, if you have not yet registered, pre-registration is now closed, but you are welcome to walk in Saturday for the walk-in price of $65.
See you Saturday,
Jeanette Windle
President, Lancaster Christian Writers

Last Week for SS2017 Pre-Registration: Get Yours In By Wednesday, April 5th, and Save!!

A reminder that pre-registration for our 2017 Super Saturday, April 8th, 2017, from 8:30am-4:30pm at Lancaster Bible College, ends next Wednesday, April 5th. Which means getting that check in the mail soon, payable to: Lancaster Christian Writers, c/o Jeanette Windle, 1776 Euclid Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601. OR register instantaneously online by credit card or PayPal (use Pay Now button in sidebar).

This one-day writers conference offers a dual track of workshops in fiction and non-fiction. A conference bookstore offers a wide variety of writer resources and faculty titles. Personal consultations with faculty are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Pre-registration price of $55 includes a mouthwatering soup/sandwich buffet lunch and LCW membership. Registrations after April 5th and walk-ins day of the conference are $65. You can find schedule, workshop descriptions, faculty bios, flyer, and other info as well above and to the right.

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