Lancaster Christian Writers Summer News & Opportunities

Lancaster Christian Writers held its last meeting for the summer. It's been a great year with some wonderful speakers. Whether you've been able to join us once or twice or been there almost every month, I hope you've found benefit in the teaching, peer critique, and fellowship with other writers. Many in the group have shared plans to attend at least one writers conference this summer. I myself will be teaching a Spanish-language Christian writers conference in Mexico City July 18-20 and a fiction clinic at Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference August 1-4 (hope to see a number of you there!). Whatever your own plans, have a great summer.

And mark your calendar now for our fall kickoff Saturday, September 15, 2012, with Amy Deardon, an expert on e-book publishing, who will be offering to us the full extended clinic she teaches at Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference and other venues. The workshop not only walks through all the steps necessary to turn YOUR manuscript into an e-book available on Amazon and elsewhere, but how to set up your e-bookstore to actually market and sell the book. This is such a wonderful privilege for LCW members, I hope you will help us get the news out to others who might be interested in the subject matter.

A FEW ADDITIONAL NEWS ITEMS:

1. BOOK-SIGNING: LCW member Naomi Hughlett will be signing her newest children's book, "That's Fishing, from  2:30-5:30 PM Saturday, July 14, 2012, at The Well Counseling Center, located at 264 W. Market St. York, Pa.17401. She extends an invitation to all LCW members. A PDF flyer of the event is attached. For more info, call Naomi Hughlett at 717-424-3557.

2. GOD'S STORIES 8: The God's Stories editors are still seeking devotionals for this year's issue and have extended the deadline. Here is their invite to LCW:

"Thank you to those who sent in your entry for next year’s devotional. We have received over 200 entries so far! If you haven’t submitted yours, we encourage you to send one as soon as possible. If you already have sent one, you can submit another one. Please send by Monday, July 23. Many holiday entries have been submitted but still needed are the following:  New Year’s Day, President’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Earth Day, Flag Day, Labor Day, Halloween, Veteran’s Day and New Year’s Eve. For instructions and a sample entry to help you write your own devotional, click here. Photos of local people and places are also needed. For photo instructions, click here. Authors and photographers will receive a discount on each book."

3. COPYRIGHTING: Ever wonder about copyrighting and intellectual property? LCW member John Beiswenger shared with us at this past LCW meeting his own copyright infringement struggle surrounding his first novel, Link. If you're curious, he offers the following link (no pun intended!) to the story: http://zcint.co.uk/article/john-beiswenger-on-the-assassins-creed-lawsuit

4. SPEAKERS FOR 2012-2013 LCW CALENDAR: We are in the process of setting up our calendar for the upcoming LCW year with a number of speaking slots still open. If you have a speaker or workshop you'd like to recommend, please email me direct at jeanette@jeanettewindle.com.

Until September then (or GPCWC if you'll be there)

Blessings,

Jeanette Windle

President, Lancaster Christian Writers

http://lancasterchristianwriterstoday.blogspot.com/

www.jeanettewindle.com

Join Us Saturday for Lancaster Christian Writers' Last Meeting Before Summer Break

Dear Lancaster Christian Writers

Lancaster Christian Writers has come to the end of our yearly calendar. This Saturday, June 16, 2012, will be our final meeting before breaking for the summer. Join us at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church, 419 Pierson Rd, Lititz, PA, 17543 from 9:30AM-12 noon (registration opens at 9). LCW member Amy Swanson will be sharing a workshop with us on Overcoming Writers Block.

Last year Amy taught a wonderful workshop: “Logos, Ethos, and Pathos; Keys to Persuasive writing.”  If you were there--or if you weren't--you won't want to miss Amy this time around. Amy Swanson describes herself as having written stories since she learned how to spell words. At age ten, she wore out the back of every wardrobe she could find trying, to get to Narnia. Since she never got there, she decided to create a Narnia of her own. She's been weaving new worlds ever since.  She shares, "This month's workshop will focus on helping any struggling writer  sharpen their weapons against writer’s block. I can’t promise your mind will never clog again after this session. But I can give you the Drain-O to get your ideas flowing."

Following the workshop, we will also allow time for a short Q&A on any subject, if there are those who have questions they'd really like addressed before heading into this summer season of writers conferences, perfecting proposals and queries, or just settling down to some solid writing. This will also be our last opportunity for peer critique.until fall, so come prepared to participate. See Guidelines in column to the right.

IN OTHER NEWS:  We are excited to have already confirmed a wonderful speaker for our fall kickoff. Amy Deardon, an expert on e-book publishing, will be offering to us the full extended clinic she teaches at Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference and other venues, walking through all the steps necessary to turn YOUR manuscript into an e-book available for purchase on Amazon and elsewhere. A number of LCW members have been asking for a workshop this issue, so here is your chance !

As always, regular news bulletings for LCW can be found here at our blogsite.  Until Saturday.

Blessings,

Jeanette Windle

President, Lancaster Christian Writers

www.jeanettewindle.com

http://lancasterchristianwriterstoday.blogspot.com

LCW Welcomes Author Joyce Magnin This Saturday, May 19th

Dear Lancaster Christian Writers:

A reminder that we are meetings THIS Saturday, May 19, 2012, at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church, 419 Pierson Rd, Lititz, PA, 17543 from 9:30AM-12 noon (registration opens at 9). Award-winning author Joyce Magnin will be sharing "WHAT'S GOD GOT TO DO WITH IT?", a workshop exploring through the use of scripture and other literary works how to apply Truth, Talent and Technique in our writing, whether as fiction or non-fiction writers. The author of the popular Bright’s Pond novels and middle grade fiction, Joyce Magnin is a frequent workshop leader and conference speaker.

IN OTHER NEWS:

NEED SPEAKER FOR JUNE. Our delightful scheduled June speaker Marlene Banks, acclaimed African-American fiction writer has had to cancel her visit in June for the awful inconvenience that her publisher Moody Press has scheduled an extensive book tour for her latest release then. We wish her well and would love to go along! Marlene has graciously rescheduled to be with us in the fall. BUT that leaves an open slot if anyone would like to suggest a speaker or workshop for that date (Saturday, June 16th).

ONE OTHER TIDBIT: If you have a Kindle or know someone who does, my very first adult international intrigue title, CrossFire [Kregel Publications, 2000] , is on FREE Kindle download this week. Set in the counternarcotics war in Bolivia, where for 16 years I had a first row seat to the rise of a narcopower and all its crazy mix of players from drug cartels, DEA, Special Ops, and the ordinary people caught in the CrossFire, this is above all a story of God's redeeming love in the midst of man's chaos. Its sequel FireStorm will be running a $5 special as well from May 19th-June 19th, for Kindle readers who enjoyed the first title. PLEASE HELP ME SHARE THIS OFFER WHILE IT LASTS. http://www.amazon.com/CrossFire-ebook/dp/B005HAXLYU/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&qid=1336999359&sr=1-9

Until Saturday.

Blessings,

Jeanette Windle

President, Lancaster Christian Writers

jeanette@jeanettewindle.com

http://www.jeanettewindle.com/

Lancaster Christian Writers May News

Dear Lancaster Christian Writers:

Mark your calendar for our next meeting on Saturday, May 19, 2012, at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church, 419 Pierson Rd, Lititz, PA, 17543 from 9:30AM-12 noon (registration opens at 9). Award-winning author Joyce Magnin will be sharing "WHAT'S GOD GOT TO DO WITH IT?", a workshop exploring through the use of scripture and other literary works how to apply Truth, Talent and Technique in our writing, whether as fiction or non-fiction writers. The author of the popular Bright’s Pond novels and middle grade fiction, Joyce Magnin is a frequent workshop leader and conference speaker.

IN OTHER NEWS:

MULTI-AUTHOR ACFW BOOK EVENT THIS SATURDAY IN HAGERSTOWN, MD: If you or anyone you know will be in the Hagerstown, MD area, join ACFW [American Christian Fiction Writers] authors Rita Gerlach, Loree Lough, Dani Pettrey, Eileen Hinkle Rife, Roseanna White,  Jeanette Windle for an authors event and book signing in celebration of Washington County Reading Day at the Valley Mall, this Saturday, May 5th from 10AM to 1PM. There will be a book basket drawing at noon. PLUS lots of great titles for that Mother's Day gift or your own enjoyment. There will be lots of well as activities for kids and adults alike, so if you have family/friends in that area, please do give them a heads-up. Schedule and details at: http://shopthevalleymall.com/calendar/event/13731

GODS STORIES 8:

It's that time of year again. As in the past, God's Stories has issued an invitation for LCW members to submit stories to this devotional book. Deadline is June 24, 2012. For guidelines, contact Lou Ann Good by emailing louanng@dcfi.org or calling 717-627-1996.

A question from LCW member Bill Heinrich:

LCW member Bill Heinrich hope to attend the BookExpo America (BEA), the largest annual book trade fair in the United States held at the Jacob K. Javitz Convention Center, June 4-7. Publishers, authors, literary agents, manufacturers, and others attend this annual convention. It is not restricted to Christian publishing, but it covers the wide range of genre. He's looking for some info on the event if anyone from the LCW network has participated. If you can answer either of the following questions, please contact Bill at: <BillHeinrich@Verizon.net>

1. Has anyone attended this event in the past and would you recommend it? 

2. Do you know of anyone going?

Lancaster Christian Writers Meets This Saturday, April 21

Dear Lancaster Christian Writers:

 

Happy Easter! (somewhat belated). A reminder that LCW meets this Saturday, April 21, 2012, at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church, 419 Pierson Rd, Lititz, PA, 17543 from 9:30AM-12 noon (registration opens at 9). We will be meeting back in our regular haunt--classrooms A101 and A103 down hall left of main lobby across from kitchen. Novelist, missions journalist and editor Jeanette Windle (okay, that's me!) will be teaching a workshop: "Hook or Elevator Pitch: Grabbing an Editor's Attention in 10 Seconds or Less". Since this is an interactive, hands-on workshop, please do bring your best fiction or non-fiction hook/elevator pitch (25-100words) to share with the group.--or worst to work on. We will be having our regular critique groups as well. If you are new, check out critique guidelines at our blog; http://lancasterchristianwriterstoday.blogspot.com/

 

In other news:

 

1. LCW workshop and devotional leaders:  We have filled up our workshop calendar through June and will be breaking July-August for summer. BUT I would love some volunteers to share an opening devotional April-June. Devotional sharing of our members has been a highlight of LCW. I am always amazed at the talent and depth of spiritual thought that emerges from our group. SO if you have that devotional you've written for publication or a thought for writers you'd like to share, please let me know. , ESPECIALLY for this coming weekend.

 

3. Super Saturday 2013. Lancaster Bible College hosted our Super Saturday 2012 so delightfully last month, we've already accepted their invitation to host again for 2013. A date has been nailed down for Saturday, April 6th. It isn't too early to get that on your calendar. And if you have suggestions for faculty or workshops, it isn't too early to let me know on that either.

 

As always, regular news bulletings for LCW can be found at our blogsite:  Until Saturday.

 

Blessings,

Jeanette Windle

President, Lancaster Christian Writers

http://www.jeanettewindle.com/

http://lancasterchristianwriterstoday.blogspot.com/

 

Lancaster Christian Writers April News

Dear Lancaster Christian Writers:

What an awesome day Super Saturday 2012 turned out to be March 24th at Lancaster Bible College. All the faculty arrived safely, a record number of conferees, and beautiful weather. How can one beat that? We've already confirmed a date to host SS2013 again at LBC. SO mark your calendar now for Saturday, April 6th, 2013.

Meanwhile, our next meeting will be Saturday, April 21, at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church, 419 Pierson Rd, Lititz, PA, 17543 from 9:30AM-12 noon (registration opens at 9). I will be teaching a workshop: "Hook or Elevator Pitch: Grabbing an Editor's Attention in 10 Seconds or Less". This will be hands-on, so here is your opportunity to bring your best query hook/elevator pitch (25-100 words  along to share with the group. AND plan to work on your perfect pitch for your current WIP, fiction or non-fiction.

Several LCW news items:

1. Colorado Christian Writers Conferences: Conference director has let me know that scholarships are still available for CCWC., which is May 16-19, 2012.  The scholarship application deadline has been extended to April 6th. Which is just two days away, so if you are interested, check out info and application at:
http://www.writehisanswer.com/Colorado/Scholarships.htm

2. LCW workshop and devotional leaders:  We have one opening still to teach a workshop this year at the May 19th LCW meeting. If you have a workshop you'd like to present or can recommend a workshop leader, whether for May or our fall/winter upcoming calendar, please let me know. Also if you would like to share a devotional for any of the remaining months (April-June). As always, we will be breaking for July/August before beginning again in the fall.

3. One final personal note.  It was a wonderful surprise to learn this last week that my most recent novel, Freedom's Stand. set in Afghanistan, has been named an ECPA 2012 Christian Book Award finalist (it is the sequel to Veiled Freedom, a 2010 Christian Book Award and Christy Award finalist). This is NOT a plug for you to read it if you haven't, BUT it will be available at the April meeting. :) Here are all the nominations if you'd like to check them out: 
 http://www.christianbookexpo.com/christianbookawards/

 

Blessings,

Jeanette Windle

President, Lancaster Christian Writers
http://www.jeanettewindle.com/

 

LCW's Super Saturday 2012 Coming March 24th to Lancaster Bible College

Next on the Lancaster Christian Writers events calendar is  our fifth annual Super Saturday one-day  writers conference coming up quickly on Saturday, March 24, 2012 (can you believe it’s already been five great years since LCW kicked off!)

This year’s Super Saturday will be held. at Lancaster Bible College's Sebastian Hall, 901 Eden Road, Lancaster, PA 17601, from 8:30a.m.-4:00 p.m (registration opens at 7:45).  This  amazing yet affordable opportunity for aspiring and current writers offers a full day of workshops taught by top industry professionals in both fiction and non-fiction fields. An early registration price of $40 is due by March 20 and includes a box (any special dietary needs must be submitted at least a week in advance)  lunch and LCW membership. Registrations after March 20 and walk-ins the day of the conference are $50.

Fiction conference faculty consist of award-winning novelists Gayle Roper, Mike Dellosso, and Tracy Higley. Non-fiction faculty include publisher, author and conference director Marlene Bagnull, author and marketing expert Karen Whiting, children's author and artist Carol Wedeven, and freelance author and corporate editor Carol Cool.

(*one change: Suspense novelist Wanda Dyson will NOT be able to join us as she'd hoped after having to cancel last year; please continute to pray for Wanda as she has been dealing with the death of a spouse and care of a special needs child along with a family move to another state).

Workshops cover such topics as:

§  Themes in Fiction: Writing More Than a Story

§  Topic, Theme & the Writing Tree: Crafting a Cohesive Skeleton to Hold Your Manuscript Together

§  Secrets of Dramatic Tension: Creating a Page Turner Your Reader Can't Put Down

§  What is Motivation and How Do My Characters Find It?

§  Layering Your Fiction

§  Best Opportunities in Christian Periodicals

§  Grab Them by the Throat: Writing Magazine Queries That Get Attention

§  Developing a Marketing Plan (and How a Great One Helps Land Contracts)

A conference bookstore will offer a wide variety of writer resources and faculty titles. Conference attendees can get personal consultations with faculty on a first-come, first-serve basis (sign-up sheets will be out when registration opens at 7:45).

SEE LINKS TO RIGHT FOR FLYER, REGISTRATION FORM, PRESS RELEASE, AND DETAILS OF WORKSHOPS OR FACULTY BIOS.

Lancaster Christian Writers welcomes writers of all churches and denominations and of all levels and genres. Monthly meetings offer opportunities for manuscript critique, networking with other writers, and occasional workshops and guest authors. More information, including the Super Saturday 2012 flyer with registration form and press release, can be found  in the links at the right side of this blog.

Mail the Super Saturday 2012 registration form and check or money order payable to: Lancaster Christian Writers, 121 East Woods Dr., Lititz, PA 17543.  Email questions to LCW President Jeanette Windle at jeanette@jeanettewindle.com (preferred) or call 717-209-0011 after 4 PM.