Join Lancaster Christian Writers Saturday, November 19, 2016, with Author/Writing Coach Cheryl Weber

Join Lancaster Christian Writers Saturday, November 19, 2016, at Lancaster Alliance Church, 210 Pitney Rd (off Hwy 30 across from Costco) from 9:30AM-12 noon (registration opens at 9). Writing coach and author Cheryl Weber will be sharing one of the workshops she taught for YWAM's school of writing in Hawaii, Self-Editing 101.

SPEAKER: Cheryl Weber currently resides in Lancaster County, PA. She is a storyteller, missionary, and gifted, sometimes OCD, editor who also loves to make people laugh. She has ministered in nearly a dozen different countries including the U.S. Her latest adventure took her to Youth With A Mission in Kona, HI. She spent six months there helping to facilitate the School of Writing, where she also taught a week of self-editing. Cheryl has had various articles and devotionals published by periodicals such as Gem, and Faithwriter’s Great Multitude. One of her stories will appear in the Crossriver Media’s anthology Abba’s Promise. She is currently self-editing the second draft of her allegorical novel, Dream Keeper.

WORKSHOP: "Self-Editing 101". Time for the second draft of your book manuscript, short story or article? That means it’s time for the self-editing process—tightening, reducing, rewording, rearranging. Love it or hate it, editing must be done if you want your finished product to be all it can be.

Cheryl would like to make November's LCW workshop MTO for you (that's Made-To-Order for those who haven't memorized the acronym dictionary). She writes: "If there is an area of weakness in self-editing you struggle with or something you need further clarity on, please let me know and I will do my best to cover them. You can email me at iamasonflower@gmail.com with any questions or suggestions. (Yes, that really is “son” and not “sun.”  You wouldn’t want me to lead the workshop if I can’t spell!)." 

DEVOTIONAL SPEAKERS: We still have openings for devotional speakers (5-10 minutes; writing related)during this calendar year, including for the November meeting. If you are interested, please email jeanette@jeanettewindle.com. Preference will be given to those who have never shared before, but if you've already done so in the past, don't let that hold you back! If you never have, do consider this opportunity to bless fellow LCW members with your words and message.

SUPER SATURDAY 2017!!!!!!  AND it is not too early to mark your calendar for our LCW one-day conference, now confirmed for Saturday, April 8th, at Lancaster Bible College. More info and flyers to follow. 

LOOKING FOR CRITIQUE PARTNER:  One resource offers is the opportunity to network with other Christian writers. We are always happy to pass on a request or offer to meet with other writers or form a critique group outside the limited time of LCW's monthly meeting. We've had one such offer this month from Chris Wachter. If anyone is interested in participating, please contact Chris directly. Below is her info:

FROM CHRIS WACHTER: "If there are any other writers out there interested in forming a critique/support group with a focus on Christian Speculative Fiction (fantasy, science fiction, steam punk, etc.), I'm looking to connect. Or, if there already is such a group, would you consider a new member? Please contact me. Chris Wachter 717.201.3024 or aareadinglady@gmail.com."

CRITIQUE GROUPS: And don't forget to bring your latest work-in-progress from this summer for critique groups (ten copies 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 This Saturday, 10-15-16, with Journalist/Editor Lisa Bartelt

Join Lancaster Christian Writers Saturday, Saturday, October 15, 2016, at Lancaster Alliance Church, 210 Pitney Rd (off Hwy 30 across from Costco) from 9:30AM-12 noon (registration opens at 9). Journalist, freelance writer/editor, and blogger Lisa Bartelt will be sharing a workshop on how to deal with that painful topic: peer and editorial critique.

SPEAKER: A newspaper reporter, copy editor, freelance writer, including Group Publishing curriculum and numerous magazine articles, and avid blogger, Lisa Bartelt is a child of the flatlands fulfilling her dream of living near the mountains. She loves reading, writing and listening to stories—true ones, made-up ones and the ones in between— preferably with a cup of coffee in hand. Wife, mom of two, and ordinary girl, Lisa blogs about books, faith, family and the unexpected turns of life at Beauty on the Backroads (http://lisabartelt.com). Connect with her on Facebook or Twitter.

WORKSHOP: “Better than Good: Honest Feedback without Hurt Feelings”: To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing. For writers, this idea attributed to Aristotle would also include: "write nothing." Most of us want to avoid criticism at all costs. But a writer needs feedback  before presenting our words to readers, who certainly will have an opinion. Is there a way to receive honest feedback, whether from fellow writers or editors, without having our feelings hurt? Is there a way to give constructive feedback without sounding mean? This workshop will look at specific ways to offer helpful feedback beyond statements such as "I like it" or "It's good." It will also address how to prepare ourselves to receive feedback and evaluate it without an emotional breakdown. And we'll see that even successful, published authors aren't immune to the negative side of criticism.

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

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

Blessings,
Jeanette Windle
President, Lancaster Christian Writers

Lancaster Christian Writers Kicks Off Fall Calendar Saturday, 9-17-16 with Author/Communicator Shawn Smucker

Wow, was that summer that just flew by? Unbelievably, the school year is just around the corner, and so is Lancaster Christian Writers’ fall kickoff for the 2016-2017 calendar year. If you’ve been itching to get back into writing mode, pick up your pen, tablet, or laptop and join us on Saturday, September 17, 2016, at Lancaster Alliance Church, 210 Pitney Rd (off Hwy 30 across from Costco) from 9:30AM-12 noon ((registration opens at 9). We are privileged and excited to welcome as our speaker well-known Lancaster area author and communicator Shawn Smucker.

SPEAKER: Lancaster native author Shawn Smucker is perhaps best known for his non-fiction and collaborative memoir titles such as Refuse to Drown, A Twist of Faith, and How to Use a Runaway Truck Ramp. But he recently signed a three book fiction deal with one of Christian publishing’s largest powerhouses, the Baker Publishing Group, an exciting accomplishment in this current climate of publishing scale-backs. Even more atypical, that contract came about through a self-published novel crowd-funded through Kickstarter, The Day the Angels Fell (scheduled for re-release with Baker fall of 2017). Learn more at shawnsmucker.com.

WORKSHOP: “My 17-Year Journey to a Book Deal (or Just Keep Going!!)”  In this practical as well as inspirational workshop, Shawn will be sharing about his own 17- year journey to a major book deal, the value of perseverance, putting in the work, not getting dragged down over platform, etc. as well as the three most important elements of story and how to apply them to your own work-in-progress, fiction or non-fiction.

WORKSHOP/DEVOTIONAL SPEAKERS: We have openings for workshop and devotional speakers, especially January-June, so if you have a suggestion for a workshop, speaker, or a particular topic you’d like to see covered, please drop a note to jeanette@jeanettewindle.com. If you’d like to share an opening devotional (5-10 minutes/must be directed in some aspect to writers), please contact as well. 

CRITIQUE GROUPS: And don't forget to bring your latest work-in-progress from this summer for critique groups (ten copies 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, June 18th, 2016, For Last Meeting Before Summer Break.

This is your last chance before LCW’s summer break to network with other writers, bring those chapters to critique, and do some hands-on writing. So do join Lancaster Christian Writers Saturday, June 18, 2016, at Lancaster Alliance Church, 210 Pitney Rd (off Hwy 30 across from Costco) from 9:30AM-12 noon (registration opens at 9). Collaborative writer, editor, novelist (and LCW president-yes, that’s me) Jeanette Windle will be sharing a workshop on memoir/biography writing.

SPEAKER: Award-winning novelist, collaborative writer, and journalist Jeanette Windle has lived in six countries and traveled in thirty-plus. Those experiences birthed 16 fiction titles, including ECPA Christian Book/Christy/Carol Award finalists Veiled Freedom and Freedom's Stand, and 3 non-fiction collaborative titles, including 2016 ECPA Christian Book Award/Christian Retailing Best Awards finalist Forgiven: The Amish Schoolhouse Shooting, a Mother’s Love, and a Story of Remarkable Grace (with Terri Roberts).

WORKSHOP: “A Story to Tell: Writing the Memoir/Biography—Your Own or Another’s.” Non-fiction biography is the bread-and-butter of freelance writing. Whether writing your own memoir or someone else’s life story, this workshop will walk you through the practicalities of breaking down, organizing, and weaving into story form a compelling life narrative. Not writing a full book? Principles apply as well to the personal experience short story/article.

WRITERS CONFERENCES: While LCW will not be meeting in July/August, that doesn’t signify any lack of writer opportunity.  Two of North America’s premier Christian writers conferences take place in PA each summer. Montrose Christian Writers Conference will be held July 17-22 in Montrose, PA (near Scranton). Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference is August 3-6 at Cairn University (near Philly). Check out their websites for faculty and workshop listings, and consider jump-starting next fall’s writing by attending at least one of these conferences.

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

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

Blessings,
Jeanette Windle
President, Lancaster Christian Writers

SPRING IS HERE!! Come Celebrate with Lancaster Christian Writers Saturday, May 21, 2016, by Welcoming Novelist/Editor/Writing Coach Laurie Edwards

Happy May Day (somewhat belated!) and welcome to spring. A thanks to all those able to join us last month for our one-day conference at Lancaster Bible College and a special thanks to our faculty and LBC hosts who, as always, made it an outstanding event. If you missed the conference (or if you didn’t!), then consider catching this month’s special opportunity to welcome novelist, editor, writing coach, and Pennwriters conference faculty Laurie Edwards Saturday, May 21, 2016, at Lancaster Alliance Church, 210 Pitney Rd (off Hwy 30 across from Costco) from 9:30AM-12 noon (registration opens at 9). Laurie Edwards is in town to speak at the annual Pennwriters conference, also that weekend at Eden Resort, so we are delighted and privileged that she is taking time for us from her own conference.

SPEAKER: A former teacher and librarian, Laurie J. Edwards worked as a senior editor, then a publisher at two small presses before leaving to spend more time on her writing career. In addition to more than 2200 articles and 30 books in print or forthcoming, she also juggles freelance editing and illustration careers, and writes under several pen names. As Rachel J. Good, she is the author of Change of Heart, first book in the Sisters & Friends Amish series and set right here in Lancaster, PA, released May, 2016, by Charisma House. Find out more about her at www.lauriejedwards.com and www.racheljgood.com. 

WORKSHOP: “Story Structure for Plotters and Pantsers.” An interesting and exciting beginning will draw readers in, but how do you keep their interest high throughout? Whether you are writing fiction or non-fiction, a well-plotted story will keep readers turning the pages and make them eager to read your next book. Both plotters and pantsers will benefit from knowing how to structure a story that readers can’t put down. 

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

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

Blessings,
Jeanette Windle
President, Lancaster Christian Writers