Saturday, December 1, 2018

Join Us for Fun, Food, Fellowship, and Talent at LCW's 2018 Christmas Celebration Saturday, 12/15/18

Merry Christmas 2018!!! Needing an inspirational break from holiday frenzy? Then join your fellow LCW members at Lancaster Alliance Church, 210 Pitney Rd (off Hwy 30 across from Costco) Saturday, December 15th, from 9:30AM-12 noon (registration opens at 9) for food, fun, fellowship, and outstanding talent--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

Friday, November 2, 2018

Learn to ePublish with Author and eBook Publisher Charlie Liebert Saturday 11/17/18

 If you have a book, you DON'T have a major publishing company contract, and have wondered about the advantages, possibilities, and technical practicalities of indie publishing your title, you won't want to miss this month's Lancaster Christian Writers session Saturday, November, 2018, with author and eBook publisher at Lancaster Alliance Church, 210 Pitney Rd (off Hwy 30 across from Costco) from 9:30AM-12 noon (registration opens at 9). 

WORKSHOP: “Why and How to Publish with Kindle Direct Publishing”: In this practical hands-on workshop, Charlie Liebert will demonstrate why and how he has converted ALL his writing work to KDP - Kindle Direct Publishing. During the workshop, he will be working directly with the KDP site to showcase exactly how a book is entered, uploaded, and published.

SPEAKER: When Charlie Liebert abandoned atheism to become a Christian, he immediately saw the contradiction between Creation and Evolution. By then he had already earned a BS in Chemistry and an MBA in marketing. He has conducted over four hundred workshops and seminars teaching Christian apologetics, including several years for Ken Ham’s ministry "Answers in Genesis.”  For ten years from 1995-2000, he produced a weekly TV show in Greensboro, NC, called "Creation Foundation Explanation.”  Charlie has published fourteen eBooks on Amazon’s Kindle, of which ten are also in paperback. His indie publication service helps indie helps other authors publish to Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing as both eBooks and print on demand.

CRITIQUE GROUPS: And don't forget to bring your latest work-in-progress (ten copies up to 1500 words).

As always, more info can be found at our LCW blog: 
http://lancasterchristianwriterstoday.blogspot.com Or email questions or concerns to jeanette@jeanettewindle.com

Blessings,
Jeanette Windle
President, Lancaster Christian Writers

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Join Lancaster Christian Writers Saturday 10/20/18 for World-Building Workshop with Fantasy Novelist Ruth Morris

Shake out that fall sweater and your writing utensils to join Lancaster Christian Writers Saturday, October 20, 2018, at Lancaster Alliance Church, 210 Pitney Rd (off Hwy 30 across from Costco) from 9:30AM-12 noon (registration opens at 9). This month we welcome fantasy novelist and world-builder par excellence Ruth Morris, who will be sharing strategies on creating a believable world and setting for your reader, whether you are writing fiction or telling that true-life story (for those expecting a workshop on technical aspects of publishing to Kindle/Createspace/Ingram Spark, that has been rescheduled for our November meeting).

WORKSHOP:
World building is critical for writing fantasy. But it’s also important for every genre. Whether your setting is around the corner, across the globe, two thousand years ago, or in an imaginary world, choosing the right elements pulls your reader in, adds tension and conflict, and engages their imaginations. This workshop will look at eight components of world building and discuss the power and potential of each. There will be time to brain storm ideas for your current project.

SPEAKER:
Ruth Morris writes epic fantasy under the pen name Verity Moore. Summoned, first volume in her Through Ancient Portals series, recently released. She has written non-fiction material for ministries, is a retired teacher, and remains active as a taxi driver for the Amish community, which allows plenty of thinking time to plot her next novel.

CRITIQUE GROUPS: And don't forget to bring your latest work-in-progress (ten copies up to 1500 words).

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

Blessings,
Jeanette Windle
President, Lancaster Christian Writers

Monday, September 3, 2018

Kick Off LCW's Fall Calendar Saturday 9/15/18 with Novelist Donna Smith PLUS Invite to Writer's Retreat

Can you believe summer is already over? It was good to see a great turnout of LCW writers at both the Montrose and Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference end of July. Whether you attended or enjoyed some quiet free time this summer to write, I hope you are ready to crawl from your metaphorical cave and join fellow writers again for our Lancaster Christian Writers fall kickoff Saturday, 9/15/18, at Lancaster Alliance Church, 210 Pitney Rd (off Hwy 30 across from Costco) from 9:30AM-12 noon (registration opens at 9). Whether you are a plotter or a seat-of-the-pantser in your writing, you'll want to learn from novelist and writing coach Donna Smith's practical workshop on making the most of your writing style.

WORKSHOP: 
"Plotting for Pantsers." People who write “organically” or by the seat of  their pants are called “pantsers.” They let their stories evolve but are sometimes criticized for poor structure and not enough planning. This workshop will help plotters of all sorts with their writing by giving tools for creating stunning plot twists, making not breaking promises to the reader, using struggles and conflict to drive the story along, and creating, raising, and using public stakes to make your story unforgettable.

SPEAKER:
Donna L.H. Smith is a graduate of Christian Writer’s Guild Craftsman program and holds two college degrees, both B.S. and M.A. in Mass Communication. Her debut novel, Meghan’s Choice, made the finals of both the Selah and Will Rogers Medallion Awards. She blogs and speaks at workshops and retreats. Recently, she took on the role of Managing Editor of Almost an Author.com, and serves as ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Mid-Atlantic Zone Director. She is also a member of AWSA’s Protégé program (Advanced Writers & Speaker’s Association). Find out more at: http://donnalhsmith.com

WRITING TO INSPIRE CHRISTIAN WRITERS WORKSHOP: And LCW has also received an invitation from author and writers conference director Rita Gerlach to their fall one-Christian writers workshop, also on Saturday, September 15, 2018, on top of Gambrill Mountain in Frederick, MD. Registration cost: $40. Bestselling author Roseanna White will be guest speaker. Seating is limited. Contact Rita Gerlach at  rpkg@comcast.net for more information or check out Writing to Inspire's Facebook Page

CRITIQUE GROUPS: And don't forget to bring your latest work-in-progress (ten copies up to 1500 words).

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

Blessings,
Jeanette Windle
President, Lancaster Christian Writers

Monday, June 4, 2018

Join LCW for our Last Meeting before Summer Saturday, June 16th with Author/Educator Terry Webb

With summer right around the corner, join Lancaster Christian Writers for our very last meeting until fall Saturday, 6/16/18, at Lancaster Alliance Church, 210 Pitney Rd (off Hwy 30 across from Costco) from 9:30AM-12 noon (registration opens at 9). Christian author/educator Terry Webb will be sharing her creative expertise in reaching the youth market, secular or inspirational.

WORKSHOP:  A Christian Writer’s Creative Tool Box for Reaching the Youth Market:  How to get kids and their teachers interested in history? What about teaching moral values in today's secular schools? Or applying Jesus’s own example of telling stories to impart Christian principles? In this workshop, Christian writer and educator Terry Webb will share tools for using fiction to teach biblical values along with American history even within the secular school system, all while keeping often reluctant YA/Middle School readers engaged.  


SPEAKER: With a Master’s degree in Education and a background teaching in both classroom and Sunday School, Mary Theresa (Terry) Webb researches and writes YA titles that captures both historical events and Christian moral principles. Youth and adults alike enjoy the school and community programs she conducts dressed in period costume.  Her article “Writing historical fiction for mastery of 21st century social studies and language arts skills” appeared in The Georgia Social Studies Journal,  Volume 1 issue, in the fall of 2011. She also teaches adult classes as an international educational consultant.   Her many books and programs can be found on her website, www.marytheresawebb.com.

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 29th annual Montrose Christian Writers Conference, directed by Marsha Hubler, will be held July 22-27, 2018, at Montrose Bible Conference, Montrose, PA (north-central PA). Info available at website:

GREATER PHILADELPHIA CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE: GPCWC will be held July 26-28, 2018, at Dock Mennonite Academy in Lansdale, PA. 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 (ten copies up to 1500 words). This will be LAST opportunity for critique groups until fall.

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

Blessings,
Jeanette Windle
President, Lancaster Christian Writers

Friday, May 4, 2018

Join Lancaster Christian Writers Saturday, May 19th for CIA 101 with Author/Investigative Journalist Jeanette Windle 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, 5/19/18, at Lancaster Alliance Church, 210 Pitney Rd (off Hwy 30 across from Costco) from 9:30AM-12 noon (registration opens at 9). LCW president Jeanette Windle will be sharing investigative techniques that will give authenticity and depth to both fiction and non-fiction writing..

WORKSHOP: 
CIA 101: Investigative Techniques from the Trenches: Learn the investigative techniques by which investigative journalist and political/suspense novelist Jeanette Windle has written five investigative non-fiction titles and created fiction realistic enough for government agencies to question whether she obtained classified information. 

SPEAKER: Award-winning novelist, investigative journalist, editor, and collaborative writer Jeanette Windle grew up in the Amazon's guerrilla hot zones, has lived in six countries and traveled in more than thirty. Those experiences have birthed fifteen fiction titles, including bestselling Veiled Freedom (2010 ECPA Christian Book Award/Christy Award finalist) and Freedom's Stand, (2012 ECPA Christian Book Award/Carol Award finalist), as well as non-fiction collaborative titles Hope Underground: The Chilean Mine Rescue, All Saints, and Forgiven: The Amish Schoolhouse Shooting, a Mother’s Love, and a Story of Remarkable Grace (2016 ECPA Christian Book Award/Christian Retailing Best Awards finalist). Jeanette mentors developing-nation writers in both English and Spanish on all five continents.

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 29th annual Montrose Christian Writers Conference, directed by Marsha Hubler, will be held
July 22-27, 2018, at Montrose Bible Conference, Montrose, PA (north-central PA). Info available at website:

GREATER PHILADELPHIA CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE: GPCWC will be held
July 26-28, 2018, at Dock Mennonite Academy in Lansdale, PA. 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).

As always, more info can be found at our LCW blog: http://lancasterchristianwriterstoday.blogspot.com Or email questions or concerns to jeanette@jeanettewindle.com

Blessings,
Jeanette Windle
President, Lancaster Christian Writers

Friday, April 20, 2018

Reminder There Is No Regular Lancaster Christian Writers This Month, April 2018, Due to One-Day Conference

A reminder for several who have asked that there is never a regular LCW monthly meeting in the month of conference, i.e., April. Our next scheduled monthly meeting will be third Saturday of May, i.e., May 19th. We will send out notice for that meeting closer to date. Please note that we have openings for devotional speakers (5-10 minutes) as well as workshop leaders/topics for those two months as well as fall, so let me know if you would like to participate with either.

Thank you all who participated in our one-day conference April 7th. Along with wonderful faculty, we had close to record turnout, including a total of 22 teens and LBC students. Even the weather cooperated, threatened snow downgrading to clouds, so we thank God as well for answered prayer and blessing.

Do mark your calendar for Saturday, May 19th. We'd love to see you then.

Blessings,
Jeanette Windle
President, Lancaster Christian Writers

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Lancaster Christian Writers One-Day Conference is THIS Saturday 4-7-18 at Lancaster Bible College: Please Help Us Get the Word Out!!

Lancaster Christian Writers' Super Saturday 2018!! is now just around the corner on April 7th, 2018, from 8:30am-4:30pm at Lancaster Bible College, 901 Eden Road, Lancaster, PA, 17601, with a wonderful faculty line-up in both fiction and non-fiction tracks. Success and continuation of this annual event depends on YOU helping get the word out--and your own registration in!--so please help us spread the word during these final weeks by posting data to your social media, inviting writer friends, or even printing a flyer to share at church or local library.

SS2018’s very affordable registration price of $55 is due by Wednesday, April 4th, and includes soup/sandwich buffet lunch and LCW membership. Registrations after April 4th and walk-ins day of the conference are $65. Seventh-twelfth grade aspiring writers are also welcome at a two-for-one rate, or half-off if accompanying a parent, which includes lunch buffet. Group rates for homeschool co-ops or Christian schools can be negotiated by contacting Jeanette Windle at jeanette@jeanettewindle.com
 
Please note one major change in faculty.
Loree Lough has had to cancel due to health crisis (please pray for her). But we are excited to have author, conference speaker, and pastor Pierre Eade taking her keynote, and acquisition editor and author Donna Smith joining workshop lineup, along with writers conference director, author, editor Marlene Bagnull, writing coach and author Pierre Eade, best-selling Tyndale author Lynn Eib, and magazine writer Donna Brennan. A fiction track will be taught by award-winning novelists Gayle Roper and Shawn Smucker. Agent/freelance editor Dave Fessenden and editor/novelist/journalist Jeanette Windle will also be taking editorial appointments.

 Workshops cover such topics as: 
  • But I Love Her! Making Your Characters Live
  • Seamless Self-Editing for Your Writing. 
  • Before You Write--Theology and Philosophy of Christian Fiction
  • Hook ‘em from the Get-go, Hold ‘em to the End: A Bestseller’s Checklist to Sellable Articles
  • Writing Out of This World: A Practical Guide to Speculative Fiction from Concept to Publication
  • Make It Personal: Mastering Deep Point of View
  • Faith-Based Writing Both Believers and Seekers Will Read
  • The Power of Story: Using Personal Anecdote and Humor to Write Compelling Non-Fiction 
A conference bookstore will offer a wide variety of writer resources and faculty titles. Personal consultations with faculty are on a first-come, first-serve basis. More information, including the Super Saturday 201Flyer/Registration Form and Press Release can be found at Lancaster Christian Writers Today(http://lancasterchristianwriterstoday.blogspot.com/) OR email LCW president Jeanette Windle at jeanette@jeanettewindle.com. Payment can be made online (http://lancasterchristianwriterstoday.blogspot.com/), or mail check/ money order payable to: Lancaster Christian Writers, c/o Jeanette Windle, 1776 Euclid Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601
 

Friday, March 2, 2018

Join Lancaster Christian Writers to "Write Anyway!" Saturday, March 17, 2018 PLUS Invites AND SS2018 Update

Lancaster Christian Writers welcomes three speakers Saturday, March 17th, at Lancaster Alliance Church, 210 Pitney Rd (off Hwy 30 across from Costco) from 9:30AM-12 noon (registration opens at 9) who will be offering a joint workshop that offers practical strategies to combat writers block and help you write your message more effectively. 

SPEAKERS: Lisa Betz (right) believes everyone has a story to tell the world. She loves to encourage fellow writers to be intentional about their craft and courageous in sharing their words with others. Lisa shares her words through dramas, Bible studies, historical fiction, and her blog about intentional living at lisaebetz.com

Alison McLennan (left) is a lifelong writer with a love of blogging and fiction. As mom of three and owner of two non-writing businesses, she is continually learning  to manage craft, career, and family while leading a balanced, meaningful life. Connect with Alison on Instagram (@alisonjmclennan)or her blog, www.AlisonMcLennan.com.

Ruth Morris (right) a retired teacher and currently is an Amish taxi driver. She has written material for several ministries and has just launched the first book in her fantasy series.

WORKSHOP: Write Anyway! This workshop offers a collection of practical strategies and mindsets to help you overcome whatever hinders you from writing the words you need to write. We will start by discussing the many things that bog us down. Then we will look at the underlying beliefs that lead to unhealthy thinking and how to combat them, followed by strategies that have helped these workshop leaders overcome their writing problems and Write Anyway.

SAVE THE DATE! You are invited to Meet the Authors Sunday, March 25th, 2-4pm at St. Paul’s Evangelical Congregational Church, 44 E. Church Street, Reamstown, PA. This author event celebrating some of our own LCW authors is in benefit of this summer’s YWAM School of Writers in in Kona, Hawaii, where LCW member Cheryl Weber is on faculty. So don’t miss this opportunity to meet authors, buy books at bargain prices, AND contribute to global training of Christian writers, all in one fun-filled afternoon. Hostess will be LCW member Cheryl Weber. A free-will offering will be taken towards Cheryl’s missionary assignment at this summer’s School of Writing. Please invite any friends or family members who are also book lovers.  See attached poster for further details. A basic headcount is appreciated for planning refreshments, so if possible, please RSVP Cheryl if you plan to come at iamasonflower@gmail.com or 717-925-5649.

SS2018 UPDATE!!  Please note a faculty change for SS208. We are disappointed that Rita Gerlach has had to cancel due to family health crisis, but excited that award-winning novelist Gayle Roper has stepped in to teach two fiction workshops. See Updated Flyer and Press Release  right column above. And please do help us get news out. It is crunch time at six weeks till conference to get registrations in!

CRITIQUE GROUPS: 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

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Join LCW for Professional Q&A Panel Saturday, February 17, 2018


Join Lancaster Christian Writers Saturday, February 17th, at Lancaster Alliance Church, 210 Pitney Rd (off Hwy 30 across from Costco) from 9:30AM-12 noon (registration opens at 9) for a Professional Q&A panel comprised of experts across the gamut of journalism, fiction, non-fiction, publication, social media, platform building, marketing.

This is your opportunity to ask the questions on your mind (we DO ask that you stick to the general field of writing). It is also your opportunity to share your own experience and tips with the group. It DOES help us in preparation to know what particular questions or topics you would like addressed. So please submit questions and/or suggestions in advance to
jeanette@jeanettewindle.com As time permits, questions can be asked on the spot as well.

SUPER SATURDAY 2018!!!!!!  And our annual one-day conference is coming up on us quickly. Please do help us get the word out. All links for flyer, press release, registration, paying on-line, workshops and faculty bios are now all live on our LCW webpage; see column to the right. 

 
CRITIQUE GROUPS: 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