Lancaster Christian Writers Kicks Off 2013-2014 Season on 9/28: NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE!!

Have you've marked your calendar for Lancaster Christian Writers' Fall Kickoff on Saturday, September 28, 2013, 9:30AM-12 noon, with well-known regional Christian publisher Dean Drawbaugh?  If so, please note the following CHANGE OF VENUE. LCW's Fall Kickoff will not be held as in the past at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church in Lititz, PA, but at Lancaster Alliance Church, 210 Pitney Road, Lancaster, PA. The location is right off HWY 30 just a short distance from exit of HWY 222 near Costco (from HWY 30 take Greenfield Rd. exit, curve past Costco, Lowes, Best Buy to Pitney Rd. traffic light, turn left under Hwy 30 overpass, then an immediate right into church parking lot). We will be meeting in LAC's Uptown Theater just inside main entrance.

Please note as well CHANGE OF DATE from our usual third Saturday of month to fourth Saturday. This is due to a scheduling conflict and does occur a couple times each year so do take note each month of actual date scheduled. While we try to stick to 3rd Saturday, that doesn't always prove possible.

As speaker, we are delighted to welcome back well-known publishing consultant Dean Drawbaugh, who shared with us last March his acclaimed seminar "The BookSeller: Nine Qualities that Generate Book Sales." Author, public speaker, former general manager of Destiny Image Publishing Company, and now President at Drawbaugh Publishing Group, Dean Drawbaugh has been in the business of producing successful book titles for over 40 years. He has engineered 600+ books in the last 7 years alone.

Last March Drawbaugh was able to offer our LCW group an overall synopsis of his groundbreaking seminar on the nine qualities that allow a book to continue selling or cause the sales process to stop (I can personally testify to their practicality as I've put to use several tips for my own most recent release, Tyndale House title, Congo Dawn!). All of which left members clamoring for a more in-depth coverage on how to apply these principles specifically to our own books and writing. So we are delighted to welcome Dean Drawbaugh back for a full three-hour clinic that will expand on his original presentation.  During our September 28^th meeting, Drawbaugh will provide a short review of his last presentation, walk through case studies to show how to fine tune a manuscript and prepare it for publishing. Finally, he will conduct an open workshop that allows participants to experiment and ask questions.

Whether you attended Drawbaugh's original workshop or not, you won't want to miss this opportunity for a behind-the-scenes look at what makes a book successful, above all, your book!

Critique groups: There will also be opportunity for our usual peer critique groups after the clinic. As per guidelines, bring ten printed copies of no more than 1500 words. For any who want a peer critique and cannot stay on after the clinic, we will be offering one time slot for critique during second half of clinic.

As always, regular news bulletins for LCW can be found at our blogsite: http://lancasterchristianwriterstoday.blogspot.com/.

Blessings,
Jeanette Windle
President, Lancaster Christian Writers
www.jeanettewindle.com
http://lancasterchristianwriterstoday.blogspot.com

Mark Your Calendars for Lancaster Christian Writers 2013 Fall Kickoff Saturday, 09/28/13

Is it really August already? Where has summer 2013 gone? I hope your summer has included some great writing time and maybe even a writers conference or two. And that you are already marking your calendar for the 2013-2014 LCW year, beginning with our Fall Kickoff on Saturday, September 28, at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church, 419 Pierson Rd, Lititz, PA, 17543 from 9:30AM-12 noon (*please note change of date from usual third Saturday of month to fourth, for September only).

As speaker, we are delighted to welcome back well-known publishing consultant Dean Drawbaugh, who shared with us last March his acclaimed seminar "The BookSeller: Nine Qualities that Generate Book Sales." Author, public speaker, former general manager of Destiny Image Publishing Company, and now President at Drawbaugh Publishing Group, Dean Drawbaugh has been in the business of producing successful book titles for over 40 years. He has engineered 600+ books in the last 7 years alone.

Last March Drawbaugh was able to offer our LCW group an overall synopsis of his groundbreaking seminar on the nine qualities that allow a book to continue selling or cause the sales process to stop (I can personally testify to their practicality as I've put to use several tips for my own most recent release, Tyndale House title, Congo Dawn!). All of which left members clamoring for a more in-depth coverage on how to apply these principles specifically to our own books and writing. So we are delighted to welcome Dean Drawbaugh back for a full three-hour clinic that will expand on his original presentation.  During our September 28^th meeting, Drawbaugh will provide a short review of his last presentation, walk through case studies to show how to fine tune a manuscript and prepare it for publishing. Finally, he will conduct an open workshop that allows participants to experiment and ask questions. 

So whether you attended Drawbaugh's original workshop or not, you won't want to miss this opportunity for a behind-the-scenes look at what makes a book successful, above all, your book!

Critique groups: There will also be opportunity for our usual peer critique groups after the clinic. As per guidelines, bring ten printed copies of no more than 1500 words. For any who want a peer critique and cannot stay on after the clinic, we will be offering one time slot for critique during second half of clinic.

Writing opportunity: Also, LCW has received an invitation from Donna Balon, editor of Midlife Collage, to submit stories to their short-story contests, prizes up to $100. She writes, "Midlife Collage is looking for submissions in our free-entry contests. We run weekly, online writing contests for a cash prize. Perhaps some of the writers in the Lancaster group would be eligible and interested in submitting a short story. Please see our Submissions page at www.MidlifeCollage.com for the guidelines and contest rules. Go to our Calendar page and watch the short videos for topic ideas."

2013 Golden Scroll Novel of the Year: On a personal note, at our last meeting in June, my most recent Tyndale House release Congo Dawn had just been named a 2013 Golden Scroll Novel of the Year finalist. For those who've been asking how that turned out, Congo Dawn did win that award, truly an unexpected if delightful surprise since the other three finalists-Susan May Warren's You Don't Know Me, Eva Marie Everson's Waiting for Sunrise, Jocelyn Green's Wedded to War-were all 2013 Christy Award finalists. Here is the CBA Press Release.

As always, regular news bulletins for LCW can be found at our blogsite: http://lancasterchristianwriterstoday.blogspot.com/. 

Blessings,
Jeanette Windle
President, Lancaster Christian Writers
www.jeanettewindle.com
http://lancasterchristianwriterstoday.blogspot.com 

LCW Meets Saturday, June 15th and MORE-PLEASE READ! !

What a privilege it was this last May LCW meeting to learn from attorney and copyright expert Peter Kraybill (if you missed and/or want workshop material, check out on-line links below!). Now with our last monthly meeting before summer break coming up Saturday, June 15th, we are equally delighted to close out our 2012-2013 calendar year by welcoming acclaimed regional author and speaker Linda Oatman High.

Linda Oatman High is an author/journalist/playwright (www.lindaoatmanhigh.com) who has published more than 20 books, many of them award winning.  She holds an MFA in Writing from Vermont College, and was honored in England in 2012 with the Sunday Times EFG Short Story award.  Linda will be sharing her popular multi-visual workshop,  ”Writing to the Beat of a Different Drummer,” illustrates how attendees can glean writing ideas from their real lives.

IN OTHER NEWS:

1. My Impact Non-fiction Writing Retreat and Workshop for Women: Long-time Lancaster Sunday News journalist and editor Jeannette Scott, who has spoken at LCW meetings and conferences, shares an invitation to a writers retreat she will be hosting October 4-6 in Christiana, PA, including a special Early Bird offer (sorry, guys, due to housing arrangements, this one is only for women!). Attached is a flyer. Check out details at: www.narrativeimpact.com or contact Jeannette Scott directly be email (j@narrativeimpact.com) or phone (717-405-8025). 

2. Member Booksigning: LCW president Jeanette Windle (that's me!) has been invited to participate in Lifeway Christian Stores Booktacular Spectacular, a weeklong store event from 5/31-6/8. She will be signing her newest Tyndale House Publishers release Congo Dawn Saturday, June 8th, 12:00-2PM at the Chambersburg Lifeway store (1108 Sheller Ave#1, Chambersburg, PA 17201). If you (or a friend) live around Chambersburg and would like to encourage your local Christian bookstore (and this author!), please do drop by.

 

3. Peter Kraybill Copyright Law Presentation: As promised, last month's speaker, Lancaster attorney and copyright law expert Peter Kraybill has sent links to his Powerpoint presentation posted on-line at their corporate website (Gibbel, Kraybill & Hess LLP). Here are the instructions from Peter Kraybill:

A PDF version of the power point presentation is now posted at two places on the GKH website:

1) On the news post describing the presentation: http://www.gkh.com/news/2013/04/kraybill-to-present-to-lancaster-christian-writers-group/

2) On the CPG page where other presentations are posted: http://www.gkh.com/practice-groups/corporate-and-organizations/  - scroll to bottom of page to link.

3) This direct link for the PDF can also be used: http://www.gkh.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Copyright-Clearance-Presentation-for-Authors-May-18-2013.pdf

Lancaster Christian Writers Welcomes Attorney and Copyright Expert Peter Kraybill Saturday, May 18th

What a wonderful day Super Saturday 2013 turned out to be. Perfect weather, all faculty arriving safely at Lancaster　Bible College　with rave reviews on their workshops. LBC outdid their usual warm welcome with a delicious soup-salad-sandwich buffet for our lunch. If you missed this year, do get Super Saturday 2014 on your calendar now for next spring.

Meanwhile we are delighted to welcome attorney and copyright law expert Peter Kraybill

to our May LCW meeting on Saturday, May 18, 2013, from 9:30AM-12 noon (registration opens at 9) at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church, 419 Pierson Rd, Lititz, PA, 17543. Peter Kraybill will be offering a "how-to" presentation for writers on conducting copyright clearance, addressing copyright registration and resolving contract concerns. So bring your questions and that writer friend who has their own concerns on protecting intellectual property.

IN OTHER NEWS: Several of our members have taken advantage of Dr. Amy Deardon's services in producing ebooks (Amy taught a three-hour clinic on ebooking for our September opening). If you are considering such services for producing your ebook (SO much easier wondering about quality issues, here are two links to member titles she's done.

1. Gathered Pieces by Byron Smith: This is the ebook version of Byron's acclaimed award-winning poetry collection. If you enjoyed the poetry Byron has shared with our group and own a Kindle (or a Kindle app on your Ipad, computer, Iphone, etc.), don't just check out the new book, but purchase a copy for yourself or a friend who enjoys poetry (and pass on the link to poetry lovers).　At only 99 cents, Gathered Pieces is a bargain for any poetry lover.　

2. Betrayed by Jeanette Windle: I share this NOT to encourage purchase (I know most of you who have Kindle got it when it was a free download as part of the Congo Dawn launch PR in January), BUT to share the proficiency with which Amy Deardon produced not just an ebook, but a brandnew cover for the book. The story behind this project was that Betrayed fell between the cracks of　some contract glitches related to the beginning of the ebook revolution (issued 2008), so that due to an expiration of cover graphics rights (one of those contract questions for Peter Kraybull!), Tyndale House had to let the entire ebook expire on the 5th anniversary of release (not the case with later titles, thankfully!). Amy Deardon had a new cover and the complete book back on Kindle within two weeks--and at a price for which I could not have afforded investing my own time! Check it out if you are looking for similar services.

MEMBER NEWS/ANNOUNCEMENTS: A reminder that if you have LCW/writer related news, a new book release, published piece, etc., we are always delighted to showcase it in our news letter. Just email　news blurb to jeanette@jeanettewindle.com

As always, regular news bulletins for LCW can be found at our blogsite: http://lancasterchristianwriterstoday.blogspot.com/.　　　
Blessings,
Jeanette Windle
President, Lancaster Christian Writers
www.jeanettewindle.com
http://lancasterchristianwriterstoday.blogspot.com　

Lancaster Christian Writers Super Saturday 2013 Coming Up Fast April 6th at Lancaster Bible College!!

Spring is in the air, the last snow has hopefully melted, and Lancaster Christian Writers' annual one day conference is now just around the corner!!  Super Saturday 2013 will be held Saturday, April 6, 2013, from 8:30a.m.-4:00 p.m at Lancaster Bible College, 901 Eden Road, Lancaster, PA 17601 (registration opens 7:45AM). SS2013 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 Wednesday, April 3, and includes a box lunch plus LCW membership. Registrations after April 3 and walk-ins day of the conference are $50.

The success of this event depends on YOU helping us get the news out. On the righthand column are links to SS2013's registration flyer and press release as well as faculty bios and workshop descriptions. Please consider taking a moment to pass these on to your own social networks, a Christian school, library, church. 

SS2013 FACULTY: A fiction track will be taught by award-winning novelists Ronie Kendig and Mindy Starns Clark. Non-fiction faculty include veteran editors and authors Dave Fesseden and John Riddle and acclaimed speaker/author Nancy Sebastian Meyer. Author and conference director Marlene Bagnull and award-winning novelists Tracy Higley and Jeanette Windle are among additional faculty offering personal consultations. Workshops cover such topics as:

• Rapid-Fire Your Fiction – When to Pull the Trigger
• Getting a Book Contract in 30 Days or Less
• Adventures in Research: How I Learned Cons at the Carnival, Combed the Swamps for Poison, and Came Home with a Bucket of Sapphires
• Freelance Writers and the Truth About Tough Times: They Don't Exist!
• He. . .Giggled? -  Maintaining Deep POV for Male or Female Characters.
• The Valuable Versatile Outline: A Simple, Practical, But Always Successful Model to Speak, Teach, Write an Article, or Pen a Complete Book.
•  The Making of a Mystery Novel
• Editing Your Own Material: Surefire Solutions For Those Manuscript Rough Spots

BOOKSTORE: A conference bookstore will offer a wide variety of writer resources and faculty titles.

FACULTY APPOINTMENTS: Conference attendees can sign up for 15-minute personal consultations with faculty on a first-come, first-serve basis. So plan to arrive early enough to pencil in a slot with the faculty member of your choice. LIMIT: ONE appointment per conferee until after opening session, when remaining slots will be made available for a second appointment. What to bring? A query, book synopsis, up to ten pages of manuscript, or just your questions.

REGISTRATION: Mail the Super Saturday 2013 registration form (or simply drop in a note with name and email address) PLUS 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. We do NOT normally send individual confirmations out (simply a time issue), BUT if you've sent a registration and are concerned whether it has been received, email the above address, and you will hear back; otherwise, assume you are on the list.

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.

LCW March Meeting/Field Trip/Super Saturday 2013

This update holds a number of LCW news items so, please read all the way through. Beginning with a reminder that Lancaster Christian Writers will indeed be meeting this month, Saturday, March 16, at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church, 419 Pierson Rd, Lititz, PA, 17543 from 9:30AM-12 noon (due to Super Saturday 2013 on April 6th, we will not be holding regular April meeting). We are delighted that Destiny Image publisher Dean Drawbaugh is taking time out of a busy schedule to share his acclaimed seminar "The BookSeller: Nine Qualities that Generate Book Sales."

Author, public speaker, and staff publisher at Destiny Image Publishing Company, Dean Drawbaugh has been in printing and publishing for over 40 years and engineered 600+ books in the last 7 years alone. This groundbreaking seminar reveals his nine qualities that allow a book to continue selling or cause the sales process to stop. Dean explains:

"Every author dreams his or her book will be a best seller. The book that will inspire, inform, persuade, teach, or entertain their audience.  Technology has provided the means for publishing too many new titles. With the increase in titles has come a fierce competition for shelf space.  Even the best books find a small window of opportunity before their book is replaced with another title.  Yet every year some books sell beyond expectations. Through careful planning and execution, luck is systematically removed from the equation. If the book is successful you made it successful and if the book underachieves you allowed it to underachieve."

FIELD TRIP TO H&H GRAPHICS GROUP: If you missed our February speaker, local Christian publishing consultant and print on demand expert Mike Williams (or if you didn't!), here is a field trip you won't want to miss. Mike Williams has invited LCW members to a personal guided tour of his printing facility, H&H Graphics Group, 854 North Prince Street, Lancaster, PA, on Thursday, March 14, 2013, at 2:00PM.  This is not only an opportunity to ask questions regarding self-publishing, print-on-demand, but all the marketing accouterments (bookmarks, postcards, flyers, etc.) publishers now expect an author to supply.

Instructions from Mike: "Heading South on Prince Street (one way), we are one block south of the light of Liberty Street on the right.  That puts us 8 blocks north of center city. No RSVP necessary. Just show up a few minutes ahead. Parking is available in our lot located on the corner of Prince Street and Ross Street. Overflow parking is on Ross Street (very little traffic, no meters). Special instructions: No open toed shoes."

SUPER SATURDAY 2013 IS COMING UP FAST! Registrations are beginning to come in for LCW's one-day conference just a month away now on Saturday, April 6, 2013. BUT we need your help to get the news out. To the right of this column is our SS2013 press release and registration flyer. Please share these with your social networks, church, library, Christian school, homeschool group, or elsewhere. And of course it isn't too early to get your own registration mailed in!

Lancaster Christian Writers Welcomes Publishing Expert Mike Williams This Saturday, February 16

It's that time of month again! Join Lancaster Christian Writers in welcoming local area publishing and print-on-demand expert Mike Williams this coming Saturday, February 16, 2013, at Lancaster Evangelical Free Church, 419 Pierson Rd, Lititz, PA, 17543 from 9:30AM-12 noon ((registration opens at 9).

A publishing consultant with H&H Graphics Group in Lancaster, PA, Mike Williams has been involved in the printing industry for fifteen years.  He presently partners with publishers, small and large, up and down the East Coast to make their titles a physical reality.  Locally, Mike is a frequent public speaker on marketing and printing topics for the book industry.

Mike describes his workshop, entitled "The Business of Self Publishing" as an informal conversation style event that will help participants recognize and understand the business aspects of self publishing.  "Many authors are creatively focused and are often surprised at the depth and breadth of the details required to successfully self publish.  Understanding the challenges will help prepare those who forge ahead on the rewarding path of self publishing."

IN OTHER NEWS:

 

1. CONGO DAWN BOOKSIGNING:  If you're in the Lancaster area and would like to encourage your local Christian bookstore, Jeanette Windle (me) will be signing new Tyndale House Publishers fiction release Congo Dawn on Saturday, February 23, 2013, from 10 AM to 2 PM at Berean Christian Stores, located at 898 Plaza Blvd, Lancaster, PA 17601. PRESS RELEASE here if you'd like to pass invite on to friends and family.

2. SUPER SATURDAY 2013: Registrations are beginning to filter in for LCW's Super Saturday 2013 on April 6th at Lancaster Bible College. Registration and workshop descriptions are up at our LCW blog.

It isn't too early to register. And please help us get word out by passing on both FLYER and PRESS RELEASE to your own social networks.

3. SCRIPT WRITING CRITIQUE GROUP:  From LCW member and workshop leader Amy Swanson: "Interested in expanding you writing repertoire? Has your creative well run dry? Why not try a script and play writer’s critique group! Meet interesting people and have a good time all while improving your writing skills.  Whether you’re interested in writing stage plays, screenplays, or skits for you church or other social functions, this critique group might be for you. We are looking to hold a meeting once a month on a Saturday. If you are interested please send you name and email address to amy.swanson@zoetis.com. We will try and find a day that suit the most number of people. Hope you hear from you soon and keep writing!"

4. FROM JANUARY SPEAKER LISA HESS:  Shortly after speaking to LCW in January, Lisa came across another resource that linked "I need to see it" to right-brain thinking and planning. In 100 Ideas for Better Organization, a downloadable document created by Smead (the office supply company), hint #72 shared that right-brain-dominant people are stimulated to thinking and doing by the things they see. And, not surprisingly, there's an office product for that. So take heart, "I need to see it" organizers - we are not alone! For a link to Smead's 100 Ideas for Better Organization and more of Lisa's take on things, visit her blog, The Porch Swing Chronicles at http://l2hess.blogspot.com/2013/01/on-organization-right-brained-thinking.html?m=1.

Until Saturday.

Blessings,
Jeanette Windle
President, Lancaster Christian Writers
www.jeanettewindle.com